Please start by telling us your name and what is your volunteering role at the Essex Wildlife Trust? 

We're Paul and Jacqui, and we are the visitor guides for the Badger Watch Evenings at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park. 

Can you tell us what you do as part of your role? 

From March to October, we are part of a small volunteer team that provides visitors with an opportunity to watch the wild, wonderful badgers on the reserve. These events are conducted outside of core hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays. We greet and guide the visitors, managing their time at the hide to watch some of the local badger families and other wild animals. We share our knowledge of badgers and their lifestyles and try to educate people about these fascinating mammals. These evenings offer opportunities for very close views and great photography! It's a brilliant experience that gives the public closer to wildlife and nature.   

What specifically interested you about volunteering with Essex Wildlife Trust? 

We enjoy the varied wildlife at the reserve and as we had an interest in badgers, the opportunity arose for us to help continue the good work that had been done with the badger watch evenings. We are keen birdwatchers and Fingringhoe Wick has some great birds through the year, nightingales, turtle doves, osprey and cuckoos, all of which we often see whilst on badger watch evenings. 

What has your volunteering role done for you and how does volunteering make you feel? 

We have met lots of interesting, friendly and enthusiastic people – volunteers, staff and visitors. Being surrounded by nature improves our sense of wellbeing and it’s always good to be out in the countryside of Essex. We also get the chance to see plenty of wildflowers, insects, birds and mammals; we have discovered quite a few new species for us and some special species for recording in Essex. 

What would you say to someone considering volunteering? 

Give volunteering a go even if it’s a couple of hours per week or per month. It all helps and makes a big difference. There are various opportunities for all age groups. It can be varied and interesting, assists the staff and lets visitors get more out of the Essex countryside. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add to your volunteering story? 

Volunteering has been enjoyable and we have been made to feel very welcome and valued and we are pleased to be able to help support Essex Wildlife Trust in a small way.