I’ve been volunteering with Chiltern Rangers since I retired, which was about 13 years ago now. I retired in June, went into the library in Wycombe, and picked up this little booklet about walks around the area. Right at the back there was a section about Chiltern Rangers.
I had no particular interest in nature or conservation before that, but I thought I’d give it a try. From the very first time, I got hooked — and I’ve been with them ever since.
Before Chiltern Rangers, I volunteered in a few different ways. I used to help with Wycombe Homeless Connection in the night shelter. I did that for three or four years, right up until Covid, and then, like everything else, it all fell apart. I’ve been involved in church volunteering too, moving between different churches over the years, always finding some way to give my time.
Every August I also help with Lighthouse Children’s at Hazlemere. I’ve been doing that for about ten years. It’s a Christian children’s group and a busy, energetic week, but I enjoy it.
Chiltern Rangers, though, is my steady thing. It’s my workout, really. You’re outdoors, active, moving about, and at the same time you get to talk to people. That combination of exercise and companionship is what’s kept me coming back for more than a decade. You feel as if you’re accomplishing something too. You can look back at a hedge you’ve laid or a patch you’ve cleared and think, “Yes, I did that.”
It isn’t about trying to show I’m doing good for the community, though of course it helps the community. For me, it’s more about how it makes me feel. You just feel better when you’ve been out working, chatting with people, and finishing a job together. That sense of achievement is important.
Some of my strongest memories are from working in the snow or pouring rain. Those are the days when everyone pulls together even more. There’s a real camaraderie in that — you’re all soaked through, but you’re laughing and keeping each other going.
The challenges for me now are physical. It’s harder than when I first started, simply because of age, but I still carry on because the benefits are worth it. Volunteering keeps me active, gives me purpose, and connects me with other people.
If someone told me they were thinking about volunteering, I’d ask them why. Is it just something to pass the time, or is it something they’re ready to commit to? Because you do have to commit a bit. For me, though, it doesn’t feel like a burden — it’s enjoyment. That’s why I keep turning up.
After thirteen years, I still look forward to it. Chiltern Rangers gave me something I never expected — exercise, companionship, and a real sense of purpose. I may not have started with an interest in nature, but I found something that’s become a big part of my life.
