Volunteering is a fantastic way to strengthen team dynamics and build relationships whilst doing something positive for the environment.Groups from inner city youth groups to management trainees help fix the fells. For some groups it is their first visit to the countryside and can be an incredibly powerful experience.
"Great team building. Personal reflection time. A sense of pride and an awakening of wanting to care for the planet" - that's how one volunteer summed up their Fix the Fells experience.
Residential groups
The National Trust has a residential centre for conservation volunteering called High Wray Basecamp. It is set within 3 hectares of semi-wooded grounds approximately 3 miles from Ambleside - and the nearest shop!
Basecamp is basic but beautiful, with chalet-style buildings designed to accommodate two separate groups or one large group up to 30 people.
Find out what happened at Basecamp in 2009 as Rob Clarke reflects on the year, and looks ahead to 2010. more
Rural skills
Volunteers get involved with a range of conservation tasks across the Lake District. Basecamp staff will ensure each task is suited to the whole group, be it footpath work, hedgelaying, dry stone walling or rhododendron clearing.
Equipment and clothing: Basecamp is well stocked to provide waterproofs, steel-toe capped boots and tools for all types of work.
Instruction: Basecamp staff provide most instruction for groups but you could also be working with other National Trust wardens and footpath workers
The whole experience
For many groups that come to Basecamp it is about much more than just volunteering. During their stay groups find that they are closer to nature than they have ever been before.
Basecamp is well-resourced to tailor a group visit to suit interests. The John Muir Award (opens in new window) is a popular, fun and non-competitive way to discover and explore the environment. Basecamp staff can help you plan an award for your group.
Whilst at Basecamp groups can use identification charts, reference books, binoculars and cameras.
Non-residential groups
The opportunity to volunteer also exists for those who do not wish to stay overnight at Basecamp. One-off and regular days for groups can be arranged.
Interested in group volunteering?
To discuss the possibililty of a group visit, please contact National Trust High Wray Basecamp on 015394 34633 or email
basecamphighwray@nationaltrust.org.uk
