VOLUNTEERING
Without the enthusiasm and dedication of people volunteering, local environmental groups could not operate or achieve what they have managed to do.
Volunteering gives you the chance to socialise with like-minded people and enjoy yourself, as well as benefiting the environment. Volunteering with a practical group also gives the added benefit of getting fit while volunteering!
You can get involved as a volunteer in a variety of ways, both outdoors and indoors:
- Practical environmental volunteering involves working outdoors with tools to build or maintain habitats.
- Non-practical volunteering covers everything else, such as helping organisations with their office work, fundraising, or campaigning and lobbying.
How to get involved
This Web site has an extensive Database of local groups with an environmental remit operating in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This database can be searched by group, ward within the borough, and type of work. You can also look through the Events Calendar to see which events fit in with your own free time.
A number of groups also have volunteers to play a greater role within the function of there group. A good example of this would be BTCV and ourselves at REN who have Volunteer Officers or VO's. Currently Richmond BTCV are looking for two VO's. More information can be downloaded here.
All groups welcome new volunteers from any background and there is usually a range of tasks to suit all abilities and fitness levels. All of the groups appreciate any time commitment that you can make, whether that's an hour or two each month or whole days at a time.
Volunteering for people with disabilities
Practical projects: on the day
It is normally a good idea to contact the group in advance to double-check that the task is still going ahead as planned. It is in the nature of working in the environment that projects often have to be changed at short notice.
If you are looking to volunteer, then the following advice is given by practical groups:
- Please wear sturdy footwear (walking boots if possible) or old shoes
- Please wear old and strong clothes that you don't mind getting dirty
- Bring a waterproof coat
- Bring food and drink with you if you intend to stay all day
- Apply sun protection if the weather looks to be sunny (or even if it is overcast during the summer, if you are particularly fair-skinned)
Please do tell the project organiser if you have enjoyed your day. We also welcome any feedback about the task or group here at REN, and you can send us your comments through our Contact Us page.
If you don't want to get muddy!
If you would like to offer your assistance to a group but don't want to take part in practical projects, contact the group using the contact details on our Groups Database, or go to one of their meetings (check the Calendar for dates and times). They will be able to let you know how you can get involved.
Further information
If you have any questions about environmental volunteering, then please Contact Us and we will answer as quickly as we can.
You can also sign up for e-mail updates to receive information on events and activities around the borough. Your e-mail address will not be passed to any other organisations and this service is fully compliant with data protection laws.
