Brilliant volunteers at Threave

We have so many people with bags of experience and knowledge, all of which we can tap into, so we can learn from each other for the benefit of our common cause. This diversity is a great recipe for achieving good things. I have learned so much over the years, heard some great stories and had some fantastic laughs along the way. I really look forward to the days when the volunteers are out helping me on Threave Estate and our other Dumfries & Galloway properties. We take great pride in what we do, and look back at our achievements daily; we’re leaving a long-lasting legacy for all to enjoy.

There is a wide variety of tasks to do, including path maintenance, tree work, practical habitat management, surveying, tree planting, dry stone walling, countryside woodwork, fencing and much more. All of these tasks are very important, no matter how big or small, and without the help of volunteers it would be much more difficult. A lot of our work is quite physical – combined with the benefits of working outside, it’s good for your personal wellbeing as well (I include myself in this).

All our volunteers are trusted, valued and considered part of the team. Some of them have been regulars for a few years. Over time, they build up a good skills base, and this is really useful when we have a lot to do on a specific day, as we can split up and crack on. However, when possible, we like to work as a group.

Alistair, a long-term Estate Volunteer, says: ‘Volunteering is great for the social aspect of things – working with staff and fellow volunteers and meeting different people. I spend some of my free time at Threave, walking around the estate paths, some of which I have helped to create and maintain.’

Last year I was approached by Norman, who is the supervisor for a local group of Community Payback service users, to see if we could accommodate them at Threave. I jumped at the opportunity. I thought it would be a very rewarding thing to do, and my line manager agreed. After some discussions, we came up with an arrangement of working together as a group, doing all the jobs listed above. We hope to have one or two service users joining us on placement, for two or three days a week.

Norman says, ‘The service users look forward to coming to Threave. They are learning about their natural surroundings and team work, as well as taking an interest in the different variety of tasks we undertake. They feel valued, included and not judged. I feel like we have only just touched the surface of what we can do together.’

Volunteers bring so much passion. We have such a good mix of brilliant volunteers throughout the property including garden volunteers, house volunteers, flower arrangers and osprey volunteers, not forgetting all the other brilliant volunteers working with the Trust at other properties.

Sarina, volunteer photographer/Estate Volunteer, says, ‘Before becoming a volunteer, I regularly visited Threave. I felt welcomed by the warm, friendly and approachable staff, so that’s one of the reasons I decided to volunteer, as well as my love of nature. I want to give something back.’

We look forward to welcoming the South and West Conservation Volunteer Group to help with various projects on the estate. It’s great to meet up with old friends and meet new ones, so I’m really looking forward to this.

If you don’t already volunteer, I seriously recommend you try it!

If you’re interested in volunteering with us or finding out more, please contact me on davidthompson@nts.org.uk