Meet one of our most regular volunteers, Jo, as she describes the impact that volunteering has had on her life after moving to the Geopark from Lancashire:
My name is Joanna and I am a geoconservation volunteer. Round of applause please!
I have to advise that being one should carry a government health warning as it can SERIOUSLY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH in the best way ever! We moved to Leicestershire from Lancashire a few years ago and after the first 18 months of moving and covid calming down, I was beginning to feel a bit lost, didn’t know anyone or the area and I was feeling quite low. Then we went on a walk around Shepshed led by Dr Jack Matthews. It was really interesting!
During the walk he gave a little talk on the geology of Morley Quarry and mentioned that there was going to be a geoconservation group formed in Charnwood Forest. We liked the sound of that and went along to a meeting one evening at Morley Quarry where he explained what would be involved, and we were hooked!
Now our lives have changed completely, since joining I have felled trees, planted trees, helped on an archeological dig, made a ceramic tile which was included in an exhibition, made charcoal, made a stool, learnt how to do simple wood carving, done a first aid course, made a hand brush, cleared the ground at several places around Charnwood Forest, maintained the rock faces at several sites, learnt a bit about the geology and history of the area, and have enjoyed every second of it.
I participated in all the Great British Spring Clean litter-picking sessions throughout Charnwood Forest which led me to become a member of North West Leicestershire Litter Wombles, and I regularly pick litter to help protect the wildlife and environment.
As well as all the new adventures I have undertaken, meeting new people and making friends has been icing on the cake. Everyone is so friendly and the group sessions are great fun. It’s often quite physically challenging but you can do as much or as little as you want.
All the equipment we need is provided and health and safety are a top priority. You can sign up for sessions at your choice – in my case I try and get involved in all of them! Now my calendar no longer has lots of empty spaces and I look forward to what’s coming next!
If you’d like to become a volunteer, you can find out more information here.