My name is Oskar, I’m 15 years old and I have been going to youth volunteering sessions at Avon Wildlife Trust's Grow Wilder site for the last academic year. I started due to my silver Duke of Edinburgh award and needing an activity for my volunteering section and when I heard about this place I was intrigued to go there. These sessions take place once a month and usually last the afternoon on a Sunday.
Before my first session I was a bit apprehensive about the type of people who would be there and if I would like them and the activities we do as well. But there really was no need for this as everyone one was hospitable and inclusive. There is also a big mix of people of different ages, so I found it easy to get to know everyone and bond with kids my age.
The area these sessions take place in is a combination of allotments, classroom buildings, areas where people who have niche hobbies meet up and wild areas with ponds and more that are cared for, so they aren’t overgrown, yet are independent of too much human fuss. My role in the group was to help maintain the paths, inspect the ponds, organise the plant beds and also keep the weeds at bay.
Every session is invariably a little bit different and unique which is enjoyable as we don’t repeat tasks which would have made it monotonous. Obviously, this could be hard work, so the much-needed break is always welcomed by all. They’re especially nice because Tish, who is caring and friendly to us, always brings biscuits, drinks or some kind of energy boosting snack to fuel us.
One of my personal highlights (I would also be not wrong in saying many others’!) from the sessions was cooking jacket potatoes in the fire and then eating them with cheese and beans which was a perfect way to finish working around the pond on a lovely, enchanting summer’s evening.
On my part I was originally thinking of taking part for solely my DofE; however now I have experienced the activities, people and atmosphere there I can now confidently say that I will continue going in the upcoming year and I would speak highly of it to anyone and encourage them to take part.