For forty years, they’ve been dedicated custodians of the precious South Downs landscape.
And now, as the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service marks its 40th anniversary, a poignant film has been produced to showcase the amazing breadth of volunteering in the National Park.
From coppicing, wildlife surveys, laying hedges to public engagement, the Volunteer Rangers are one of the cornerstones of conserving the special qualities of the South Downs.
And from humble beginnings in 1981, coming into being three decades before the National Park was created in 2010, the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service has grown to around 300 volunteers today.
The touching film has been released to coincide with International Volunteer Day on Sunday (5 December).
Ron Wilder, a former RAF Wing Commander from Petersfield, has dedicated many years of his retirement to the Volunteer Ranger Service and said his proudest moment has been helping to re-introduce water voles to the River Meon in Hampshire.
He said: “Some of the motivation I’ve felt being a volunteer ranger is seeing the difference we really do make out in the landscape.
“Water voles were missing from this habitat because of mink which decimated the population that we had here.
“By controlling the mink and creating the right habitat by doing a lot of work on the river and its banks, we’ve been able to re-introduce water voles. Seeing evidence of them four or five generations on from the ones we originally re-introduced is a very satisfying moment.
We’ve also seen an increase in other wildlife because the water vole helps support the overall balance of biodiversity.
“It’s also allowed whole villages and landowners to get involved with the project and an increased sense of the community supporting the biodiversity in the river valley.”
Keen wildlife photographer Roger Kiernan, from Eastbourne, said: “Most people don’t realise that they don’t need to go to Africa on safari. There’s a whole safari under their feet and in the bush alongside them! I take great pleasure in bringing the biodiversity to people’s eye level so they can really understand what insects are like. If you see something and appreciate it, you’re more likely to care for it.
“The work we do as volunteers really does increase the chances of insects flourishing. We clear areas, letting sunlight in and encourage lots of different insects and butterflies into our wonderful chalk grassland.”
Steve Brookman, Chair of the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service, said: “Being able to celebrate forty years shows the level of commitment given by volunteers in the National Park, This is a great film, really inspiring, forward looking and inclusive. I am very proud to be chairing the VRS Committee and look forward to supporting the National Park into the future.”
The video can be seen at https://youtu.be/mSbotaPY9pA
There are also many other organisations involving volunteers in the conservation of the South Downs. Together they form the SDNP Volunteering Network and contribute a staggering 91,000 days of volunteer activity each year to protecting and enhancing the area’s unique landscape, precious wildlife and heritage as well as engaging people with this special place. For more information visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/volunteering/