Volunteers enjoying the sights, sounds and faces
NEXT month, organisations from across the country will be holding all kinds of events to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all those of you who do a fantastic job volunteering. RSPB Cymru will be joining in the celebration of Volunteers’ Week held between 1-7 June.
Thousands of people volunteer for the RSPB. They are an essential part of our UK-wide team to save nature, and a source of energy, enthusiasm, skills and support.
Mel and Babs have been volunteering at RSPB South Stack for seven years. Mel is a Visitor Experience Volunteer and Babs is a Retail Volunteer. They have been married for 52 years.
What made you want to become a volunteer with RSPB Cymru?
Mel: Being retired we found initially that we had quite a lot of time on our hands and decided that we would offer some of this to volunteering. As I was interested in birds we approached RSPB South Stack and offered our services.
Babs: Mel is the birder out of the two of us, I can spot them and he identifies them. I suppose my forte is with people, I love meeting and talking to everyone.
What does a typical day involve in your role?
Mel: Mainly meeting and greeting people who visit our reserve. This can be either in the main Visitor Centre or Ellin’s Tower. The visitors are very diverse, some are very knowledgeable about wildlife, and this is when I learn something new. Many of the visitors are on holiday and just want to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the reserve. In most cases people are first time visitors to the reserve and need information.
Babs: Spending time in the reserve shop as a retail volunteer, talking to people, and helping out where I can. If the cafe is especially busy, I will help out clearing tables and getting them ready for more customers.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Mel: Each week I get to spend a day in one of the most stunning and beautiful places in the UK. Each season brings new things to the reserve. In spring we have the visiting sea birds that come to our reserve to breed and these come in their thousands. Later in the year we have our flock of sheep grazing the heather in order to maintain the health of our land.
Babs: I think the whole experience is a highlight, and being part of an enthusiastic team.
What has been the highlight of your time spent so far at RSPB South Stack?
Mel: Over the past several years there have been many. The main highlight has probably been the team and I do not use this term lightly. This comment is meant for the team past and present. I have worked with some great people.
Babs: The highlight of my time is working with a good team of people, when you are part of a small team you have to pull together and at South Stack that really works. Meeting lovely people from all parts of the world is amazing.
What are you passionate about?
Mel: You mean apart from my wonderful wife? I am interested in wildlife and by volunteering at RSPB South Stack I am able to fulfill that passion. I also love photography and being able to capture those special moments in time, and there is no better place to have your camera at the ready than here at South Stack.
Babs: I would like my great grandchildren and all the children that follow on from them to be able to see and have the countryside and wildlife as we see it now. I believe it’s important for youngsters to being able to experience nature not via a computer screen.
What would you say to those who are thinking of volunteering with RSPB Cymru?
Mel: You would be actively involved in something that would return to you great pleasure and satisfaction. You will take your place in a dedicated team who will give you all the support you need.
Babs: If you have time to spare and like meeting people, care about the environment; give it a go, like us it could really work for you!
What’s the first step to becoming a volunteer with the RSPB?
Mel: Select a reserve at which you would be able to attend on a regular basis. Visit the reserve and get a feel for how you might fit in. Make contact with the Site Manager and discuss how you might be able to help.
Babs: Go and visit a reserve of your choice and talk to the volunteers who work there. In my experience, everyone is willing to tell you all about it. Try it and see how it feels for you, try it and enjoy it. Good luck!
What makes RSPB South Stack so special?
Mel: The stunning scenery and the fascinating history of both the lighthouse and Ellin’s Tower. Things that we take for granted often surprise us with their connections to the past. But the most special thing to me are the people that I work with, when I turn up each week to do my bit I always feel welcome. This has to be a great moral booster.
Babs: RSPB South Stack is special for lots of reasons, its fantastic location, and the people we work with, it’s a real pleasure to go there every week, and be part of a dedicated team of people! Thanks for having us!
If you’re interested in volunteering with us at RSPB South Stack come and have a chat with us, we’re currently looking for volunteers who could take on these roles: Handy Man with plumbing, joinery and electrical skills, gardeners, Weekly Guided Walk Leader, Family Event Helpers, Retail Assistant.