Volunteers Week is a national celebration of the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the UK. This year, Volunteers Week takes place from 1-7 June.
Volunteers make a vital contribution to our communities. They work in a wide range of settings, from schools and hospitals to charities and community groups. They give their time, energy, and skills to help others, and they make a real difference to the lives of people in need.
We are incredibly lucky to be supported by a group of highly committed and enthusiastic volunteers. They are the backbone of our organization, and we could not do our work without them.
We spoke to a few of our volunteers to learn more about their experiences:
Mostly bird watching but the natural world in general.
Bird watching, conservation, photography, walking, fishing and genealogy.
I had been a volunteer and Trustee at a previous nature reserve before moving to Norfolk and wanted to give my time to a similar cause.
Around two days most weeks.
I like to help people to get more out of their visit, and try to educate and inform them of what’s around them, which they probably didn’t notice. Also try to get more young people involved in birding.
I can’t think a better way to support my hobby and to interact with others to enable us to learn more from each other.
It gives me time away from the daily routine and I have met heaps of new individuals who have similar interests. The different number of species I see at Pensthorpe is high, which always makes the day more satisfying.
Definitely, if you have a skill or knowledge of a certain subject which you can use to give back to an organisation or group; you will be welcomed with open arms. It’s very rewarding.
Give it a go, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Wildlife and the natural world ; protecting the environment; trying to encourage others to value and care for nature
Gardening, walking, playing tennis, Pilates, beekeeping, reading (novels), travel . I love being outdoors.
I retired 3 years ago after nearly 40 years in the NHS (I was a consultant paediatrician) and have always enjoyed social contact. I found that after Covid restrictions relaxed I had a bit of free time and wanted to keep busy and have a bit of structure to my week ! Working with the engagement team, especially with school groups and holiday activities is a really enjoyable way to do just that, and I’m learning new things all the time.
1-2 days per week
To enjoy myself, working in a supportive environment, and in the process ( I hope) contributing something useful for the organisation and the activities in which I’m involved. As I have become more familiar with what is required, I have been given more freedom to contribute my own ideas.
On several occasions school teachers, and children, have thanked me for helping them to have an enjoyable and interesting day. It’s nice to feel useful!
It has provided an interesting and very enjoyable alternative to the world of work…” lots of enjoyment without the hassles!!”
Definitely
Go for it….. look into doing something that interests you, but maybe is different from what you’re used to doing.
Become a Volunteer – Pensthorpe
It’s a flurry of activity in the wader aviary at the moment with avocet, shoveler, turtle dove and bearded tit chicks and the ruff displaying with their elegant plumage. Male ruff have large colourful manes of feathers around their necks and shoulders, which provided the inspiration for their name. In the spring male ruff converge… Read more »
July 4, 2023
World Curlew Day is a global awareness day that celebrates the curlew, a large wading bird that is found in many parts of the world. The day is held on April 21st, which is the feast day of Saint Beuno, the patron saint of curlews. Curlews are beautiful and iconic birds. They are known for… Read more »
April 21, 2023
This February the decision was made to catch our flock of 56 greater flamingos at Pensthorpe. One of our two year old chicks had a lump on his head that we wanted the vet to check out and we decided it would be an excellent opportunity to catch the whole flock to give them all… Read more »
March 3, 2023
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T/A Pensthorpe Natural Park,
Company registration number 01979520
