Volunteer Insights: Jacob
For our final volunteer insight blog, I spoke to Jacob who has been volunteering since September 2017 as part of his studies. Currently at sixth form at Archbishop Holgates, Jacob volunteers to get experience away from the classroom. As a young student still in school education, I thought it would be great to see what Jacob feels he gets out of volunteering.
What is your role at St Nicks and what does that involve?
I help the Practical Conservation volunteers to do tasks around the nature reserve and just yesterday joined the Wildwatch group, trying to identify different species.
Jacob getting water from Tang Hall beck
Why do you volunteer?
I do it through school as a way to learn outside of the classroom and to get experience and skills for jobs in the future.
Do you enjoy volunteering at St Nicks and why?
Yes I do, the people I work with are really friendly although sometimes the tasks are tiring- especially when it’s warm! The group are a laugh though and I like working with them.
Jacob and the Practical Conservation volunteers working on St Nicks grassland
Have you learnt anything through volunteering?
I’ve gained practical skills like scything and planting. I learn why we do tasks and the benefit the work has on the wildlife here.
What has been a highlight of volunteering here?
Putting the waders on and getting in the pond to clear it with Nick was funny, though we haven’t done that task since he and I went in!
Jacob and Practical Conservation volunteers clearing scrub in the snow
How would you describe St Nicks to someone who has not been here before?
It’s such a friendly place. It’s a big site but you soon get to know it and get to know all the great people here. It’s just a nice place to be.
If you are looking for a placement like Jacob or just want to learn some new skills, you can email volunteer@stnicks.org.uk to find out about our current volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved.
