Brown Robin Work party Volunteers 2020. Steve Finch 2020
Our volunteers in action
Cumbria Wildlife Trust does amazing things for wildlife and brings people closer to nature
Many people give their time regularly to help with practical work on our nature reserves. Others run children's wildlife watch groups, meet and talk to visitors on some of our nature reserves, take on responsibilities for helping to manage nature reserves or work from home or in our offices handling enquiries, working with data or helping with our publications.
Without such dedicated volunteers Cumbria Wildlife Trust would not be able to do as much as it does to protect Cumbria's wildlife & wild places.
On this page, some of our volunteers explain how they help the Trust and talk about the benefits they gain from being Cumbria Wildlife Trust volunteers.
I’ve had lots of opportunities to try new things, including laying a willow hedge, weaving hazel hurdles, and putting up a cleft oak fence.Wildlife garden volunteer
Nigel and Lois Harbron 2020
Nigel and Lois
Honorary Reserve Managers, Nigel and Lois Harbron have been volunteering with the Trust for many years now. Here they describe how volunteering keeps them fit and active and has continued to provide them with fantastic opportunities for life-long learning.
We have had the pleasure of being Honorary Managers of two reserves (Argill Woods and Augill Pasture), and possibly the most rewarding general aspect of our work has been getting to know these relatively small reserves intimately.
Lizzie, Marine Champion volunteer for My Local Catch
Marine Champion Lizzie Pennefather
Marine Champion, Lizzie Pennefather, shares her story as a volunteer on our coastline.
I have learned how to conduct sea watches, rocky shore surveys and dune surveys. I have even acquired my Outdoor First Aid qualification as part of this. Not only has this been fascinating and enjoyable, but it has really built my confidence and given me excellent practical skills that will help me in my future career.
Volunteer Chris Dove in Gosling Sike Garden. TOMCo. Media.
Wildlife Gardener Chris Dove
Wildlife Gardener, Chris Dove, shares his enjoyment of volunteering in the Wildlife garden at Gosling Sike and describes some of the many benefits that volunteering provides.
I find volunteering at Gosling Sike immensely rewarding. Much is being said about how time spent outdoors and in nature contributes to our wellbeing. That is certainly true of my experience working in the garden.
Jan McArthur working from home
Education & Volunteer Officer volunteers - Jan and Judith
If you make a volunteer enquiry or register as a new volunteer, chances are that either Jan or Judith will respond to your enquiry.
Normally working at the Trust's main office at Plumgarths, they now find themselves, like many, busy working from home keeping on top of the increasing number of new enquiries about volunteering.
Vicky Slugocki, Volunteer in action, Bowber Head Farm, 2023
Student Placement Vicky Slugocki
Student Placement Vicky Slugocki shares her experience doing a research project with us
I spent 7 weeks volunteering full-time as a placement student for part of my MSci Ecology and Conservation Degree. My main role was to write species reintroduction feasibility studies for the potential reintroduction of Choughs, Water voles, and Harvest mice to Cumbria.
Volunteer Paul Whitaker
Paul explains why he volunteers with the Trust and how he got involved, particularly with habitat restoration at Skiddaw Forest Nature Reserve.
My greatest enjoyment is the satisfaction of completing the day’s task. I know that even in a small way, I have positively contributed to helping Cumbria Wildlife Trust restore a little bit more space for nature.
There is a lot of talk about lifelong learning nowadays, and volunteering continues to provide us with it.
