Hi Wildlife Champions!! You may have been in one of my assemblies in the last week or so telling you all about the amazing Glow Worm! If you have, then you already know that we are running a campaign this year to see if we can let people know about how brilliant these creatures are and to see if we can record where you are seeing them. So keep your eyes peeled and get out there to see if you can find them! If you do, make sure you let us know on the survey page of the DWT website! Make sure you keep up the great work! Paul
Keep your eyes peeled!
May 16th, 2012Volunteer Tin Collector – Jeanne Silvestri
May 10th, 2012
‘I wonder if, like me, you have often thought about volunteering, but are not able to undertake physical work on the reserves. If you enjoy meeting people, discovering new places, working on your own at times convenient to yourself, then why not try raising money through emptying collecting tins?
I started six years ago with about 30 sites and now have over 80 and my patch covers most of South Devon and Dartmoor. Locations vary from small bakers, florists, chemists to garden centres, cafes and even a caravan site. Sometimes I empty the tin and count the money on the premises if there is a suitable space e.g. on top of a chest freezer, a chair, or a table. Other times the local bank will let me use a spare room.
There are no targets or deadlines to meet and I visit some sites annually and others twice a year. I often combine the trips with birdwatching, shopping or treating myself to lunch or tea thus making it into a social outing. People are really friendly and supportive and despite the credit crunch it is amazing how people’s spare change soon fills up those yellow tins.
So give it a whirl, I’m sure you will enjoy the experience. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’, and this would certainly help Devon Wildlife Trust gain some funds.’
Become a Tin Collector
County Wildlife Site (CWS) Trainee – Samantha Davies
May 10th, 2012
‘Since April 2011 I have been on a voluntary placement as a County Wildlife Site (CWS) Trainee. The most unusual County Wildlife Site I surveyed was at Paignton Zoo. You don’t normally expect to see a Cheetah on a lowland meadow!
During my placement I was trained and supervised by Hannah Gibbons from the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre and Lynne Kenderdine, CWS Advisory Officer for DWT. They have been extremely good and supportive teachers! Having pretty much started from scratch, I am now able to take on survey and advisory work independently, and it’s a great feeling to contribute to the work of the DBRC team and the Devon Wildlife Trust. As well as the training, my favourite aspect of the placement has been the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful places in Devon, and meet many interesting people in the local communities. I am very grateful to Hannah and Lynne as well as the many DBRC and DWT staff that have been so generous with their time and knowledge. Taking the risk to quit my previous job to do this placement is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.‘
Nature reserves long term volunteer – Wendy Holland
May 10th, 2012
‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Devon Wildlife Trust. Being a recent graduate I am looking to begin my career in the conservation sector and the Volunteer Estate Worker position will enable me to gain invaluable practical experience which will aid me immeasurably in the future. It is wonderful that Devon Wildlife Trust are able to provide such opportunities for people new in the conservation sector as without such schemes it would be a lot harder to gain the experience and qualifications necessary to secure a permanent position. Everyone I have met at the Trust has been supportive and friendly. I am thoroughly looking forward to my time here.’
Every year DWT recruits three long term volunteers to help DWT staff look after the nature reserves. To find out if there are any positions available have a look at the Volunteer Opportunities or Job Vacancies page.
Survey volunteer – Alice Corkerton
May 10th, 2012
‘I spent my first day of volunteering with rainwater soaking into the knees of my trousers, while I crowded around a small square in the middle of a field with a group of volunteers. Sound like fun? Well actually, it was! I woke up early to head, through the morning drizzle, to Andrew’s Wood nature reserve to join DWT Reserves Officer Jackie Gage and her experienced volunteers to survey wildflower meadows. We carried out four surveys and by the end of the day I had learnt a lot of new plants. I even had to avoid some inquisitive horses that liked the taste of plant identification books, DWT now own a book with a lovely set of teeth marks in one corner. A fun and interesting day of volunteering!’
DWT regularly needs volunteers to help survey their sites. To find out about the latest opportunities have a look at the Volunteer Opportunities page.
Wembury Marine Centre volunteer – Pippa Swannell
May 10th, 2012
‘Volunteering at the Wembury Marine Centre has been an invaluable experience. The rockpooling sessions with both school groups and the public have really been the highlight of the season. Not only have I personally found great pleasure in learning about the fantastic diversity of life on the rocky shore but sharing that knowledge has been even more rewarding. These events are of such value to young people and families, it has been a privilege to be involved. Overall it’s been great, DWT has been wonderful, I have learnt so much and I am very sad to end the season at Wembury.’
Each year DWT has two full time seasonal volunteers at Wembury. Find out opportunities for next year on the Volunteer Opportunities or Job Vacancies page.
Student volunteer – Lineke Bosman
May 10th, 2012
‘Every single person I have met at DWT has been very friendly; you can see that the people working for DWT really enjoy their work, which makes you feel good as a volunteer. I am learning a lot and regularly help out on the nature reserves cutting bracken, monitoring bird boxes, checking dormice boxes, searching for newts, digging ponds, attending a flower course, helping at events and lots more. Volunteering with DWT has been a lovely experience.’
There are lots of different volunteer roles with DWT. To find out more visit the Volunteer Opportunities page.
Wildlife Watch volunteer – Julian Pursey
May 10th, 2012
‘My family and I really enjoy the events that our local DWT Wildlife Watch group in Exmouth stages at Bystock nature reserve. A couple of the leaders were standing down and volunteers were needed to assist with the group’s organisation. I volunteered immediately, to the great surprise of my family but even more surprise to myself as I have never volunteered for anything before in my life. Reasons for doing it? Mainly selfish I’m afraid! I simply wanted my family to continue enjoying the wonderful events put on by the group.’
There are several Wildlife Watch groups which you can volunteer with. Contact your local Wildlife Watch group for more information about how to get involved.
Help Desk volunteer – Cathy Kowan
May 10th, 2012 
‘When I first began to work on DWT’s Help Desk I felt I knew nothing – but soon surprised myself with knowledge I didn’t know I had, and that was quite a confidence booster. Also, in researching the answers to callers’ queries I am adding to that knowledge considerably and enjoy passing it on. Previously I might have said ‘I haven’t a clue’ if asked why anyone would want to volunteer. Now I would say it’s about making a contribution, feeling useful, learning new skills and facts, meeting new people – and enjoying myself. So what’s not to like?’
To find out how you can get involved with DWT’s Wildlife Helpdesk visit the Volunteer Opportunities page.