VOLUNTEER STORIES FROM RIVER HOLME CONNECTIONS
River Holme Connections is a local charity with an aim to improve the whole of the River Holme Catchment by connecting people, businesses and wildlife. They provide practical volunteering opportunities and have a full programme of walks, talks and training events. Find out what their volunteers have been up to over the last year, how volunteering has changed at the moment, and why they do it:
SUE’S STORY
I found out about volunteering through a friend who was already involved. I help with anything that needs doing in or along the river. This could include litter picking, balsam bashing or hedge and tree planting. I also get involved with fundraising, photography and baking cakes for volunteer days! At the moment I don’t get to work with the other volunteers but I have carried on litter picking and producing videos and more recently wild flower planting. I enjoy making the area where I live better by all the things we do and being with like minded people. Volunteering gives me structure to my weeks. I’ve met lots of new people and learned about invasive species like balsam and knotweed. I really look forward to our 3rd Saturday work days and always feel tired but energised afterwards.
MICHAEL’S STORY
I got involved after reading some local publicity about River Holme Connections and also through facebook. I really enjoy the variety of volunteer tasks including fish monitoring, invasive species removal and educating school groups. At the moment we aren’t able to volunteer in a group, but I have been keeping busy by litter picking on my own and carrying our wildlife photography for the facebook page. I have also prepared and produced a local wildlife calendar for 2021 to raise important funds for the charity. Through volunteering with River Holme Connections I feel that my voice is heard and that in a small way I can help in shaping the way things are done and I can see the improvement in our local environment.
RHYS’ STORY – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING FROM A YOUNG PERSON’S PERSPECTIVE
I found out about volunteering from my Granny, we volunteer together. We plant wildflowers, we plant saplings and we go balsam bashing. I like being outdoors with nature, it makes me feel good. I like helping nature.
GERALD’S STORY
I have been involved as a River Holme Connections Volunteer in building bird boxes, construction of outside amenity areas and tree planting projects. I enjoy meeting the other volunteers, making new friendships and being helpful.
RICHARD’S STORY
I am a Trustee for the charity, I advise on flooding, and green infrastructure and engage directly with schools and churches. At the moment our meetings are taking place virtually rather than face to face. I find the engagement with the community is especially rewarding. Volunteering has enable me to meet new people. and strengthen local engagement and contacts.There seems to be a virtually limitless set of opportunities available. Time is the only impediment and relative prioritisation with other activities.
You find out more about River Holme Connections here