According to a national survey on the volunteer experience[1] over half (53%) of volunteers reported that volunteering benefited their physical health, and three-quarters (77%) reported improvements to their mental health and wellbeing.
These figures come as no surprise to members of the Waseley Hills volunteer group which meets every Wednesday to work alongside site staff on a wide variety of site management tasks throughout the year, from hedge laying to step installation and everything in between.
Bob Hanson who has been volunteering on the site for 16 years said:
“I look forward to my volunteer day and would recommend others consider becoming a volunteer. I enjoy working outside, and it feels good to complete a project and see the difference you have made to the park”.
Alan Brown another long serving volunteer said:
“I volunteer at Waseley Hills for the good company, fresh air, learning new skills and the satisfaction of putting something back into the community. It’s better than daytime television”.
Members frequently report that they enjoy the friendly, welcoming atmosphere, the companionship, and having an opportunity to learn new skills and be active outdoors surrounded by nature on a regular basis.
These days it is widely accepted that taking part in nature-based activities can significantly improve both physical and mental wellbeing, by reducing depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as positively impacting on conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Instinctively, we have probably always known this to be true, as the events of 2020 highlighted when our countryside sites became a beacon of respite as the Covid-19 pandemic tightened its grip. Waseley Hills Country Park, saw an unprecedented numbers of visitors as the year progressed; many were new visitors, living locally, discovering the park for the very first time.
It is easy to see why the country park has become so popular with so many. The site has two way-marked circular routes, open access to the countryside and connects seamlessly to the wider public rights of way network. This network of paths and trails, in conjunction with site facilities such as the playground, picnic area and café, naturally encourages and incentivises visitors to use the site to meet their health and wellbeing needs, whatever they may be. A large proportion of the regular visitors are dog walkers, who enjoy both the social and physical benefits of walking with their dogs on the Waseley Hills. The site is also well used by bird watchers, families, school, walking and trail running groups.
Waseley Hills Country Park lies on the southwestern edge of Birmingham near Rubery, covering 150 acres of pasture and woodland. It’s picturesque grasslands and valleys, has always drawn visitors from all over Worcestershire and beyond, who come to the site to enjoy recreational activities, it’s wildlife and unrivalled 360-degree views over the surrounding counties, which never fail to lift the spirits.
To find out more about Waseley Hills Country Park and the volunteer group, please visit the Worcestershire County Council website: Waseley Hills Country Park | Worcestershire County Council
[1] TIME WELL SPENT: A NATIONAL SURVEY ON THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE, Amy McGarvey, Véronique Jochum, John Davies, Joy Dobbs, Lisa Hornung Published: 01 January 2019