Twenty Years of Learning, Conservation and Community
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re taking the opportunity to thank the incredible people who give their time, skills and enthusiasm to support Earth Trust.
From helping visitors discover nature and maintaining habitats, to supporting events, education programmes and conservation projects, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their contribution helps us care for green spaces, connect people with nature and create opportunities for communities to learn, explore and thrive.
This year, we’re especially proud to celebrate one volunteer, Peter Mobbs, who has reached a remarkable milestone: 20 years of volunteering with Earth Trust. To honour Peter’s extraordinary dedication, we have dedicated an elm tree in his name – a lasting tribute to his commitment to Earth Trust and a fitting way to celebrate the contribution he has made to our landscapes, wildlife and community over the past two decades.
When asked to reflect on two decades of service, Peter’s first response was simple:
“Really, is it that long? The time has flown by.”
His journey began while he was still working as a teacher, volunteering as a weekend warden at Castle Meadows. After more than 30 years in education, he took early retirement with a hope familiar to many people, to spend more time outdoors.
That decision led him to what was then the Northmoor Trust, where he joined Green Gym sessions and the Friday volunteer group. Twenty years later, he’s still an active member of the Earth Trust volunteer community.
Throughout his volunteering journey, learning has remained a constant theme.
“The idea of lifelong learning has always seemed important to me, and I have learnt a great deal during my time with Earth Trust.”
From hedge laying and scything courses to wildlife monitoring projects, volunteering has provided countless opportunities to develop new skills and gain hands-on experience. Some of his most memorable experiences came through forestry research projects, working alongside Earth Trust colleagues to investigate environmental impacts.
“I learnt a great deal about forestry research techniques, particularly concerning ash, climate change and ash dieback.”
The experience gave him a much greater appreciation of trees, especially ash, which remains one of his favourite species.
Of course, volunteering isn’t only about the work itself. For many people, it’s also about friendship, connection and belonging. Retirement can sometimes mean losing the regular contact and shared purpose that comes with working life. For Peter, Earth Trust helped fill that gap.
“The companionship offered by work groups such as Friday Group is a worthy replacement.”
Across Earth Trust, volunteers regularly tell us that the friendships they build are just as valuable as the skills they learn. Whether working together on conservation projects, helping at events or sharing a tea break after a morning’s work, volunteering creates meaningful connections between people from all walks of life.
There have been plenty of memorable wildlife encounters along the way too. The flash of a kingfisher along the river below Castle Meadows remains a favourite sight, while some experiences have been less welcome.
“There’s a particularly nasty beast that gets everywhere and bites relentlessly whenever we work on Castle Hill!”
When asked what work has been most rewarding, he points to some of the practical conservation activities.
“Woodland management tasks such as coppicing and hedge laying have been both enjoyable and rewarding. There’s also a very obvious outcome.”
Those visible results can be seen across our landscapes today, where volunteers continue to play an important role in caring for habitats and helping nature flourish.
Reflecting on his 20 years with Earth Trust, he highlights the benefits volunteering has brought to his own life as well.
“Working with a great group of people on various projects has been great for my physical and mental wellbeing. Learning new skills in retirement, in a totally different environment from my time in full-time work, has been enjoyable and stimulating.”
His story captures so much of what volunteering at Earth Trust is about: learning, friendship, purpose, wellbeing and making a lasting difference for nature and people.
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’d like to thank not only him for his extraordinary 20 years of dedication, but every volunteer who gives their time to support Earth Trust. Together, you help make our work possible.
Here’s to many more years of working together!