THE LOVE of nature can cross many barriers, including a divide of more than 90 years between the youngest and the oldest RSPB volunteers.
Elizabeth Nelson is a 96-year-old nature lover who volunteers every Saturday in the visitor centre at RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk.
“I am responsible for organising the pin badges and do little odd jobs around the visitor centre, like folding and preparing leaflets,” says Elizabeth, known as ‘Betty’ to her colleagues.
“I used to visit Minsmere with my husband on holidays, probably 20 years ago or more. I love the Bewick’s swans.”
Elizabeth was born in Westcliffe, but grew up in Wembley Park, Middlesex. During the Second World War she worked for the fire service, then as a full-time mum to her daughter, who now lives in Sri Lanka.
Today Elizabeth lives in the pretty coastal town of Aldeburgh, and takes the bus to and from the nature reserve, just 20 minutes away.
“My parents weren’t interested in nature or wildlife, but I had a great love of animals and kept several canaries and budgies.”
Asked whether she has seen the countryside change over the decades, she replies: “Yes it has changed a lot. I didn’t notice how much until recently. I see fewer birds overall, especially in my garden.”
The thing she enjoys most about volunteering is “meeting people, and talking to them about all the wildlife they see, which helps me learn more”.
Ian Barthorpe, visitor experience officer at Minsmere, who has worked with Elizabeth for many years, says: “Betty is an inspiration to all of us, remaining so active and enthusiastic.
“She’s been an integral part of our volunteer team for many years now. Regular contact with nature is important for all of us, helping to keep us all fit, healthy and young at heart. Volunteering is also great for our health and wellbeing as it keeps the mind active and maintains contact with other like-minded people.”
The RSPB is an organisation founded by volunteers and, like all charities, could not do as much without them.
“At our heart we remain a volunteer organisation. Yes, we have 2000 staff. But we have 12,000 volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do for nature without our volunteers. The volunteers make us who we are.”
It’s estimated that the value of the RSPB volunteer work exceeds £7m a year. Volunteering enables the RSPB to save more nature and get more work done but, most importantly, it’s a route to engaging and informing people about what they do.
There are many ways people can get involved, from working outdoors on conservation projects to volunteering professional skills in a more office-based environment.
“Whatever people choose to do with us, we want to make it a fun and rewarding experience. The RSPB is competing against the other things that people might do with their spare time – whether that’s playing squash or visiting their family – and we always need to remember that.” Elizabeth and Jack are proof that volunteering is for everyone, and an ideal way to meet new friends and give something back to the community
Has thins inspired you? Want to find out more?
To keep up to date with all the latest from Choice, or if you have something you want to share with our team, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and YouTube
If you're ineterested in volunteering for the RSPB, log on to www.rspb.org.uk/joinandhelp/volunteering
Keeping fit and healthy with the Green goddess Part 2
Keeping fit and healthy with the Green goddess Part 1
Finger-licking Good! Tasty Chicken recipes
Beauty: Say 'Allo 'Allo to an alluring look
British Library: Palace of the printed word
Look good and feel great with CBD
Interior design: Inspiration for outdoor spaces
Summer fun at Belvoir Castle
Finding Fitness Starts With Fashion
‘In Vogue’ Veg – Cavolo Nero Sales Grow by 14%
Eat Continental and live longer
A life-affirming book... about death
Get Sewing: Floral bespoke notebook cover
Find your family fortunes... for FREE!
Beauty: Get set for spring...
Spanish Recipes: Small is beautiful
The Vegan Revolution
Interior Design: Maximise your living space
Pets need a spring clean too
Visit Family Tree Live
MasterChef: Classic with a Twist
Get Sewing: Quilted pot-holder
Bob Dylan "Rock and Roll music wasn’t enough for me”
Plant Power Day: 7th March 2019
Interior Design: Less is more in minimalist home
A second chance at love
Interior Design: Great Gatsby Cabinet
The rise and rise of the birthday cake
Walking back to happiness
Baking With Veg
Totally Tina Tour
How to take care of your hair over-50
The nation's most popular cake recipes
Your views: Can you help?
Hail the grandparent aupairs
Beauty: Denise Welch "I love the shape I'm in at 60"
The Austerity Olympics
Healthy reasons to acquire a taste for olives
Grand Treats for Grandchildren
Declutter your home, and clear your mind
Scandi-style Mules for Swollen Feet
Beetroot and Walnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
In your garden: October
Dr Norman Croucher: The toughest summit of them all
Craft Corner: Sweet Easter Basket
Have your cake and eat your Easter egg too!
Interior Design: Moroccan inspired drawers
BR remembered... 70 years on
A gentleman's guide to spring fashion
Why antique jewellery is glittering
New Year, new beauty habits
Cliff Richard "I have a deeper faith now"
Do you remember? Oliver!
What we really look for in retirement living
Interior Design: Wedding bells on a budget
Counter culture: The revival of the board game
Jodie Whittaker: "Doctor Who is all about change"
85 year old Grandmother gains a PhD
Dame Eileen and a Crowning glory
Writing the story of you life
Why winter shouldn't stop you: don't wait until New Year
World' first 'wellness shed' stirs up mindfulness
Growing old is amazing
Don't miss out on the internet age
Prepare to feel ancient...
Hawks: Up close and personal
Studious retiree heads back to school
Garden Expert: Soaking up the sun
Emily Watson "I'ts such a gypsy life"
Here's to you Mrs Robinson
Brits Embracing 'Urban Birding'
The Secret to Younger Looking Eyes
Anti-ageing Options Part 2
Anti-ageing Options
End of the road for a pop icon
Reaching out to Dementia Sufferers: Sporting Memories Network
Are you ready for retirement?
Afternoon Tea Recipes
Surprisingly Good Wholegrain Recipes: Savoury
Staying safe in the Summer heat: Drowning prevention
Stardust Memories
Baking made easy
Cooking for one
The real cost of your wine
Profile: Nicola Walker
Enjoy Britain: UK Staycations
Discoveries: Visiting Ireland
Treasures: St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney
Health: Staying safe in the sun. Health benefits of turmeric. A Yoga exercise to try
Beauty: Products to enhance grey hair
Nostalgia: Britain at War in colour
60 Years of Private Eye
State Benefits and end of life planning
Plus: Craft & sewing projects, food & drink, garden news, garden birdwatch, puzzles pages, book, DVD and CD reviews.
