The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Volunteer and make space for nature
We all enjoy nature so why not give something back? Preserve and enhance it by becoming a NatureScot volunteer
MANY of us spent more time outdoors and experienced a range of benefits from spending time in nature during lockdown. As our appreciation for nature continues, it’s time to give something back and really make a difference.
Climate change and nature loss are global threats and we’ve already lost nearly 25% of our wildlife in Scotland. However volunteering for nature is good for us, the planet and wildlife, and can be a fun way to meet new friends and get outdoors.
Plenty of organisations would love your help. Perhaps you can spare an hour fortnightly or you’d like to spend a week on a working holiday. You could join a local group – or even start one – to improve greenspace and paths close to home. Or travel to some of Scotland’s wildest places to maintain and repair trails and work on projects to enhance habitats for wildlife.
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GOOD REASONS TO VOLUNTEER IT’S GOOD FOR YOU.
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As well as better sleep, being fitter and reduced anxiety, getting outdoors can reduce your risk of chronic health conditions and improve your immune system.
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We’re all part of nature – it doesn’t stand alone – and we need to work together to help fight biodiversity loss and climate change.
IT’S GOOD FOR NATURE.
3ENHANCE YOUR CV.
Whether unemployed, between jobs, or just keen to do more for the environment, adding volunteering to your credentials shows enthusiasm. There are awards that involve volunteering, for example The Saltire Award, Duke of Edinburgh Award, John Muir Award or Junior Ranger Award. Keep a record of the hours you volunteer to help achieve these.
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MEET NEW PEOPLE AND SOCIALISE.
Many people experienced isolation and loneliness over the last year and volunteering can be a great way to ease back into social situations. 5
KEEP LEARNING AT ANY AGE. Volunteers learn new skills such as path repairs, species identification, building skills and many more.
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MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO YOUR LOCAL AREA AND COMMUNITY.
Whether it’s removing non-native invasive species, picking up litter or creating a community garden, you can stand back, admire you hard work and know you’ve made a real difference.
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USE YOUR OWN SKILLS IN A PRODUCTIVE WAY.
Perhaps you’re retired and want to continue to share your knowledge, or you’re a student keen for practical experience. It’s all great experience.
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VISIT NEW PLACES AND SEE NEW SIGHTS.
Discover paths, greenspaces, nature reserves and species you’ve never seen before.
YOU CAN VOLUNTEER FROM HOME
If you’re unable or not keen to go further afield, you could try citizen science. By submitting sightings of birds, butterflies and more, this volunteering is crucial to contribute to biodiversity and climate change research.
For some ideas of projects go to www. nature.scot/citizenscience.
If you’re seeking advice or a small amount of funding to help develop and action a community volunteer
project, look on The Conservation Volunteers (Scotland) website.
Find volunteering organisations at www.nature.scot/volunteer, search for opportunities on the Volunteer Scotland website or contact wildlife organisations and charities such as the Scottish Wildlife Trust or RSPB.
For more ways to Make Space For Nature go to www.nature.scot/ makespace