Volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to meet-up and reconnect outdoors. So why not take advantage of the Council’s volunteering policy and find an opportunity for your team?
Whether you’re missing colleagues, want to welcome a new team member or simply would like to give back to your community, learn more about the Council’s employee volunteering programme on Connects which allows for up to 2 days a year per employee.
Over at Eglinton Country Park, colleagues from the Council’s Sustainability team recently helped out Ranger Linda over at Eglinton Community Gardens.
Countryside Ranger Linda said: “From a Ranger Service perspective, we are so appreciative to have the extra hands needed to help us keep our green spaces as accessible as possible here across North Ayrshire.
“Some of our regular Friday community garden volunteers are recovering from illness or have limited mobility so we had a few heavier jobs that needed doing.
“It was brilliant having staff from the Sustainability team along to do some of the heavier lifting during their recent Get Re-Connected day, helping us to sort out the polytunnel ahead of the colder months.
“Everyone was so enthusiastic and willing to learn something new, it was great. We are so grateful, thank you to Gillian Boyd, Fiona Chan, Caroline Conway, Kate Dickens, Peirce Dickson, Esther Gibson, Neal Lochrie, Stuart Park and Blair Tannock for giving the session their all.
“The team worked on clearing the polytunnel and helping prepare it for the oncoming change of season, and began the mammoth task of reorganising and turning the compost bins – something that definitely helps keep the gardens to become more sustainable!”
The Sustainability team are now recommending that other colleagues consider getting their wellies on and being part of the volunteering action too.
Esther Gibson, Sustainability Officer said: “I was delighted to attend with my team for an action-packed morning over at Eglinton Community Gardens.
“It was a great opportunity to support a wonderful community initiative with biodiversity and sustainability at its heart.
“As a team we were able to carry out a variety of tasks in the poly tunnel including sorting out plants in the outdoor beds, watering plants and tidying up and managing the compost. Ranger Linda also took the time to give us a tour of the community gardens, it was brilliant.
“As a team, we would definitely encourage staff to register their own colleagues to do some volunteering over at Eglinton Country Park and the community gardens.
“Any help is so appreciated no matter how little or how much time you can offer. The Sustainability team look forward to returning again in the near future and are glad to have had this chance to give back to our local country park.”
Get Re-Connected, North Ayrshire Council’s volunteering initiative for staff provides volunteering opportunities for our workforce and gives back to our communities.
If your team are interested in lending a helping hand in future sessions, email: eglintoncountrypark@north-ayrshire.gov.uk for further info.
“It was a great opportunity to support a wonderful community initiative with biodiversity and sustainability at its heart. As a team we were able to carry out a variety of tasks in the poly tunnel including sorting out plants in the outdoor beds, watering plants and tidying up and managing the compost. Ranger Linda also took the time to give us a tour of the community gardens, it was brilliant. The Sustainability team look forward to returning again in the near future and are glad to have had this chance to give back to our local country park.”Esther Gibson, Sustainability Officer
Could you spare some time to help the Friday Conservation Volunteers?
Come rain or shine, the Friday Conservation group volunteers are another group in need of helping hands – out in force every Friday morning to keep Eglinton Community Gardens looking its best.
Volunteering a few hours with them would be a real help as we approach the autumn and winter months.
Currently on the look-out for more volunteers, the group are looking for others who want to give back to their local country park by rolling up their sleeves and getting the wellies on for some action!
Not afraid of mud or the odd shower, with lots a keen interest in biodiversity and conservation, the volunteers meet from 9.30am at Eglinton Community Gardens.
The Countryside Rangers are also on hand to help coordinate tasks and give the volunteers access to the tools and equipment needed. If you want to get involved, the group would be thrilled to have more hands on deck.
They’re a friendly bunch, so why not take the leap? Email: eglintoncountrypark@north-ayrshire.gov.uk if you want to get involved!
Advantages of joining the volunteers include…
Getting to know your local country park better
Meeting new people and a way to add structure to your week
Improved overall mood after taking part
A great way to keep fit outdoors
Something for all abilities
Mid-morning break and cuppa Weekly volunteering opportunity every Friday, 9.30am – midday!
