Why did you start volunteering for Cumbria Wildlife Trust? 

I started volunteering because the more I learnt about the red squirrels and how they have become critically endangered, the more I wanted to do something to help.

I’ve only had the chance to volunteer on a few occasions, but most of the volunteering I’ve done is with Josh, the Trust's red squirrel ranger.

What are your interests in wildlife? 

I'm interested in all wildlife really! I have a particular fondness for garden birds and love feeding them in my garden and also our beloved red squirrels. 

I'm a keen amateur photographer and really enjoy getting out and about in nature and photographing wildlife.

When did you first volunteer for us? 

I’ve been volunteering for about 2 years.

What volunteering do you do with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and where? 

The volunteering I have done is mostly with the red squirrel rangers. This has been in the Grasmere, Rydal and Langdale areas. 

What skills have you picked up since you’ve been volunteering? How have they helped your confidence and ‘green’ CV? 

I’ve learnt how to monitor red squirrels (and greys!), how to identify individuals and how to report sightings. 

I’ve also learnt about setting up feeding stations and finding good locations for putting up nest boxes, but most of all, that when monitoring reds, you must be very still and quiet!

What do you enjoy about volunteering? Do you have any particular memories or experiences you can share?

It's very rewarding knowing that what you are doing is making a difference and an impact on the natural world, even if it seems very small. Without human intervention, red squirrels could become extinct, which is so incredibly sad. 

One particular day, I was monitoring reds in a hide, and I saw 4 red squirrels, which was just amazing! They seemed to be trying to establish territories, and there was a lot of chirping, feet stamping and tail swishing going on (which I believe is called war dancing!). It was wonderful to see.

What would you say to people who are thinking of volunteering but are a bit nervous about joining in?

I would say don’t be nervous, there is a great induction process to help you get settled in and everyone is friendly, helpful and supportive. 

It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and give back to nature.

What would be your message to people who are not sure how they can help out with the environment?

Nature needs us as much as we need it! If there is any time you can spare as a volunteer, it really does make such a difference, even if it's just a few hours a month. 

If you don’t have time to volunteer, there are lots of other things you can do to help the environment, such as becoming a member of a conservation charity, like Cumbria Wildlife Trust - donations help support and give back to nature and enable incredible things to happen, like saving red squirrels!

What are your thoughts on the future of wildlife and communities in Cumbria? 

I would just really like to see nature thriving in Cumbria again. We are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, yet we barely actually see any native wildlife in these landscapes anymore. 

If people and communities could come together to advocate for and support species recovery, there is every possibility that one day red squirrels could become a regular sighting in Cumbria again, along with other native species that have sadly been eradicated from the area.