This week Laura shifts away from wildlife to talk about the army of Strumpshaw volunteers that offer up their time to help out around the reserve. Volunteers are such an important part of the Strumpshaw team, so it’s high time we celebrate them!
Volunteers at Strumpshaw Fen are such a diverse group of people from all walks of life. From serving as a friendly face at reception or during events or school visits, to spending time behind the scenes working on vital reserve management, to everything in between; our volunteers are a force to be reckoned with. Some volunteers spend time at schools teaching the next generation about how important nature is, others carryout surveys on the most important of species and help maintain the pristine condition of Strumpshaws’ habitats. Others volunteer their time in the office, while some share their expertise during Strumpshaw activities and events. Regardless of their role, they work tirelessly to make Strumpshaw Fen the best it can possibly be; we couldn’t do what we do without them! With a staff team of just 8, supported by over 80 volunteers, they really are the lifeblood of the reserve.
This army of individuals collaboratively volunteer over 100 hours each week, which is an incredible achievement and not something to take for granted. There are volunteers working hard every day of the year so from all of us at Strumpshaw Fen, we would like to say a massive
THANK YOU! to each and every one of our brilliant volunteers.
While our volunteer team have a mix of many different ages, professions and interests, they all have one thing in common. They all dedicate time to help give nature a home here at Strumpshaw Fen. One great example of this is reception volunteer Jocelyn Baynes-Clarke. Jocelyn, amongst many other irreplaceable volunteers, has stepped up and gone above and beyond to help us get our visitor welcome back up and running after lockdown. She has been filling gaps in our welcome rota, meaning that there is very little occasion where the reception is short staffed. Taking on two or sometimes even three shifts per week, she has been an absolute star and a much appreciated member of the team.
Strumpshaw volunteers enjoying a well earned break, 2018. Catherine Bullen (rspb-images.com)
At the RSPB, we value the time of all those who volunteer with us. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, do ask about opportunities available by emailing us at strumpshaw@rspb.org.uk. Alternatively, there are volunteering opportunities of all kinds advertised here, some which require only 15 minutes of your time, per week. So, whether you have hours of time to spare, or just the odd few minutes here are there, we would love for you to get involved!
To keep up-to-date with all of the latest Strumpshaw Fen news, visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSPBStrumpshaw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSPB_Strumpshaw
Website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/strumpshaw-fen/