Holly: I am a career-switcher and left my office-based job to study for a diploma in land and wildlife management, with a view to eventually working within conservation. I wanted to work with the Trust to gain practical experience and relevant knowledge in a nature reserve environment. I approached them and they were extremely positive and encouraging to me. I was extremely pleased! 

Peter: My busy career came to an end. I needed a purpose and a tribe to share it with. There is nowhere better to recover than under the care of those vast Wick skies. The step from visitor to volunteer was obvious, just wish I had done it years ago, I learned so much and still do. 

Janet: I got into volunteering with EWT via a former work colleague. I visited Abberton prior to retiring from full-time employment and always thought it was a special place, so I made it my goal to volunteer there as well. I then saw the Seagrass Project appeal for volunteers two years ago and decided to apply.

Holly: I work with one of the regular work parties at Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park. We help the ranger with all aspects of maintenance of the site. For example, maintenance of bird hides, paths, fences, bridges etc. Also, woodland habitat management, such as coppicing and dead hedging. I am also a volunteer reserve warden at Shotgate Thickets, which involves habitat management, such as ensuring the site is accessible to the public by clearing vegetation and managing the different habitats to encourage diversity of species.

Peter: I chop, dig, lop, hammer and saw. I brush cut, mow, hedge trim and count sheep. I sweat, laugh, learn and love it. 

Janet: I previously volunteered on a weekly-basis at Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre on reception, and also I would help in the cafe during busy times. Now, I volunteer at Abberton on an ad hoc basis. 

Holly: I love spending time working outside in nature and above all the feeling of knowing that the work I am doing is positively contributing to protecting nature, and helping everyone to access it so they can appreciate it too.

Peter: Everyone has their own journey, and you can make yours interesting and try something new. 

Janet: This will be my third year on the Seagrass project, within this, I have designed a format on the computer for documenting our data. I like volunteering as you meet lots of different people from different walks of life who have a common interest.

Essex Wildlife Trust’s volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and ages, ranging between 14-90 years old. They volunteer anything from a few hours a month to several days a week, some volunteering their time to help Essex Wildlife Trust for around 60 years! Volunteers help with a variety of tasks at the Trust, including support with education activities, fundraising, helping at one of our Nature Discovery Centres, reaching out to local communities and carrying out surveys and habitat management. 

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