Volunteers...

Volunteers....

... are fantastic!!!

The Polzeath Marine Conservation Group is run by passionate folk who volunteer not only their time, but also their skills, talents, ideas, interest, passion, and wonder. We come from all walks of life, and each of us has a story of how we came to be a PMCG volunteer.

The below is not a definitive list, but I wanted to give examples of the different things our volunteers do within the group;

- acting as committee members - secretary, treasurer, chair, vice chair...

- man the Marine Centre,

- helping the planning of our annual Marine Discovery Day,

- planning, running, and, supporting those running events,

- produce our newsletter,

- dealing with paperwork, writing reports, completing risk assessments,

- managing our Facebook page and website,

- processing all of the emails we get,

- designing our events programme leaflet,

- write articles for local magazines/papers about the work we do,

- organising fund raising events,

- co-ordinating publicity,

- taking part in essential survey work and writing reports of the data,

- beach cleaning,

- helping run seashore safaris for local schools,

- designing posters for events,

- forging links with local businesses and community groups,

- attending and organising volunteer training events.......

If you are thinking of becoming a volunteer, and want more information, please feel free to email us at polzeathmc@gmail.com and one of us will get back to you. If you would like to speak to someone, include your phone number in the email and we’ll get back to you asap!

Read the profiles below to find out why our volunteers think you should join us...

Vickie

Favourite rock pool creature: hermit crab

Favourite part of Polzeath: the rockpools, always!

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: Getting out and meeting people (especially youngsters) while educating and contribution to the preservation of our marine coast is uplifting and can instantly make you feel good.

What I do within the group: Chair the group, lead rockpool rambles, plan events and all the other bits in-between.

Hugh

Favourite rock pool creature: spiny starfish

Favourite part of Polzeath: marine painting gallery

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: Because no matter your walk of life or how much you know, you will always be learning something

What I do within the group: Committee member, avid events volunteer and general handyman

Kathy

Favourite rock pool creature: stalked jellyfish

Favourite part of Polzeath: Baby Bay at low tide

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: get to meet amazing people and tell them about the many interesting places around Polzeath.

What to I do within the group: look after the membership, help with art and craft events and rock pool rambles, man the centre and help with fundraising

Dis

Favourite rock pool creature: Crabs, I love their complex structure and their ability to feed and survive whilst being incredibly beautiful/fearsome

Favourite part of Polzeath: the beach and sea, especially out of the main summer season. The sea is forever changing whilst being a great playground.

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: Volunteers are always required to help educate others, school children, holiday makers both young and old. My favourite feeling is when someone says on a rock pool ramble " I never knew that". Different volunteers bring different skills and knowledge to the group.

What to I do within the group: My role in the group is varied, I try to share my knowledge and enthusiasm whilst helping others wherever and whenever required.

Jules

Favourite rock pool creature: anemones

Favourite part of Polzeath: rockpools

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: a chance to learn and see loads of marine life, and get to help visitors identify things they find

What to I do within the group: manning the marine centre, events support

Velvet Swimming Crab (c) Paul Naylor (1)

Jan

Favourite rock pool creature: velvet swimming crab (photo Paul Naylor)

Favourite part of Polzeath: the beach at low tide and the rockpools

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: a chance to meet lots of nice people and you will learn a lot about the environment and its habitats and micro habitats and while placed somewhere beautiful

What to I do within the group: manning the marine centre, events support

Sarah

Favourite rock pool creature: There are so many amazing rockpool creatures, I can’t chose just one!

Favourite part of Polzeath: The rockpools.

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: to help look after such a special area, to learn and to teach others, and to meet so many great people.

What I do within the group: events, surveys, admin........

(Limpet photo by Sarah Stevens)

Laura W

Favourite rock pool creature: hermit crab

Favourite part of Polzeath: The sea and low tide near Cowrie Bay

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: As its an awesome group of people caring for their marine environment.

What I do within the group: Man the hut, create sculptures and organise a couple of events.

Di

Favourite rock pool creature: those adorable little hermit crabs (photo by Jane Pickles)

Favourite part of Polzeath: The smooth sand of the main beach at water’s edge, low tide, winter sunset.

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: It is so thrilling learning about our sea creatures, and spreading the excitement to others. Also, there’s a real sense of reward that one is helping to look after our beautiful natural surroundings. And the icing on the cake is the super group of friends to work with!

What I do within the group: Man the Marine Centre, assist with Rock Pool Rambles and Arty Crafty Events, and write articles for Link Magazine about the Marine Centre!

Laura T

Favourite rock pool creature: snakelocks anemone

Favourite part of Polzeath: the rockpools on a sunny day, the marine centre on a rainy day

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: As a student/ summer beach ranger, volunteering has taught me so much about the marine life on our front doorstep. It is a great to develop my knowledge and talk to people about what they might find. Volunteering has also allowed me to make some amazing friends and explore our beautiful beaches!

What I do within the group: Summer beach ranger, manning the centre, doing events and talking non-stop!

Haley

Favourite rock pool creature: chiton (photo by Jane Pickles)

Favourite part of Polzeath: ‘stinky bay’ when knee deep in sea weed.

Why should someone volunteer with the PMCG: because you will learn about creatures you never imagined could exist, and co-exist... also the new friends you can make, and the new skills you can learn!!!

What I do within the group: manage website, plan/run events, general admin..