I worked as a Telecommunications Engineer for over 40 years but always had an interest in the natural world and conservation. When I retired in 2013 Suffolk Wildlife Trust had just taken over the management of Gunton Warren and as it was only 5 minutes walk from my home I volunteered straightaway. After 12 months a new Work Party Leader was needed and I was happy to take on the role.
National volunteer week - John Knight's story
By Steve Aylward
This week is Volunteers’ Week and, over the course of the week, we are going to be celebrating the fantastic difference our volunteers make for wildlife in Suffolk. In the past year, over 1,360 volunteers have contributed nearly 68,300 hours of volunteering time. THANK YOU for your time, knowledge, skills, experience, energy and enthusiasm. We couldn’t achieve a fraction of what we do without you.
Gunton Warren - Steve Aylward
I have had the opportunity to take part in various training course eg. First Aid, brushcutting and herbicide spraying and these courses have allowed me to meet other volunteers and people from the external workplace. I have been doing the reptile survey for the site for 5 years but it was not until 2019 that I finally spotted adders basking in the sunshine, along with the more easily spotted common lizard.
I have become good friends with the other volunteers that I have met, from different walks of life and with different career backgrounds, and we have enjoyed social nights out as well as SWT getogethers.
John Knights - Gunton Warren volunteer
Lots of other opportunities have arisen: helping at Carlton and Oulton Marshes with water vole mitigation, fen raft spider identification and vegetation control. I was also involved with an arts project at Gunton Warren. I have enjoyed everything connected with volunteering for Suffolk Wildlife Trust and hope to continue for many years to come.
Water voile - Terry Whittaker
John Knights