Volunteers reminisce, part 1. The joy of Ebernoe

In the first of a series of three blogs about volunteering for the Trust to celebrate Volunteer Week, we hear from retiring volunteer, Mary Travers, about her 'magic place', Ebernoe Common. Huge thanks to Mary for all her incredible volunteering work for the Trust for over 40 years. 

The joy of Ebernoe (or hanging up the loppers)

Ebernoe Common came into my life over 40 years ago. Alf Simpson (Volunteer Reserve Manager, or VRM, at the time) and wife Iris came to our Rambling Club to give a talk about the 'new' reserve, and we went for a visit. Ebernoe conservation days became part of our walks programme, Alf and Ebernoe gained a small group of faithful supporters, and the conservation "family" became an important part of my life.

There is an unidentifiable magic about Ebernoe. What it is I cannot say. The history and familiarity makes me feel safe. Even after all these years I can get lost. In autumn, the familiar paths are covered in leaves, the old landmark has decayed down, a new glade has been opened up. But if you keep walking, eventually you find something you recognise. 

Then there are the other wonderful volunteers. Someone always seems to have that extra knowledge to share, whether it be fungi, lichens, mosses, flowers, birds, bats etc.

I am grateful to Colin Booty, the current VRM, for kindly finding me jobs to do that have been within my powers. Above all, the laughter and sheer joy of being out and knowing that however little you achieve, it is appreciated.

My most precious moments have been when I've been there on my own, at first light in May, sharing the meadow with a Barn Owl silently patrolling the hedgerows as early mist rises, or silently coming across a Deer and her new-born fawn. Just standing watching her nurture it. She had no idea I was there, and when she slowly moved away with her wobble-legged offspring, I found I was moved to tears.

I have also enjoyed seeing young people join the team, mostly while they do their Duke of Edinburgh awards, or projects for university. I enjoy their enthusiasm and knowing they will likely be ambassadors for the environment in later life. 

I miss being part of the team, but hope still to visit, and walk and sit and be peaceful, just breath in the clean air, the history and the peace, and come away refreshed by the magic of my special place.

Our volunteers are incredible and we cannot do all the work in Sussex that we do to support wildlife without them. Find out more about how to volunteer with us here.