How did you get into volunteering?
Verity’s journey into volunteering with the RSPB started with the joy she found in wildlife photography. It was only about four years ago that she bought her first camera and started going out with her Dad.
“I was born and raised in Weymouth, so I’ve always used Radipole Lake, but I started pushing myself to go out and use my camera. I started seeing things I wasn’t before”. At first, Verity didn’t have any specialist wildlife knowledge. “I remember coming in one morning and hearing all this pinging in the reeds, and I was like ‘what is that?’. I just lifted my camera and started taking photos. I came running in here [the Radipole Lake Discovery Centre] asking ‘what are these birds?’. A volunteer told me they were Bearded Tits.” From that moment she was hooked. “I kept going for more walks, taking more photos, bugging people in here with ‘what’s this, what’s that?’”.
One of Radipole Lake’s most iconic birds, the bearded tit (Verity Hill)
It was an employee who she regularly saw in the Discovery Centre who suggested she might like to try volunteering at Radipole Lake. Verity started off as a Visitor Experience volunteer, engaging and educating the public about the wildlife at Radipole. Verity even became known for finding and photographing the Bearded Tits. “I became known as the Bearded Tit lady!”
What has been the impact of your volunteering?
Volunteering and her newfound passion for nature have had a massive impact on Verity’s life. She is now an accomplished amateur wildlife photographer, and has had her photos featured by the RSPB, BBC Countryfile, BBC Wildlife Magazine, BBC Springwatch, and more.
She has also started training to do bird ringing, which is another way to give back to wildlife and learn more about birds. She is currently involved with the Little Owl and Barn Owl project on Portland, monitoring their populations. Barn Owls have become one of her favourite birds.
Verity ringing owls (Verity Hill)
Being out so much in nature has also had a huge impact on her general wellbeing, helping her to be more mindful and to appreciate what’s around her. She is even growing her self-confidence. “I’m not a very confident person so I’ve always struggled to talk to people. Being out volunteering has made me that little bit more confident.”
She’s also met many new people in the birding and photography communities. Although she has sometimes struggled with being a young woman in a male dominated environment, she has not been deterred. Exclusive attitudes have only made her more determined to make nature as welcoming as possible. “I always offer to help people and show people things. I’m no Chris Packham or David Attenborough but I know the reserve, and I know where to send people to see things. I’m still learning but I’d happily help anyone out.” She is pleased to see more and more young people and women being part of the wildlife photography community.
Why would you recommend volunteering at RSPB Radipole Lake?
Verity is keen to emphasise that you don’t have to be a wildlife expert to volunteer with the RSPB. Everyone can bring something different to the role, and it can be a great opportunity to learn. “You will learn new things every day. It’s not scary to step into nature!”
Verity has got a new job working in the Radipole Lake Discovery Centre café. She has ambitions to be a full-time photographer one day but is enjoying working somewhere that she loves so much. “It’s like nowhere else. Not a lot of places have got somewhere like this, it’s like the heart of Weymouth.”
She is proud to have found something she’s so passionate about. “I’ve completely changed my outlook on life. I now know that it’s nature that’s important to me.”
At RSPB Radipole Lake we are looking for volunteers to help us engage people in the Discovery Centre. If you have an enthusiasm for learning about nature and talking to a diverse range of people, we would love to hear from you. No specialist knowledge is required. Hours are flexible to your schedule, and we are particularly looking for people to volunteer on Mondays and weekends (10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm).
The role will include:
Volunteering with the RSPB is a great opportunity to learn more about nature and habitat management. You will have the opportunity to work with a small and friendly team, meet new people, and spend time outdoors on a beautiful nature reserve.
Volunteers under 18 are welcome with supervision from a parent/guardian.
To apply please visit: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-fundraising/volunteer/
Or for more information contact: radipole.lake@rspb.org.uk
Annie Parsons