One warm Tuesday morning cutting back a willow arbour (overgrown with the good weather) I had sweat in my eyes and some blood from scratches from getting into the dense willow. I did not have any tears, just the joy of a chance encounter whilst doing my volunteering work.
I was approached by a family of four generations (!) who were enjoying the ‘Wild Walk & Nature Trail’ and trying to find our special ‘spider’s web’ in the trees. Having helped them they asked about the Willow Arbour and were amazed that volunteers, a few years ago had created this feature. I encouraged them to go inside and sit on our log ‘perches’, saying it was a good place for a rest and telling stories to children. Grandfather’s comment was ‘what a super idea’ and one that may be good for his young granddaughter’s school.
Later taking the willow whips to the garden area, for use in path edging, I again met this family plus another three generation family. All the ages were very interested in our solitary bees, wormeries and (African style) keyhole garden plus how volunteers had created a raised bed garden (full of healthy vegetables) in a matter of a few months.
Nice to see such a range of ages being re-engaged with nature and our heritage, learning about and enjoying our natural environment whilst having a pleasant and healthy walk.
For myself I forgot all about the blood, sweat and just felt the joy of being a volunteer.
Written by: David Tordoff, Volunteer, The Kingswood Trust.