Meet the Tree Nursery Volunteers
Colin | Andy | Arran | Bill | Markéta |James | Robert | Joe | Vladimir | Jenna | Mick | Jane & Susi | David | Elric | Honza
COLIN SIMPSON - Bangor, County Down
1991 to present day - Tree Nursery
My name is Colin. I am the longest serving volunteer in the tree nursery. I arrived on a nice warm sunny summer's day in 1991 to do a few days work. I have been here ever since.
For most of my working life I was a self employed businessman with my own retail business in the town nearby. Due to health reasons I was advised to give up work and sell my business, which I very reluctantly did. To this day I still miss it. But, if I had not done so, I would never have ended up here in the nursery working as a volunteer with all the other very friendly volunteers from all over the world. I have probably seen more people come and go in the nursery over the years than most people ever will. Every one of them a star in their own way.
When I first came to the nursery it was for a few days work. It involved a bit of weeding and pruning. Nothing serious, but very essential for the benefit of the trees that were growing in their thousands. Over the years I have picked up many skills and tips from people like Pascal, one of the most laid back bosses/managers I have ever come across, and Andy, another young man that came as a volunteer and ended up staying as a paid member of staff. With my own experiences of life and work ethics that I had picked up along the way I have been able to lend my knowledge to the nursery as it has to me. I have been involved in almost every aspect of tree production in here from preparing the beds, collecting the seeds, preparing the seeds and sowing the seeds to watching the trees grow and maintaining the beds. Apart from that there is also the maintenance of the nursery itself which tends to happen during the summer months. That can involve many skills from joinery to brickwork, building to fitting out, and general repairs to the existing buildings. There is also the chance to use ones imagination and come up with a solution to a problem that has arisen in the nursery. I am happy to see many of my 'Inventions' being put to use during the course of the year.
As for the people. What can I say. I have had the chance to meet people from all over the world - something that I could never have done elsewhere. In the years that I have been in the nursery I think that I could safely say that there have been some moments that I could count as being amongst the best experiences in my lifetime. For anyone who is interested in environmental work in a friendly atmosphere, then the Tree Nursery is the place to be. There are also some great lunchtime and teatime debates/ discussions. All in the best possible taste of course!
ANDY SMITH - Stockport, England
January 1997 to October 1998 - Tree Nursery
I planned to stay for a year! But I'm still here seven years later...! Fortunately for me, I'm one of the lucky ones who is now paid to do something I love. However, without the opportunity of volunteering for a year or two first, I wouldn't be in the job that I am in now. The Tree Nursery is a special place, full of special people and doing a very special job - growing native trees to help in some small part to improve the tree cover in Northern Ireland. Once here, it's difficult to leave! Read more of Andy's story here
ARRAN TOWERS - London, England
January to September 1999 - Tree Nursery
A poem by Arran...
'Volunteer in Northern Ireland'
If you like sand dunes and salty air
Quaint little villages here and there
If you like Sea Buckthorn in your hair
Volunteer in Northern Ireland, without a care
Eating and drinking, till theres no room to spare
Having trouble sleeping is extremly rare
If you like Sea Buckthorn stuck in your derriere
Volunteer in Northern Ireland, without a care
Working on holiday may not seem fair
Dirty and physical,' tis many folks' nightmare
But it's a different perspective
An experience to share
The sence of satisfaction
Makes the scratches easy to bear
So if you like sand dunes and salty air
Volunteer in Northern Ireland, I will see you there!
BILL GODSAFE - Essex, England
March to September 2000 - Tree Nursery
I started volunteering at the tree nursery in March 2000. Before this I’d been interested in conservation for a long time and had already spent several years volunteering with BTCV in England. Like many people who volunteer in their spare time I had wanted for some time to work in the conservation sector but couldn’t see a way in, as I had no academic qualifications. At the beginning of 2000, after a difficult year in my employment, I decided to ‘go for it’ and applied to enrol on a countryside management degree course. The course was due to begin in September and six months at the tree nursery seemed like an ideal way to spend my time while I was waiting for college to start.
All I can say is that I made the right decision. My memories are of an exceptionally warm and sunny summer (always a bonus in Northern Ireland) and of living and working with interesting and friendly people from many countries. There are some less pleasant memories, such as weeding what seemed like acres of seed bed with a small craft knife, but these are minor compared to the experience of working in a walled garden set in the beautiful Clandeboye Estate, of travelling around the country and seeing what I think is some of the best unspoilt countryside in western Europe while out seed collecting and of living in Belfast, a vibrant city that has been transformed in recent years.
I also learnt a lot about native trees and how to grow them and had an opportunity to carry out conservation projects in other parts of Northern Ireland. By the time I had to leave I really didn’t want to return to my native Essex, which seems crowded and noisy in comparison.
Many of the things I learnt at the tree nursery helped me in my college course and have continued to help me in my new career. I now work as a countryside ranger in southern England. And by the way – I enjoyed my time in Northern Ireland so much that I keep going back. The tree nursery has been transformed since I first saw it. There are new poly tunnels and many more trees being grown but the feeling of the place never changes. I’ve returned several times over the past three years either to lead Natural Breaks or to visit the tree nursery and find that Northern Ireland is still one of my favourite places.
MARKÉTA JANOUCHOVÁ - Prague, Czech Republic
May 2001 to present - Tree Nursery
Proč jsem tady? Asi náhodou, chcete-li, nebo náhodou zvanou osud, věříte-li v něj. Asi jsem jako květina - k životu potřebuji slunce, vzduch - možná jsem jako dítě a potřebuji věřit pohádkám s dobrým koncem. Představa, že jsem jako stromová víla, která se stará o svůj strom od semínka a chrání ho, odpovídá mému pojetí dobra a já jsem si vždycky přála toho dobra trochu dělat. Vždycky mě fascinovala síla, která se skrývá v lidském nebo rostlinném semínku... zrození malého človíčka nebo rostliny mi vždycky připadalo jako zázrak. A tak jsem tady, abych té „obrovské touze žít“ napomáhala k realizaci.
Read Markéta in English or read more of her story here
JAMES HEALY - Devon, England
July to December 2001 - Tree Nursery
I grew up within a community based on farming and forestry. Although the surroundings were pleasant, I found working in fields and forests unrewarding. In the presence of machines and people working most days, I never questioned how the land was being managed, how the machines were being powered, or the morality of many people working hard to receive relatively little. Volunteering at the nursery triggered me to focus on these global issues. Work at the nursery has been inspired by the dream of restoring the native woodlands of Northern Ireland. Under the influence of that ambition, came the awareness of redundancy within my life. Thus, I felt compelled to complete the various tasks. Collecting seed from some of Northern Ireland's woodlands. Preparing and weeding seedbeds. Digging up young trees, and helping with the construction of general improvements of the nursery.
It was common for volunteers to sit and chat for long periods, but the opportunity was there for determined manual labourers to exhaust themselves. Supervisors at the nursery were relaxed and uncritical. Identifying that nature is easy to lead, but hard to drive. They were a delight to work with. One cannot meet such characters everywhere.
Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland supplied accommodation within Belfast (12 miles west of the nursery), and a bus service to and from the nursery. I shared the lodgings with volunteers from the UK, Germany, Spain, USA, Philippines, Taiwan, and Australia. Football was a regular option. Occasional Sunday excursions to attractive regions of the countryside were also organised.
As I met people who were not working to fund the purchase of exorbitant materials, but to increase the biodiversity of the world, I understood my passion for trees. It was not for their futile value in cash, but for their ability to support life within a lasting habitat. By increasing the tree coverage, it may be possible to complete Northern Ireland's dynamic temperate woodland ecosystems, so that they may even be able to contain top predators such as wolves, bears, and birds of prey.
ROBERT JÄCKLE - Munich, Germany
August to December 2002 - Tree Nursery
Hey, my name is Robert and I worked in the Tree Nursery for four months. If YOU are on this page to learn more about what volunteering in Bangor/Belfast is like I will give you some hints. YOU definitely shouldn't volunteer if you don't like:
- working together with people who have been called "the mad men of the trees"
- seeing picturesque places all over Northern Ireland
- people laughing and picking on you during tea or lunch breaks
- chatting or hearing a lot of gossip instead of digging heavy soil
- lying in the sun like a lizard on very hard benches
- sharing a homely house with interesting people from all over the world
- discussions with the head of the volunteer house about who is going to prepare dinner and who is going to prepare dessert
And at last but probably most important: YOU should not even think about spending a single minute at the Tree Nursery if you can't afford buying tons of biscuits. I am completely serious when I claim that no other place in the world is as crowded with cookie monsters as the tea room at Clandeboye.
JOE BRICKLEY - Bristol, England
November 2002 to May 2003 - Tree Nursery
I volunteered at the Tree Nursery for six months over the winter period 2002 to 2003. I found Clandeboye almost by accident. My girlfriend and I had decided to spend six months over in Northern Ireland - she had been offered a job and we both like travelling and new experiences. It was a bit last minute and once we had found somewhere to live, and explored some of Northern Ireland, it was time to decide what to do with myself.
I had always hoped to do some environmental voluntary work after graduating. I had found paid employment in this sector difficult to find without lots of practical experience, but the timing had never been right. I was now free and willing to work, and a quick search on the internet threw up the Conservation Volunteers tree nursery.
I am so glad that I went down to visit. Only a few miles from Belfast, yet one of the most tranquil sites I have ever worked. Surrounded by woodland, working in the walled garden was always a pleasure, because even when thousands of trees lie before you waiting to be dug up, there was beautiful scenery, stimulating conversation, and plenty of teabreaks! It was a beautiful place to watch the seasons change. Under the guidance of Andy and Pascal, there was plenty to do, and using some initiative, enough variety to be useful without digging or weeding all day long.
I started in November and so only went seed collecting once or twice. This was to collect holly and the last of the hawthorn. I wish I had been able to stay longer so I could have took part in more seed collecting. As part of the Trees of Our Future project, I learnt lots about both individual tree species and about the importance to our woodlands (in England as well as Ireland) of using local provenance stock. Bringing in lots of native species from Europe disrupts the genetic structure of our woodlands that over generations have become adjusted to our local environment (or does it really? Thats a question we can enjoy debating!). I learnt lots about general horticulture which is coming useful now I have cleared my allotment of scrub! Back in England I have lots of oak trees I saved from the compost heap in the nursery, the ill and wounded ones, but they are happily growing in my allotment. Not exactly local provenance I know! One sits proudly in my living room, strangely defying the seasons, reminding me of the nursery.
During my time at Clandeboye, in addition to learning skills in silviculture/horticulture I went on courses on woodland management, environmental awareness, drystone walling, woodland birds and gained a NPTC chainsaw certificate. I also met an interesting mix of people from both the local community and across Europe, and writing this I realized its about time I got it together to come back over for a visit. Volunteering at the tree nursery was a very relaxed and entertaining environment, and it's fuelled my interest in sustainable woodland mangement and conservation. I've recently been accepted on a MSc in Environmental Management and I'm starting a volunteer placement with the Avon Wildlife Trust soon.
VLADIMIR ILIEV - Gabrovo, Bulgaria
October 2002 to June 2004 - Tree Nursery
The Tree Nursery - Откъде идва магията на това място? Въпреки че мина повече от година откакто дойдох тук все още нямам отговор!
Дали защото имението е като от приказките или заради природозащитната дейност?
Дали заради естеството на работата или с кого я работим?
Аз срещнах и изпратих толкова много добровоци от цял свят и както те
пишат - tree nursery им липсва, дори дървената пейка до стената липсва
на
един от тях.Забелязвах дори сълзи в очите им когато си тръгваха - и ми
беше трудно да си ги обясня.
След няколко месеца и аз ще трябва да си тръгна и ако сам разбрал нещо то е откъде идват сълзите.
JENNA POOLE - England
September 2003 to August 2004 - Tree Nursery
As a student of environmental science, part of my degree course is to do a year's work placement. After applying to many (and for a long time hearing from none), I received 5 offers at once. Working here was my first choice. The description of the tree nursery set in an old walled garden hidden away in the largest broadleaved woodland in Northern Ireland sounded perfect.
My work here allows me to work outside in the (relatively) fresh air; reinforce my basic ecology knowledge; meet new, varied (and definitely unique) people; and gain practical experience for my intended future career. At the same time, knowing I'm helping with the mammoth task of restoring Northern Ireland's tree cover with its own native species.
MICK MACK - Liverpool, England
November 2003 to May 2004 - Tree Nursery
Hello. My name is Mick Mack. Yes, really! I came to the nursery in the middle of November 2003. Well, most of me did. I came to the nursery with the express intention of exchanging knowledge and learning more about the propagation of common tree species. By the time I leave I will indeed have learnt a lot, though to have a thorough understanding of the process involved you would need to be here at least two growing seasons I think. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in the cultivation of trees to give some time to working here, as all the staff are very generous in support of the volunteers. I am especially moved to say, that in all the various voluntary work I’ve done over twenty years, that Andy Smith, who works very closely with volunteers, is nothing short of exemplary in his attitude towards all who enter here. Come and visit soon.
SUSI STILEC - Dresden, Germany & JANE THIELE - Ottstedt am Berge, Germany
August 2004 to February 2005 - Tree Nursery
Geschichten die ein irisches Schafleben schreibt...
Jane: Hey Susi du altes Schaf! Mäh!
Susi: Bild dir mal nichts auf deine jungen Hufe ein - erst mit dem Alter erfährt man die Weisheit über die toxische Zusammensetzung eines Plastiden im Stengel einer Luzula... ähm... Schaficum im Bezug auf das relative Dasein!
Jane: Mhm.. mäh... zuviel kluges Bähschwafel für mein belämmertes Hirn... Habe in meinem kolischen Schafmagen das Gefühl, dass Schafbock Friedhelm ein Auge auf dich geworfen hat. Mäh!
Susi: Friiiieedhelm?? Dieser weichwollige, gutgebaute, herdenleitende...
Jane: ...krummbeinige Hammel - der mir letzte Woche noch das grünste Gras der Weide versprochen hat!
Susi: ...und zuvor der Sieglinde, Hannelore und Kothilde...
[Stille]
Beide: Mähmähnner!!
Susi: Komm lass uns mal sehen, ob das Gras am Ende der Weide im Sonnenschein besser schmeckt.
Jane: Denkst du - das die Sonnenstrahlen schon im Winkel von 23,7° auf die Blattspreiten fallen, so dass die Austauschgase durch die Spaltöffnungen - unter Einfluss der Corioliskraft... Hey!! Lass mir auch noch was übrig!
Friedliche mampfende Stille legt sich wieder über die Weiden Nordirlands...
DAVID POSTIGO - La Estación de El Espinar, Spain
Septmeber 2004 to present - Tree Nursery
This is not just a text. What you are reading are my thoughts. They come from somewhere - I'm not sure where that place is, other than it's somewhere inside my head.
I have been asked to write an article about the tree nursery where I have been working and what it means to me, but I don't know how to write an article! Okay, don't panic! I will think what a journalist thinks. Maybe a good beginning is to try to find a title, some kind of headline.
What about this? "'Tree Nursery's Commandos'. My imagination takes me into a room where brave people, warriors, are preparing themselves for action, wrapped in waterproof clothing. Their best friends are their weapons: shovels and spades hang from the wall and everybody wears belts with scrapers and secateurs. Before starting to dig trenches or to dig up trees, they look at each other, their faces showing no sign of fear. It is not necessary to use face paint for this battle because, anyway, they will be covered with sweat and mud by the end of the day..."
Oh yes! I like the idea. But I shouldn't write this in my article, it could put somebody off.
What about this? "'The Tree Nursery is a Paradise'. I am floating in the air travelling to a place where nice people spend hours picking wildflowers (weeds) while they are sitting down on the ground absorbing the magic from the sun. Sometimes they stop chatting to take a deep breath of fresh air, or to close their eyes to listen to the sounds around them: the breeze shaking the leaves on the trees in the forest that surrounds the tree nursery and a wide range of bird song. Everybody shares the same habitat and the same spirit as the kings of this paradise: the shiny and colourful pheasants.Their senses arise from their hearts like the tiny trees grown from the seeds..."
Oh yes! I like that idea too. But, I won't write this in my article because I also like the other title. Oh dear! What a dilemma! I have to make up my mind and I choose both, because the tree nursery is a mixture of little bits of these two ideas. Anyway, this is my personal opinion.
It is very difficult to describe the tree nursery because it is what the volunteers make of it:
- it is the happiest place in the world if the volunteers are in a good mood
- it is where no work is too heavy if the volunteers are working together
- it is the place where everybody can find something that they really like to do if they share the same feeling that they are doing something great and they are part of a big scheme
- it is a gathering of pieces of dreams and hopes from all the people who have been there
Oh yes! At last I have found the perfect title and now I can start writing my article: "'Leave a piece of you in the tree nursery to create a special place for everybody'. Hello. I am David, the Spanish volunteer in the tree nursery..."
ELRIC GUINHEU - Heyères, France
September 2004 to August 2005 - Tree Nursery, Green Machine
Bonjour, je m'appelle Elric. J'ai été bénévole a la tree nursery de septembre 2004 à aout 2005. Cette expérience a été exceptionnellement enrichissante pour moi.
Avant de partir, je ne savais pas trop à quoi m'attendre à part le fait que j'allais être bénévole dans une organisation de conservation de l'environnement en irlande du nord.
Le but principal de la tree nursery étant de faire pousser différents arbres locaux et ainsi enrichir la biodiversité, je crois que les arbres qui grandissent dans la superbe enceinte de la tree nursery le rendent bien et font régner une atmosphère incomparable, une ambiance sympathique, joyeuse et conviviale.
Je n'avais pas d'expérience ni de connaissance sur l'environnement avant de partir et je parlais modérrément l'anglais, j'ai été parfaitement aidé et formé avant toute activité.
Si le rude froid de l'hiver irlandais vivifie, on est en permanence rechauffé par la constante bonne humeur des gens qui y travaillent : l'exceptionnel boss Sir Pascal, le très généreux Colin et la très gentille Karley. Et bien sur les nombreux volontaires de tout horizon que l'on croise. Sans oublié le pays : L' Irlande du nord témoigne un esprit chaleureux et généreux de la culture Irlandaise qui m'a énormément inspiré.
Si vous lisez cette page pour vous convaincre d'essayer l'aventure, n'hesitez plus, allez-y! vous ne serez pas déçu ! satisfait ou satisfait!
le tree nursery, un endroit ou on est intrigué et curieux d'y aller, et en ayant observé beaucoup de volontaires, toujours déçu d'y partir.
JAN SKALIK (HONZA) - Prague, Czech Republic
June to September 2005 - Tree Nursery
Objevit krasu maleho listnace Ti bude trvat nekolik tydnu nekonecneho pleni. Co si ale muzes uzivat hned od zacatku, je ticho jednoho z mala irsky hvozdu, Gabrielini lasagne, padlovani s Trevorem a prosta skutecnost, ze Pascal nedokaze vyslovit Tve jmeno, a tak Te pro jistotu vola: You skyver! Pokud Te tyto silne argumenty nepresvedcily a jeste vahas, musim dodat, ze Tree Nursery je pekna zakladna pro vikendove vylety a cajove prestavky jsou tak dlouhe, ze pri nich stihnes probrat vsechno mezi Shopenhauerem a historii toalet. Pak tu je taky nekonecne ruzne more a kolme utesy, budici rackove a tuleni v pristavu. Caj s mlikem, syrove toasty, zeleny travnik, svezi vitr, ukecani dedouskove, most, slimaci, koprivy... No, proste je tu hezky. Tak zapomen na nalakovane nehty a prijed se trochu prohradnout v hline!