As a writer, I often showcase the benefits of volunteering. Hoping to inspire others into sharing their time and skills. But I rarely get a chance to share my spare time and such that it is, my experience, with others.
Perhaps it’s because I have a full time job, maybe it’s because I’m also a full time dad and full time husband, that ensures, any free time I have is spent relaxing, usually in front of the TV. And ‘helping others’ is the last thing on my mind during my precious free time.
So, when CSSC asked if I would like to volunteer at one of their newest partners, I saw this as a valuable opportunity to ‘practice what I preach’ and get my hands dirty. In this instance, that was the literal truth.
Our mission, should we choose to accept it, was to help the wonderful avian team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to tidy and spruce up a disused patch of land. A 30x30 feet, walled garden, previously home to tortoises. ‘What does a garden have to do with birds?’ I hear you ask. Well, every day the avian team host fabulous bird shows for visitors. Where some of their charges are exercised in full view of the public, with entertaining commentary on the essential conservation work ZSL undertakes. Showing off the true majesty of these beautiful creatures.
The obscure garden neighbours one of Whipsnade’s Aviaries, currently home to two stunning magpies. The hope is, that by returning this patch of land into use, the team can either extend the aviary, or grow plants, flowers and herbs which in turn can be used to feed their feathered friends. Either way, it was gardening, animals, fresh air and no emails. What’s not to love. So, I was in.
Another bonus for me personally, I live about 15 minutes away from Dunstable Downs, where ZSL Whipsnade has been at home since 1931. With my office being about 45 minutes away, from purely commuting terms, I was already on to a winner, starting the day much later than I might usually for a Thursday morning.
Our mission, should we choose to accept it, was to help the wonderful avian team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to tidy and spruce up a disused patch of land. A 30x30 feet, walled garden, previously home to tortoises. ‘What does a garden have to do with birds?’ I hear you ask. Well, every day the avian team host fabulous bird shows for visitors. Where some of their charges are exercised in full view of the public, with entertaining commentary on the essential conservation work ZSL undertakes. Showing off the true majesty of these beautiful creatures.
The obscure garden neighbours one of Whipsnade’s Aviaries, currently home to two stunning magpies. The hope is, that by returning this patch of land into use, the team can either extend the aviary, or grow plants, flowers and herbs which in turn can be used to feed their feathered friends. Either way, it was gardening, animals, fresh air and no emails. What’s not to love. So, I was in.
Another bonus for me personally, I live about 15 minutes away from Dunstable Downs, where ZSL Whipsnade has been at home since 1931. With my office being about 45 minutes away, from purely commuting terms, I was already on to a winner, starting the day much later than I might usually for a Thursday morning.
There’s something incredibly invigorating about working outside. Just driving to the day’s workplace made my commute much more enjoyable, knowing I would be outdoors in beautiful surroundings. Perhaps it’s different for people who work outdoors every day in every climate. Maybe they envy those of us who work inside, scheming and planning to find a warm comfortable office to work in. To use a gardening metaphor, while I still have mud on my hands, perhaps the grass is always greener. So, having made my choice to volunteer, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself, as my traditional mid-week commute was replace by a sedate meander through the Chiltern Hills to my ‘office for the day’ atop a hillside, overlooking the gorgeous Herts, Beds and Bucks landscape.
The ten of us arrived at Whipsnade, looking more rested and excited than perhaps a usual Thursday would permit. Fully layered up, having headed the welcome advice from ZSL’s corporate team to ‘Dress warm’ the party was met by Sarah and Claire who welcomed us warmly with hearty greetings and instructions.
With extra layers applied for when the Chiltern winds whipped up, introductions were made to Rebecca from the avian team, who would be our onsite liaison. We were taken to our ‘office for the day’, the afore mentioned parcel of land, where we assessed the situation, divvied up roles and got stuck in.
It was less of a garden and more of tableau of modern art. If art was a pile of bricks, intertwined by weeds and thorns. But many hands make light work, and soon enough our teamwork shone through and two tonnes of masonry later, we could see the wood through the trees, or floor through the weeds, perhaps more accurately.
We paused for tea and a breather, but much to our surprise and delight, we were treated to a rare bird show, just for us. The avian team brought out some of their feathered friends to exercise them and I suspect, to reward us for some hard work. We met a Scarlet Macaw, a Burrowing Owl, and a Visayan Hornbill, up close and personal.
Not exactly the traditional five minute coffee break at the watercooler, we’re used to. But a very welcome replacement from office gossip to parrot chatter.
With birds exercised and break over, it was back to the grindstone. Well, raking and digging anyway. Two hours later we were done. Parried along by some classic 80s tunes that just happen to be on Rebecca’s favourite playlist, including such ironic tunes as ‘Africa’ by Toto. Purely coincidental, I’m sure. We took a step back to admire our work, clean up, take some photos and congratulate each other for some fine teamwork.
That’s one of the many hidden benefits of volunteering. Not only were we doing something completely outside many of our comfort zones. But it afforded me the opportunity to speak with colleagues I’m not convinced I’ve ever met in person. We’ve emailed certainly. I’ve even worked with them on projects, albeit virtually and via email. But I’m not sure I’ve had the chance to speak with some of them, let alone find out their favourite animal was a Giraffe. I mean, how often does that ever come up when you’re discussing the finer points of spreadsheets and smart sheets?
Once the tools were packed away, we said our goodbyes to the Avian Team, who couldn’t have been more hospitable and accommodating. And what’s more, they genuinely felt grateful. Our four hours of fun teamwork saved their team about 16 hours of hard graft. Time they can now spend on their animals and their welfare. A much more fruitful use of their expertise.
As a ‘thank you’ for our endeavours we were treated to sandwiches and snacks at the Viewpoint – Al Forno Kitchen and Deli. I challenge you to find a restaurant with a better view anywhere in the country. Fully refreshed, we took the afternoon for ourselves, exploring the zoo. Our own personal troop, hot-footed it to the Lion habitat to see the three new Lion Cubs play together, blissfully unaware of the endearing scene they were setting for their ten newest admirers.
As an annual member of both London and Whipsnade zoos, I had recently visited the park with my family, the Sunday before. So, instead of further exploring the zoo with my fellow volunteers, visiting familiar friends, I returned to the Viewpoint Café to write my account of today’s activity. I firmly believe no greater place exists in the county to inspire the soul.
As I sit here watching the seasons change by the minute, across the vast vista of the Chiltern Hills, I’m left pondering my morning’s assignment. When compared to previous volunteering roles, which has seen me scrub graffiti from tow paths, hook bicycles from canals, build floating bird houses and decorate social hubs for Caribbean communities. It’s hard to compare such disparate endeavours for their social merit. But, this view was hard to beat. All I know is, I’d much rather be here than virtually anywhere else right now. Added to the fact that it helped ZSL on their conservation mission, I felt a warm glow that’s hard for even the most determined northerly winds to extinguish.
Volunteer with CSSC
CSSC has been providing its members with opportunities to play sport, find communities and volunteer for over 100 years. They regularly host these kinds of money-can’t-buy exclusive days out and opportunities. If you’d like to get involved with volunteering or wish to hear about any upcoming one-off experiences, explore the volunteering pages to speak with actual volunteer and join the team. And make sure you’re following us on social media, to be among the first to hear about our opportunities.