VOLUNTEERS: Are you at a stage in your life where you have time on your hands? Do you feel that you need to extend your skills or self confidence to make progress in your career? Do you feel you would like to be part of something worthwhile? Many people that have been in this position have found that volunteering has been the solution.

At RSPB Newport Wetlands, volunteers are an integral and valued part of the team. Some volunteer because retirement now gives them time to follow their other interests; or fulfils criteria for their studies at school or college, some volunteer because their job does not extend their skills or offer them the variety they need.

To be a volunteer here allows total flexibility of days, usually one day a week to fit in with your routine as the centre is open seven days a week.

Volunteering at Newport Wetlands means every day is different – new birds have arrived, or left, or have hatched. Beautiful orchids have bloomed, the reeds have sprouted new foliage, or blossom has exploded into colour, all since your last visit.

Don’t think you have to be an expert to be a volunteer, as working with such an experienced and knowledgeable team, you will learn something new every day. Volunteering gives you a sense of being a part of something worthwhile, and few things can be more satisfying than ensuring the safety and habitat of wildlife. Come with your existing talents and see them flourish and develop.

There are a variety of vacancies based at the visitor centre to choose from. You could be a retail assistant in the vibrant and dynamic shop. Or become a catering assistant to help in the busy and beautiful cafe where the most delicious food and drinks are served to those watching the wildlife in the panoramic seating area. Or become a reserve information assistant, the first faces that greet our visitors when they arrive at the centre, these volunteers tell our guests about the reserve, the current wildlife sightings and the activities on offer that day. 

To go home at the end of the day knowing you have been valued; that you have made a difference in so many people’s lives; that you have helped wildlife to have a safe home -  all these reasons and more mean becoming a volunteer at RSPB Newport Wetlands is for you.

Next month, organisations from across the country will be holding all kinds of events to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all those of you who do a fantastic job volunteering.

RSPB Cymru will be joining in the celebration of Volunteers’ Week held between June 1-7. Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK festival of volunteering to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers. Thousands of people volunteer for the RSPB. They are an essential part of our UK-wide team to save nature, and a source of energy, enthusiasm, skills and support. Volunteers are important. Without them, we simply would not be able to achieve as much as we do each year towards our goal of saving nature.

To find out more call 01633 636363 or email newport-wetlands@rspb.org.uk

RSPB Newport Wetlands
Rosi Hollister