Join me / us on Walk with the Warden this morning at WWT Llanelli, Penclacwydd, for an amble around the Reserve to see, and hear, what is around.
This morning`s weather is a little damp at the moment (6.20am), but due to brighten late morning, before a bit more rain this afternoon. Good footwear and being dressed for the weather is essential.
As usual, we`ll meet in the main reception area just before 11.30am. We should return to the Centre around 1-1.15pm.
It`s WWT Volunteering week, "celebrating" all the volunteers, past and present, that work in various roles for the WWT across their sites.
I`ve had the pleasure of being with WWT Llanelli in Penclacwydd since June 2005. My first 10 years were working in the grounds mostly during the weekends, but when I also had other time. Now i`m on the Reserve, and also take part with events such as Walk with the Warden, Dawn Chorus, High Tide watch, etc. I also do some `special` monitoring, helping to keep information on certain breeding behaviour.
I became a member of WWT Llanelli back in 1991 when the site first opened. As time went on I felt as though I wanted to give something back, so after making some enquiries I eventually became an outdoor volunteer in 2005. My day job at the time was as a Practice Manager in the legal profession, and I valued this "escape" into the outdoor world from my busy work environment.
As time went on, and a move to a larger firm, I was regularly doing 55-60 hours per week as an average, working most evenings and during weekends - I know this, as I did a `time and motion` on myself to see what I was doing on top of my "paid" 37 hours! However, I still found time to do my volunteering at WWT Llanelli, eventually swapping over from the Grounds to the Reserve.
The last few years I have been able to become more involved in events, meeting so many visitors and, hopefully, helping them along the way.
If you are visiting and see me around, make yourself known. WWT Llanelli is a great haven for wildlife, and a place to mentally unwind.
Thank you to all those who support us volunteers!
