Wildlife charity volunteers in Weymouth have been celebrated for a role described as ‘the best type of therapy.’

The RSPB hosted a special Volunteer Thank You and Awards Event to celebrate the 'wonderful work' of their volunteers.

Len Watling from Weymouth received an award for his 15 years’ service as a volunteer for the RSPB.

He said: “It’s good for my head and my heart.”

This was a view shared by many of the volunteers present at the ceremony.

In his free time, he also volunteers for a number of other wildlife charities and trusts around the Weymouth and Portland area.

Len who volunteers alongside his wife Jean added: “I have lived in Weymouth for about 18-years and I was lucky that I retired when I was 48.”

The ceremony itself was a cosy event set up in the Radipole Lake Visitor Centre and winners were awarded a certificate and swift pin badge.

During the event, organisers stressed how ‘vital’ these volunteers were for the charity and expressed how they needed more people to apply.

There are a wide range of volunteer positions available from engaging with visitors, to cutting reeds and helping out in the coffee shop.

Weymouth is fortunate enough to have two RSPB reserves; the Radipole Lake Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of the town centre and the Lodmoor Nature Reserve, off Preston Road.

Lesley Gorman, Visitor Operations Manager at RSPB Dorset said: “We need more volunteers, any age is welcome to come in on any day.”

She explained that volunteers should have a passion for nature and like being around other people and families can even volunteer altogether.

Other winners included Neil Bowler who was celebrating five years at the RSPB, and Stephen Hales who was the longest serving  volunteer at the ceremony, celebrating 20 years.

Stephen described volunteering at the RSPB and getting to spend so much time outside as ‘the best type of therapy.’

Neil added: “It’s super to have two RSPB reserves within a walking distance – it’s a wonderful place.”

Lesley Gorman added: “Volunteers at RSPB Radipole are fundamental to our work to create a nature-rich landscape here in Weymouth.

“Volunteer opportunities at the reserve are diverse and vary from one-off activities to weekly contributions. From looking after the reedbed, on-site repairs, and path installation, to engaging with our visitors, including the local community and school visits our volunteers are essential to RSPB Radipole existing as a place for wildlife to live and thrive and for the people of Weymouth to enjoy, right here on their doorstep.

“We are so grateful for the time and expertise they bring to the team. Without growing our volunteer team the reserve can’t operate as it does now.”

To find out more about the RSPB and to apply to be a volunteer visit: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/radipole-lake/