Mac’s Story
I’ve been volunteering at Sholing Valleys for about 8 year now, and I’ve enjoyed it so much. The benefits it has given me well outweigh the time I’ve given. It has given me the opportunity to run projects and events, lead groups of volunteers, and build my confidence in public speaking and leading guided walks. I’ve picked up all sorts of knowledge about wildlife, and this has kept me curious to understand more.
Sholing Valleys Study Centre was set up as a charity in 1988. From the start, volunteers have done everything in our organisation. They make sure we keep on top of our governance, and do all of our delivery. And we love them for it. We have a core group of 10 people that work tirelessly in the background. Checking emails and planning events, raising funds, and coordinating other volunteers. But we have a much wider team of well over 100 people that means we can do so much more. They plant trees at our conservation sessions, help set up gazebos for our events, litter pick around the site, remove invasive species, teach people about nature, and so much more.
It would be impossible to do all the amazing work we do without the community of volunteers supporting us. What is great is the range of people that come along. All doing something unique that helps us thrive. We have many students doing work experience, and they bring energy and enthusiasm. Many younger people are getting vital experience for their future careers in the environmental sector. And we have people that bring experienced expertise and suggestions from doing conservation work for years. Hearing from these groups on other work they have done helps us to develop our approach. We also get corporate volunteers that come along to build relationships with colleagues spending time away from the office.
What’s also amazing is seeing friendships develop with our volunteers. When they come back each session and pick up conversations from last time. Joking and looking out for each other. It’s really heartwarming. It’s not the reason we bring people together, but it’s as natural as wildlife on the reserve.
PJ’s Story
I first heard about Sholing Valley through the Southampton Voluntary Service. I wanted to get involved for many reasons, but mostly because I enjoy the practical side of the conservation work they do.
It’s also good practical experience as well as getting out because of my mental health. Since I’ve been volunteering at Miller’s pond in Sholing Valley, my confidence has grown in many areas such as leading small groups while Mac Ince (the Vice Chair at Sholing Valley) will go off with another group (depending on how many people turn up).
Working with Mac has been great as he has really helped me to grow.