I first got involved with Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Watch Groups back in Autumn 2009, after returning back to the country after travelling. 

Prior to travelling I had worked in an outdoor education centre working with children, aged between 5-16 years old, in which I led sessions in the outdoors including pond dipping and mini-beasting. 

Therefore, I thought it would be nice to volunteer for Kendal Kingfishers and combine two of my favourite passions - nature and working with children. I initially volunteered as a helper and after a while took on more responsibility as a leader.

Enthusiasm, a love of nature, and enjoying working with children are the key ingredients to a good Watch group (in my opinion).  I have learnt that you do not need to be an expert in every area, just have a keen interest to learn, and pass on your knowledge in a fun way.

Volunteering as a Wildlife Watch group leader is a lovely thing to do and I still have the same enthusiasm now than when I first start over 14 years ago! There is an added bonus as my two children (aged 9 and 7) have been coming to Kendal Kingfishers for several years too. If it wasn't for Watch group volunteers it would be sad to think what they could be missing out on.

It’s so great seeing children coming along each month and seeing their enthusiasm for nature grow, and how it enriches them. I also love it because I learn new things about nature all the time and it’s great to share this with the children.

The sessions vary quite a lot, with a tendency to be outside as much as possible and keeping the emphasis on fun.  We do have firm favourites which we do each year like pond dipping which I think I have done 14 times (and even managed to do it between lockdowns) and the kids really enjoy it. We also try to visit different nature reserves and enjoy exploring the varied habitats and species we discover.

The experiences we have are amazing. For instance, the other week whilst Kendal Kingfishers were visiting Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve, we had an opportunity to see a dormouse and the children could even touch it carefully!

These experiences will last for a long time for me and hopefully the children too. Therefore, I hope to continue to be a leader for Kendal Kingfishers for many years to come…

Get involved

Do you want to help Cumbria Wildlife Trust engage the next generation in taking action for wildlife? Then why not volunteer as a Wildlife Watch Group leader or helper? We're looking for people to help with our existing groups in Barrow, Cockermouth, Gosling Sike (Carlisle), and Grange. We're also looking for Wildlife Group Watch leaders and helpers for new groups in Keswick and Penrith.