Getting Outdoors & Meeting People: a Catch-up with Vanessa

“We’ve done a bit of gardening, we’ve pulled up ragwort, trimmed ivy from trees and taken spirals off young hedge plants. Litter-picking is a regular job and it’s amazing how much there is. We’ve put bird-boxes up near the Hall and elsewhere.

“We do get to see lots of interesting wildlife. A big flock of bramblings a few months ago was a real highlight. We usually get to see buzzards and red kites and we hear far more species than we see, particularly now as it’s breeding season. My husband is big into birdwatching and we’ve been to places like Frampton Marsh near Boston and Titchwell March near Kings Lynn.

“We start volunteer sessions with a brew and a chat. Even when we’re working, we’re chatting. It’s a very sociable experience. You meet new people and you natter as you work. You also pick-up some good know-how with each new task that can come in handy in your own garden.

“I do enjoy working outdoors and you have to dress for the conditions. Nobody enjoys being cold and wet. We have been lucky with the weather, though, and even in winter we’ve had mostly dry conditions. I’ve been volunteering at South Ormsby Estate since last September and I’m looking forward to completing a full year and seeing how the jobs change from season to season.

“I’d definitely recommend the South Ormsby Conservation Club. It gets you outdoors, doing exercise, learning new skills and meeting people.”

If you’d like to join us on Friday 17^th May, drop Club Coordinator Gemma a line here: Gemma.Kedzior@southormsbyestate.co.uk

“We meet up twice a month and aim to do mini-projects within the Estate,” said Gemma. “We’ll help the wild flora and fauna thrive and monitor projects already ongoing to make sure they’re working.

“The Conservation Club gets people outdoors and back to nature, looking after our planet for generations to come. We get out, get a bit of exercise and get the natural endorphins going. There’s always time for a cup of tea and a chat. What better way to start the day?”

Here’s what’s on the South Ormsby Conservation Club’s job-list this year:

– Meeting local experts and learning from them

– Helping our wildlife flourish by putting up bat and bird boxes

– Monitoring biodiversity by periodically counting birds and bugs and analysing owl pellets

– Planting wildflowers and helping with hedgerow and tree management

– Keeping tabs on the health of our watercourses by pond-dipping

– Removing litter from the natural environment

– Making plenty of pals, chatting and getting a brew on

We’ll see you out there.

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