Volunteering in Walthamstow
When it comes to fighting climate change, we often think about policies, protests, or personal habits like recycling and going plant-based. But there’s another crucial piece of the puzzle: biodiversity.
Maintaining the variety and balance of life in our ecosystems helps natural environments become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and in Walthamstow, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
From hidden woodlands across Waltham Forest, to wide-open spaces such as Lloyd park, there are plenty of local green spaces. These areas don’t just offer a peaceful escape from city life but they’re also essential for supporting native wildlife, filtering air and water, and storing carbon. But these areas cannot look after themselves and that is where local volunteering groups come in.
My Experience: Getting Involved with The Conservation Volunteers
As a staff member at University of Portsmouth London, i have recently joined a local group called The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).
I was shocked to see how much work there was to be done. I didn’t realise that maintenance and implementation of new plants and species was such a big part of biodiversity. I also didn’t realise how much joy I would get out of conservation volunteering. I have found planting hedges or clearing litter to be therapeutic processes and one that I found genuinely connecting and enjoyable.
I volunteer for a few hours a week, and I help with minimal training at different sites such as installing bee-friendly pathways to remove invasive reeds from ponds. The biggest thing I have gained is meeting other volunteers from the local community and feeling a sense of connection towards each other and the community. Volunteering has taught me what biodiversity, conservation and protecting the environment truly meant for me.
My experiences at TCV have been eye-opening. Not only gaining a new appreciation for the natural spaces around me, but I have also discovered more about the history of Waltham Forest, how it was shaped, protected, and eventually opened for public access.
How You Can Help
Getting started is easy. Simply sign up with the group, and you’re on board. Whether you want to plant native species, maintain footpaths, clear your head or just meet like-minded people who care about the planet, there’s a role for everyone in volunteering.
Volunteering in Walthamstow is a chance to:
- Protect biodiversity
- Learn new skills
- Get fresh air and exercise
- Connect with your local community
And yes it does look great on a CV too.
Find out more about The Conservation Volunteers at https://www.tcv.org.uk
And next time you’re in Walthamstow, take a moment to appreciate the trees, hedgerows, and waterways, they might just be the result of someone like you.