Thank you volunteers!
This week, we'd like to say a huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers.
Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
We currently have nearly 2,000 volunteers registered with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, with nearly 800 of those actively volunteering on our current projects.
We would like to say how grateful we are to have your support - a huge thanks to everyone who has volunteered with the Trust and continues to do so!
Why volunteer?
It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. Volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost your confidence.
We asked our volunteers about their experiences as a volunteer for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust:
David, Wessex Water Guardian volunteer
"I’m glad to spend time in the outdoors, being active and making a positive contribution. The best part is sharing that with great people who devote their time and skills to help nature thrive."
"Having enjoyed some similar days before moving to Wiltshire, I knew that supporting my local nature reserve and riverside environment would be fun and rewarding. I was inspired by the Wessex Water Guardians project, and appreciated the work of the team supporting the reserves here in West Wilts, so with a little time available it’s been natural to get involved."
Penny, Wildlife Watch Group volunteer
"My father instilled in me a love of nature and the countryside from a very early age and in the past I have enjoyed working with children of pre-school age and within the scout movement. The Watch Group, as part of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, offered me the opportunity to combine these two joys of my life in one package."
"I love seeing the parents and children interacting, sharing the wonder of nature and enjoying the nature-based craft activities."
Rosemary, Swindon Forest Meadows project volunteer
"I was looking to do something that would keep me fit and active (without involving the gym!)."
"I was enthusiastically welcomed to my first task and have found myself part of a great community of volunteers and task leaders. I have made new friends and also learnt new skills from both formal training courses and spending time with knowledgeable wildlife experts. I feel that time spent carrying out activities on the reserves is well spent and I am sure that it also contributes to my well being."
Wendy, Forest School volunteer
"I love to be involved with the children out of the classroom (which is where I began my working life!), it is wonderful to see them so free and engaged and happy, even in the rain! I know it is creating and fostering a beautiful connection between them and the natural world, which will hopefully stay with them throughout their lives."
"I love volunteering for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The team are so friendly and supportive, it's great to be involved in something so worthwhile and fun!"
Tyron, Trees for Climate project volunteer
"Seeing the positive changes our efforts bring to wildlife in Wiltshire is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue giving back. Plus, meeting like-minded individuals and learning about the importance of conservation efforts is a great bonus!"
Simon, Swindon Forest Meadows project volunteer
"I became a volunteer to help protect, maintain and enhance environments for the benefit of wildlife. To try and counter-act modern life’s encroachment on wildlife habitats."
"It’s interesting to find out how much green space there is around Swindon. And it’s fun mucking about in the fields and woods."
