Volunteer Voices
Ian, Wood Warden Volunteer Leader
I have been volunteering for the CMS since 2001 when I was studying for an NVQ in Environmental Conservation and was looking to improve my practical skills. I joined the Sunday Wood Warden group in Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve and immediately found them to be a friendly bunch of likeminded people who were more than happy to welcome me into the group and offer me help and advice.
The work of the Wood Warden is hugely varied, making it both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I have helped to create new woodland, opened up old areas through coppicing and hedge-laying, maintained fences, built bridges and steps, and ensured the paths are safe for everyone to use. We also try to help the general public understand our work by talking to them about what we do.
Eight years on and I am now part of the leadership team for the Wood Wardens and I am also a recorder for the butterfly-monitoring scheme within the woods. For me, Broxbourne Woods is a magical place and being a Wood Warden gives me a fantastic chance to help preserve this magic and encourage others to get involved.