This National Volunteers Week, 1-7 June, we're paying homage to our volunteers: the life blood of our Trust across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. There are more than 1,600 wonderful committed people from conservation volunteers to office volunteers, wildlife monitors and trustees to our Local Groups and Young People’s Forum - plus all those who run and help with family and children’s sessions - and we couldn't achieve what we do without all this local community action!

We're saying special thanks to all these amazing people especially for sticking with us through the tough times of pandemic, and helping us to catch up subsequently with all the work that we had been unable to do.

As CEO Brian Eversham says: “The Wildlife Trust was founded by volunteers – I started at the Trust as a volunteer. Volunteers are the people who make the Trust what it is – and a key part of the future. Whichever reserve I visit the evidence of volunteer work is all around - from boardwalks, fencing, new kissing gates - you name it, volunteers have left their mark for good on so many of our reserves.  And it's been incredibly inspiring to see so many people helping to keep things going over the last couple of years.”

Via regular work parties across Beds, Cambs and Northants volunteers provide the backbone of physical work on our reserves. Getting stuck in on a work party is great exercise, brings a sense of camaraderie and fulfilment, knowing that the work is of benefit for the environment. Helping keep an eye on specific reserves are dedicated volunteer wardens and walking wardens - the eyes and ears of wildlife on the ground. Below a snapshot of just some of the work involved - thanks to all who give time so generously.

We have 11 Local Groups, seven Wildlife Watch groups (our junior branch for youngsters and families) and four Little Bugs clubs (pre-school age children). These are all volunteer led groups who run their own events, and help spread, share and inspire the appreciation of and interaction with wildlife. 

George Cottam, volunteer warden of Brampton Wood and co-chair of the Huntingdonshire Local Group (who fundraise prolifically) says: “There are quite a few simple reasons why we volunteer with the Hunts Local Group: we make friends with like minded people, learn more about wildlife, meet a lot of knowledgeable people, like the responsibility of organising events, enjoy visiting special places for nature, like raising money for the Wildlife Trust – and we like being successful!” 

Again - thanks all.