Organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, British Trust for Countryside Volunteers (BTCV) and the National Trust have lots of ways of getting involved, whether it's right on your doorstep or further afield.
Over ten million people volunteer each week, but there's always plenty of demand for more. The 1997 National Survey of Volunteering revealed some of the following facts:
'Six out of ten volunteers said volunteering gave them an opportunity to learn new skills.' Whether it's practical skills or the chance to get a more formal environmental qualification, volunteering can reap big rewards.
'Ninety percent of the population agrees that a society with volunteers shows it is a caring society.'
'Eight out of ten people feel that volunteering offers them something different than what the state or regular employment can provide.'
'The economic value of Volunteering work has been estimated at over £40 billion a year.'
In addition, when you volunteer you'll get the chance to meet new people and have a lot of fun. With South West Wales boasting some of the most spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife in the UK, you'll also be able to get up close to nature in a way that an indoor job just can't match.
