Hedgerow Hero volunteer story

What it means to me

I was first drawn to the Hampshire Heroes volunteer role because of the opportunity to learn more from experts in the field. Despite having a lot of experience, I have little formal training on conservation and have always wanted to do more.

I have been volunteering with conservation groups for over 10 years now and have worked with Hampshire Conservation Volunteers, Southampton City Council and various other groups, doing a variety of activities. I currently work as the Volunteers Manager for a local nature reserve, Sholing Valleys Study Centre, in Southampton. We run regular sessions with the public, corporate groups and local educational institutions.

I found the initial survey training sessions incredibly useful. I learnt a lot from the experts that I’ll be applying to our work on the reserve. I felt inspired with ideas on future volunteer survey projects that will improve our records and help us to work towards improving the biodiversity of the Sholing Valleys Study Centre. It’s even helped with suggestions on where I can get the funding to do this.

I now have more confidence in my work at the Sholing Valleys Study Centre. I have a clearer ideas of best practice procedures, what’s good for wildlife, and what helps keep our volunteers safe whilst improving their techniques and tool use.

I hope there are more opportunities in the future to volunteer with similar projects. The training and personal development element is really what excited me about the project. I wouldn’t have committed so much time for a project if it hadn’t helped me improve the work I do on my local nature reserve. I’ve really enjoyed it.

Report by Mac.