Tuesday Hit Squad at Malling Down nature reserve

Julia Hoare

Volunteer Coordinator 

It was really good to visit the Tuesday Hit Squad volunteers at Malling Down recently. They joined Site Manager (East) Mark Monk-Terry and Ranger Rosie Hutchings, plus Leysdown Trainee Rangers Abi Haidemenos and Pip Newby, to fix gates and repair fencing ready for the imminent arrival of some of our livestock.

The work was fairly tough, with the fence-line clearance as well as removal of old and installation of new posts. Anyone who has used a Drivall on a chalk slope knows that it is a genuine ‘green gym’ experience!

It was wonderful to see first-hand the relaxed, friendly and sometimes assertive style that Mark and Rosie used to train, pace, gel and motivate the different characters in the group.

There were breaks for refreshments, including doughnuts, and for exciting nature sightings such as the Spotted and Pyramid Orchids and group of soaring Buzzards. 

One of the volunteers who has moved to us recently from another Wildlife Trust said that he notices and really appreciates the way in which our Rangers link tasks to the environmental benefits for wildlife.

Between them, the group has clocked up well over 60 years of dedicated volunteer service and, this generated many nostalgic and amusing tales. However, there was a genuine sense of teamwork with the newer members of the group, who said they quickly felt a sense of belonging.

This quote from volunteer Zhen- Khun Wang, who first joined us last autumn, provides a wonderful insight to her experiences:

‘Both Mark and Rosie have shown me how to handle the tools if I didn’t know (even I thought I knew how to use it, they showed me the correct way). They are kind and generous with sharing their knowledge with me. I have met amazing, dedicated and skilful volunteers. I am delighted to be a volunteer working with the Sussex Wildlife Trust.’