“Nature needs all kinds of people”

Jesse Von Schreiber is one of our longstanding volunteers at Wyming Brook. He’s rarely seen without his trademark hard hat, ear defenders and pruning saw.

Here are three things he says he’s learned since joining us:

1. Nature needs all kinds of people

“Despite being autistic and having health conditions which restrict my ability to work, volunteering has shown me that I can still do a lot to help the local environment, wildlife and the planet. From my first day, I told the Trust about my needs and they were really accepting, supportive and accommodating. That gave me the confidence to keep coming back, improve my conservation skills and realise that there’s a place for everyone in protecting nature.”

2. People will go the extra mile for wildlife

“One of the biggest things volunteering has taught me is how many people genuinely care about the environment and want to make a difference. Even in horrendous weather, people still turn up ready to work hard for wildlife and help look after the reserves. It’s really motivating being around so many like-minded people who care about protecting nature, and it reminds you that conservation is something people from all backgrounds can be part of.”

3. Small practical jobs can make a huge difference

“I’ve learned so much about wildlife since I started, especially about ground nesting birds like nightjars and curlews, and how important habitats like heathland are for them. A lot of conservation work is practical things that visitors might not even notice, like building dead hedges to protect nesting birds, improving access paths or repairing bridges. Seeing how those jobs help protect wildlife and keep the site safe has made me realise how important every part of reserve management is.”