Why your volunteering can make a difference - to us and to you

We asked some of our current volunteers why they chose to work with CPRE Hampshire and how they benefit. We also asked if they would recommend others to get involved – they answered with a resounding “Yes, yes, yes!”. Read on to find out more.

At CPRE Hampshire, support from volunteers is absolutely vital to achieving the goals we set out in enhancing and protecting our beautiful countryside.

Did you know? The list of benefits to volunteering your time and effort works for both us and you!

• It’s good for your head. Working outside, using your hands, meeting different people and actually taking action in an area you value.
• It’s good for your body. The benefits of moving more and good exercise can’t be argued with. At your own pace of course.
• It’s good for your countryside. For wildlife. The local economy. It even contributes to saving the planet.

Talking to some of our volunteers currently working on laying and planting hedgerows across Hampshire as part of the The Hampshire Hedge – CPRE Hampshire initiative, they explained what they found so appealing and beneficial.

We caught up with Helen Davies and Mark Johns on one of our regular weekly planting sessions.

Helen Davies:

“I have been volunteering with the Hampshire Hedge project since the start and it’s great to see how volunteer numbers have grown. We are really starting to make a impact. It’s great to get outdoors, come rain or shine, and get involved in a practical environmental project. I regularly visit the New Forest and South Downs National Parks so it feels good to put something back.”

Mark Johns:

“I heard about the project through word of mouth. This is my second week and I have got involved with planting sessions at both ends of the hedge. It is a good motivation to get off the sofa and head outside whatever the weather. The practical work is not difficult and you can go at your own pace, there’s no pressure.”

Beren Ashton-Butler:

“I’ve done a little hedge laying before as I’m keen on preserving rural skills that make the British countryside special. I work in the New Forest where there aren’t many hedges to enjoy and, being from Somerset, I’m spoilt by the amount of hedges I’m used to! Finding the Hampshire Hedge project seemed like an excellent opportunity to learn a new style of laying a hedge and refresh my skills in hedge laying. I receive tremendous pleasure from keeping rural crafts alive so from a heritage point of view I feel very satisfied participating in work like this. It’s systematic and meditative. I enjoy working with my hands, it’s very pleasing seeing the neat progress you’ve made and I simply love working outdoors in all weathers.

Would I recommend others to get involved? Yes, yes, yes! I believe we gain a lot from being more engaged in the elements and creating things. Hedge laying is a beautiful and varied art and knowing that the connectivity the Hampshire Hedge project aims to achieve benefits wildlife so greatly is something I think more people would be happy to be a part of.”

DID YOU KNOW? There are many elements to our volunteering roles and it’s not all heavy lifting. Activities are tailored to your physical requirements. Email to find out more.

Ian Howell:

“I’ve been privileged to travel to some of the wildest, remotest areas in the world to observe plants and animals in their natural habitat. Every place I’ve been, the impact of human activity on the natural world is clear. Particularly pollution, climate change and destruction of habitat. But what is striking is work that communities are undertaking to protect, restore and cherish their local environment, often in the poorest areas, guided by NGO’s and individuals whose commitment, dedication and sheer determination is truly inspirational. The lesson I’ve learnt is that every one of us is empowered to make a difference, through small, repeated actions which add up to something which can be transformative. I’ve taken a year off work because I want to take action and direct my horticultural skills and knowledge into habitat restoration projects. When I heard about the Hampshire Hedge project from a friend I had to get involved.  For me personally, it’s the sense of purpose, having a mission, making a difference and working with like-minded people which is so important. There is no greater joy than getting your hands in the soil, planting something and watching it grow and to be able to do this in our countryside is magical.

Would I recommend others to get involved? Yes, yes, yes. It’s all about being outdoors, connecting with the soil and nature and giving our wildlife a much-needed helping hand. It’s easy to do, rewarding and empowering.”

Find out more about the Hampshire Hedge and current volunteer spaces. Don’t be shy! We are available to call or email with any questions or queries you may have.