Volunteer Ben Frith’s story

In my previous blog I wrote about the lovely environmental sites Groundwork Greater Nottingham has helped to develop, maintain, and manage. While it is important to know about the work we do, it is also just as important to know the individuals behind it. While Groundwork employees play a major part in this development, our volunteers are vital to our success.

Over the past 12 years, volunteer Ben Frith has been working on the High Peaks, the Pennine Bridleway and many many more. Ben has a strong passion for the outdoors and walking- volunteering with Groundwork Greater Nottingham has helped him develop these passions. Clearly this is one of the main benefits of volunteering, of being outdoors and amongst nature; the many proven benefits of spending time in the outdoors, such as lowering stress levels and improving concentration, give all the more reason to take part in such activities.

Having recently been involved in some tree planting myself, I can attest that being outdoors- looking at the quiet calm of nature- truly made me appreciate the environment in a way I (as a city girl!) had not before. Seeing the landscape develop, watching as the trees grow, fills me with a sense of pride and purpose.

Not only do the trees provide habitat for many animals, they also reduce the ‘greenhouse’ effect by removing carbon dioxide from the air and returning it as oxygen. Improving our environment in this way is what our team of employees and volunteers strive to achieve.

Such impactful and meaningful work is fulfilling enough that it ensures our volunteers stick around. It’s oddly addictive in that sense, but definitely in a good way.

The social aspect of volunteering is something Ben made clear to be of high importance for him.  Regular contact with others develops a solid support system. As a volunteer you get to interact with people from many diverse backgrounds, which allows you to learn many other perspectives. Also, the connection to the community is something Ben emphasized. A community connection is vital to the core work of Groundwork Greater Nottingham.

Ben is quite used to the outdoors, having led many walks in the past, and these skills, combined with the ones learned from activities done with Groundwork, will be applicable in other areas of his life.

These skills may be able to help in your professional career, allowing you to meet potential mentors or perhaps even expand your professional circle. Volunteering often leads to paid and professional work, as you often meet people who actually work in the same field.

If you are interested in volunteering contact: aliya.hussain@groundworknottingham.org.uk for more information or visit: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/hubs/eastmidlands/projects/ to read more about our work

Aliya Hussain

Community Development Assistant

aliya.hussain@groundworknottingham.org.uk