Give a little time to save nature this summer

Burton Mere Wetlands  -Ron Thomas

It’s National Volunteering Week (1-7 June) and the team at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston are appealing for help.

The visitor facilities at Burton Mere Wetlands have been open for almost seven years and the small staff team is seeking additional volunteers to help with the attraction’s growing number of visitors. The site is already supported by a fantastic team of volunteers but is now seeking more to provide all visitors with a consistently high quality experience as they arrive at the reserve.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at Burton Mere Wetlands said: “We’ve had a brilliant few years since we opened, with the reserve going from strength to strength in all areas; new wildlife has colonised and resident populations have flourished and grown in number. Similarly, our number of visitors has grown from around 30,000 per year in 2013 to over 40,000 now. That means we need more volunteers to help meet and greet visitors as they arrive at our unique reception building, which boasts spectacular views across the reserve and offers the chance to see a great variety of different wildlife.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers, with excellent people skills, to be trained to give visitors of all ages a great welcome to the reserve, ensuring every visitor gets the most from their visit, and encouraging them to support the RSPB’s vital conservation work.”

Mike Giverin, an RSPB volunteer at the site said: “In 2013 I had re-kindled a childhood interest in wildlife, especially birds, and after visiting Burton Mere Wetlands I knew very quickly this was somewhere I wanted to get involved.

“Volunteering here allows me to make a tangible contribution to the RSPB’s mission to give nature a home, plus I’ve been able to develop my knowledge of wildlife and conservation massively. No two days are the same, with different wildlife appearing through the seasons and a broad range of visitors to talk to from experienced birdwatchers to families eager to explore.

“I’m immensely proud to represent one of the leading wildlife conservation charities, and I quickly felt like a valued member of the team at Burton Mere Wetlands. I hope there are more people out there who want to do the same, so that we can connect even more people with the wonderful wildlife we’re blessed with in the UK.”

For anyone interested in this or other volunteering opportunities at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, enquire by email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk or telephone 0151 353 2720. For more information on the reserve and its activities, check out the websitewww.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager, on 0151 353 2720  or email daniel.trotman@rspb.org.uk