Anne Mack's story

Until recently, I always completed this work in my own time and will continue to do so because it is something I am passionate about. However, having access to the additional two volunteering days has made a real difference.

Hay meadow surveys can only be carried out during a relatively short window each year, when the flowers are in bloom and before the meadows are cut. The volunteering days have given me valuable flexibility to balance my work and volunteering commitments, allowing me to take part when surveys are most needed. They have also enabled me to work alongside and support other volunteers, helping to mentor those who are new to surveying and share the knowledge and experience I have developed over the years.

The surveys provide important information about the health of our habitats. We record plant species and their abundance to establish a baseline for sites at the start of a restoration project, or to monitor changes over time and assess whether management interventions are successfully increasing biodiversity and creating more diverse plant communities.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to support local conservation efforts while developing your own skills and meeting like-minded people. This year, I was honoured to receive the Gold Badger Paw Award in recognition of my dedication and commitment to Cumbria's wildlife. The volunteering days provided through the programme are helping me continue to make a meaningful contribution, and I would encourage anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. You never know where it might lead!