We have had all kinds of folk volunteering at Baron’s Haugh recently, from school kids to the retired and everyone inbetween. This November however, we were lucky enough to have Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive Officer along for the day.
Earlier in 2014, as recognition of the huge role of volunteers to the society, the RSPB ran a competition for reserves and projects to bid for a day of volunteering from the board of directors. And Baron’s Haugh got lucky, and won a day of Mike’s time!
Mike chose a day at Baron’s Haugh partly due to the work involved; eradicating invasive plant species from the reserve. Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity, so a day cutting and burning rhododendrons and digging up snowberry bushes, would be a well spent for our Chief Executive. It was great for our regular volunteers to get the chance to spend a day working with Mike. And after a day of hard work, he left as content as our regular volunteers, commenting, “I was reminded how good it feels to spend an active day outdoors surrounded by wildlife. I've had a great day as a volunteer.”