EVERY year, during the first week of June, people and organisations across the UK come together to recognise the wonderful contributions of volunteers during National Volunteers Week.
At Essex Wildlife Trust, the county’s leading conservation charity, over 1,800 volunteers help to inspire a love of nature, educate Essex residents and protect our wildlife and wild places. It has been estimated that the Trust’s volunteers contribute to over 130,000 hours throughout the year.
Kelly Osborne, Volunteering Development Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust said: “Thank you so much to each and every one of our volunteers, you all make a massive difference to the wildlife and wild places in Essex every day and the whole Trust is grateful for your continued enthusiasm and hard work!”
Essex Wildlife Trust’s volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and ages, ranging between 14-90 years old. They volunteer anything from a few hours a month to several days a week, some volunteering their time to help Essex Wildlife Trust for around 60 years! Volunteers help with a variety of tasks at the Trust, including support with education activities, fundraising, helping at one of Essex Wildlife Trust’s 11 Nature Discovery Centres, reaching out to local communities and carrying out surveys and habitat management.
Kelly continues: “Volunteering is currently suspended but Essex Wildlife Trust needs your help more than ever, so if you would like to find out more about volunteering, the health benefits and how you can get involved once our Nature Discovery Centres reopen, we are keen to hear from you.”
Volunteer inductions and training are still currently available, so please visit essexwt.org.uk to find out more.
