Celebrating our volunteers
We couldn’t do all we do for nature without volunteers. We’d like to say a big thank you, from all of us. Thank you for donating your time, skills and energy to help save nature.
On this page
A big thank you for your time and skills
Thank you so much for donating your time and skills to save nature. We couldn’t do the work we do without you, and nature thanks you too.
We thank you for your incredible work and celebrate everything you’ve done to help us further our cause to save nature.
Whether you donated a few hours or many weeks of your time, it’s all incredibly valuable and all helps the future of birds and other wildlife.
Throughout the COVID lockdowns and difficult times over the past few years, many people felt a new or renewed connection to nature. You’re giving it a future – thank you.
Volunteering has given me an opportunity to watch Equality, Diversity and Inclusion projects evolve and unfold through each stage and see the fruits of my work first-hand.
Sorrel – Volunteer equality, diversity and inclusion project assistant
What you've been up to
Here are a few examples of the amazing things our volunteers have gotten up to this year.
Helping toddlers enjoy the outdoors at RSPB Sandwell Valley
Our toddler group has been running for 18 years at RSPB Sandwell Valley nature reserve, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers Margaret and Mo. The group provides a brilliant opportunity for toddlers and their families to connect with nature, with activities including outdoor sing-a-longs and natural crafts.
Trail cam action in Southwest Scotland
Keeping an eye on farmland birds and their nests is a priority for RSPB volunteers in southwest Scotland. Trail cams come in very handy for the team’s surveying work, with volunteer Donal going above and beyond to test out their function in his own garden as well as devise efficient new ways of recording the data they capture.
Bringing a new accessible viewpoint to RSPB Lychett Fields
Over at RSPB Lychett Fields, the big news is the arrival of a new accessible viewpoint, Rock Lea view, which allows visitors to look acros Lychett Bay. The viewpoint is all thanks to volunteer Shaun, who lobbied the council for permission, raised all the funds needed to cover its purchase and installation, as well as managed the project from start to finish.
Setting up an RSPB Twitch stream to share wildlife knowhow with the wider world
Thanks to volunteers, the RSPB is on Twitch – an interactive livestreaming service. The team goes live twice a week with 2-hour shows and, since they started in July 2022, have engaged entirely new audiences with all things wildlife, as well as our work at the RSPB. With next to no budget, it’s no mean feat.
Running dementia-friendly wellbeing walks in the Aire Valley
Started by volunteer Janine, the Aire Valley wellbeing walks allow people with dementia to connect with nature in a safe and welcoming environment. The walks offer a whole host of benefits – for physical health and mental wellbeing, for combatting loneliness and for simply admiring beautiful scenery.
Want to try volunteering for yourself?
We couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful volunteers. If seeing what they’ve been up to over the past year has sparked your interest, why not join us? We’d love to have your help on our mission to protect nature. You don’t need any expert knowledge, just a passion for wildlife. You can work from home, in your local area, or at your nearest reserve. We’re a diverse, fun-loving bunch and whether you want to meet new people, spend time outdoors or have something to put on your CV, we’ve got a volunteering spot for you.