I am very proud to be a volunteer for both the RSPB and the BTO. Giving a little of my time to help these fantastic organisations is a joy. Even on the small scale that I contribute, it feels like I am helping to make a difference.
RSPB
I am a community volunteer for the RSPB helping to get a pilot scheme project up and running. The aim of the project is to make local communities aware of planning applications and development schemes that could have an impact on local green space and consequently the wildlife that inhabits it.
I am part of a small team of volunteers who monitor this within Sussex and Kent and if the pilot scheme is successful then the goal is to roll it out across the UK.
BTO
I am a wetland bird surveyor for the BTO monitoring waterbird populations on an assigned section of land in the Arun District. Counting and recording is done once a month between October and March when the overwintering waterfowl arrive in the UK. This data is crucial for the BTO to be able to monitor waterfowl populations year on year and the effect of changing environmental and climatic on those populations.
I am delighted to be able to do this, particularly as my little section of land is absolutely stunning as the following pictures show.