Volunteer Voices
Derek – Practical Conservation task volunteer leader
A few years ago I read an article in our local paper about the work of the Countryside Management Service. I contacted them and have never looked back. Before retiring from the Fire Service 10 years ago, I got to know Hertfordshire quite well, from Tring to Bishops Stortford and from Royston to Cheshunt, but since being part of the CMS team I have got to understand the countryside much better and I now get great pleasure from making it more attractive and accessible for others.
I go out with other like-minded people, from all walks of life, for one day a week throughout the year, clearing scrub in the winter to open up woodland to bring back the natural habitat, for example. I also enjoy construction and maintenance work in the summer when we put kissing gates in along footpaths and build bridges over streams.
I enjoy travelling to other parts of the world and within the UK, but still want to come back to Hertfordshire.
David – Practical Conservation task leader and Health Walks Leader
I first started volunteering with CMS in 1988, although for many years I was only able to attend 5 or 6 tasks each winter. I have now been a member of the midweek team since 2004. During this time I have learnt new skills, become fitter and stronger and made new friends. I can honestly say that I enjoy all of the various jobs we do, although pulling up Himalayan Balsam is at the bottom of my list. Earlier this year I undertook a driving assessment and a leadership training course so that I could lead tasks when the Project Officers are unavailable.
I was also among the first group of people to be trained as Health Walk leaders in the autumn of 2005. Like everyone else who is involved with the Hitchin Health Walks, I have been pleased with the success they have enjoyed.
Helen – Practical Conservation volunteer
I have been volunteering with CMS for about 3 years. I joined the group after hearing a talk about work they were intending to do on Norton Common and have never looked back! I had a very good time and felt very tired at the end but really enjoyed the coffee, biscuits and the good company. They are a hardworking, dedicated bunch of guys together with an experienced CMS leader. I enjoy the winter tasks the most as it is amazing to see what we have achieved at the end of a day with lots of people cutting, sawing and dragging piles of wood onto a large bonfire. The summer tasks involve more heavy work but there is always something for me to do. Sometimes I stay all day sometimes just till lunch... it is my choice. We carry out tasks all over our area and it has been wonderful to see some of the sites change over the years and to know you played a part in it.
Ron – Practical Conservation volunteer
The pleasure of being out and about working in Hertfordshire’s splendid countryside beggars belief. Hard work yes, but nevertheless a most satisfying way to put something back into the community. I was introduced to CMS by a former volunteer 12 years ago, and enjoy being part of this grand band of brothers and sisters. On retirement from being chained to a desk for many decades, I needed to do something active out of doors. And what activity it proved to be, learning new skills I’d never dreamt of achieving. The huge task of helping to close North Hertfordshire’s hundreds of footpaths during the 2001 Foot and Mouth epidemic certainly was different from construction and planting work! All the tasks are a challenge and somewhat therapeutic, taken on cheerfully by the camaraderie of the volunteers.
Alison – Footpath friend and practical conservation volunteer
I volunteered to be a Footpath Friend after seeing an article in the local paper. It involves walking published routes regularly to identify and report any problems, such as broken stiles or fallen trees. I had recently given up work and wanted to do something useful rather than rejoin the rat race. I enjoy walking so it suited me very well.
Then I discovered the weekly conservation volunteering sessions where you can join in with a variety of jobs, such as digging ponds, planting trees, clearing footpaths or installing benches or waymark posts. It’s a satisfying way of getting out and enjoying some fresh air and physical activity, while at the same time contributing to the maintenance of the countryside.