This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time to support stronger, more connected communities. This spotlight is on a volunteer from Welcome To Our Woods, a community-led organisation working towards climate-positive, sustainable futures through caring for and restoring local landscapes in the Rhondda Valleys. This Volunteers’ Week, we’re proud to recognise those helping shape a greener, more sustainable future for our valleys.

Read the full story below to hear more about their experience.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 21 years old, born in Wales, went to school in England, then returned to Wales to study level 1 IT at college and have stayed here since.

How did you get involved?

I found Welcome To Our Woods at the Treorchy job centre event; I was fascinated and wanted to join. 

What difference has volunteering made to you? 

It’s definitely helped my confidence. When I first came, I knew nothing about wildlife. Now I’m here and I’m doing all the work I’m asked to do because I have gained the knowledge and skills. 

What difference has volunteering made to your organisation?

“Bailey will take on any task; he loves to help and has become someone we can always count on for good, honest work in any subject and in good quantity. Bailey is dedicated to attending On Track as often as he can and he will do any task that needs to be done.” – Louise Phillips, Office Manager at Welcome to our Woods.
 
“I am proud of the work and effort Bailey puts into our volunteering sessions. Without fail, he attends every week and will try his best to attend other sessions too. He is happy to complete any task and learn new skills from litter picking to dealing with windblown trees or digging holes for benches” -Gwynfor Jones, On Track Volunteer Activities Lead.

What would you say to encourage others to volunteer?

The community needs volunteers to help with everything. Volunteering here can help you learn how to work with your hands and look after the local area.

What 3 words would you use to describe volunteering: 

Fun, exciting and entertaining!