Volunteer Voice June – Jamie Ford

Reason for volunteering:  I love being outside and enjoying our amazing green spaces in Wycombe and the surrounding area and I wanted to help look after them and expand my knowledge and skills in conservation.

Best day: This is a really hard question to answer, as I have had the chance to do so many things with Chiltern Rangers from woodland management, river work, creating and helping to look after wild flower meadows, urban wildlife projects and hedge laying. I can honestly say every session has been enjoyable as you get to meet other like-minded volunteers and we learn so much from the Rangers as well as getting that feel good feeling at the end of the session knowing that you have given something back to the area where we live and the environment.

Favourite flora/fauna: I think this would have to be all our wildflowers in the open fields and woods. I love seeing the pops of colour and am amazed at how tiny some of them are, but they are still playing a vital role in bio diversity. I try to learn a new one each time I am out a on my walks.

Interesting fact about you: Since volunteering with the Rangers I have been given the opportunity to learn new skills and have gained my LANTRA card in wood chipping and brush cutting.

How has volunteering benefited you? For me personally it helps my mental wellbeing. Being outside in nature is proven to reduce stress and I find it grounds me. We are all made up of the same elements and are part of the same web of life – and helping to try and keep that web of life in balance not only benefits me, but everyone and everything around me.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with CR? Just try it. There are so many different ways to get involved and there are activities for all ages and abilities. The Rangers are a great bunch of people who have such passion for what they do, and that rubs off on everyone making every session special.