Mend Our Mountains: could you organise a Get Stuck In footpath repair event?

What made you decide to step up into the role of volunteer coordinating other volunteers with Get Stuck In?

I attended the first Get Stuck In event in June 2022 and enjoyed it so much that I immediately signed up for the next one when I got home and attended several more in 2023. Having then attended a few of the events, Steve Charles (who has been organising the Get Stuck In Events) asked if I was interested in joining a group of returners to lead events in Eryri this year, leaving him to focus more on the events in the Lake District.

I was really happy to step up as I have really enjoyed being involved. As well as the work, it is great to meet a wide range of (often inspirational) people. I have also enjoyed building an enduring relationship with the path team in Eryri – and seeing how our work from previous events has matured / evolved since last time. Having been before, it is also great to think how we can make it better each time, so we have developed information sheets and tried to make more of the evenings.

What is involved in this role?

Steve Charles looks after the overall Get Stuck In event planning i.e. setting dates with Jack at the National Trust path team and booking accommodation. The role of the returner volunteer is to be the key point of communication with the volunteers ahead of the event and coordinate the event on the ground.

Pre-event this involves, initial contact and information gathering from attendees. Then providing attendees with details of the event and joining instructions, kit list etc. There is also finalisation of the finer details of the event such as arranging evening activities (e.g. a Mountain Rescue talk, and a Welsh lesson) as well as table bookings for dinner.

A few weeks before the event we set up a Whatsapp group for attendees so we can arrange lift shares, arrival times and share accommodation access codes etc. The National Trust team join this and usually give an indication of what we will be doing and where. This is also great for sharing photographs and updates after the event.

During the event, the leader briefs the attendees and makes sure that everyone knows what to expect and where to be / timings, what will be needed in terms of kit etc. The returners normally coordinate the group meal, unless there are any willing new volunteers. Finally, we normally arrange a group walk on the third day, so it’s good to have an idea of different walk options for different weather and group capabilities. Last time we did a mix of climbing and walking.

How do you find the time?

I am self-employed and work flexibly, so I am lucky enough to have time to dedicate to this as well as other projects.

How would you encourage other regular BMC volunteers to step up into organising a Get Stuck In event?

We are lucky to have a group of like-minded people who joined some of the earlier events and love being involved, so others have already stepped up.  We like to have at least a couple of other returners on each event so you won’t be alone in organising or leading. It’s really a team effort - and other volunteers are always willing to pitch in. We’re always looking to improve the events so are always open to ideas and utilising the wide skills or different perspective of anyone that attends.

What support do you get from the BMC?

Steve Charles is the central co-ordination point with the BMC and National Trust. Initial registrations are through Eventbrite. There is budget from the BMC for volunteer T-shirts and reimbursement of costs e.g. group meal ingredients.

Best part of your latest Get Stuck In event?

I really enjoyed the plastic tree guard removal in Nant Ffrancon Valley because at the end of the day we could see the fruits of our labour in the large builders’ bags – a great way of seeing the impact that we had had. It was also a great day from a weather perspective and we had ice-cream on the side of the mountain! [Find out more about Roy's latest Get Stuck In event here.]

Most challenging aspect?

The peat hag re-profiling is quite physical work – but worth it when you see the end result, and also when you are working with Tryfan in the background. Afterwards you feel tired and achey but satisfied. There’s always a warm glow that you get from this sort of volunteering, knowing that you have given something back.

Do you have to be super fit with snazzy gear?

Absolutely not. It’s good if you have hiked before as we sometimes need to walk to get to the work areas – but this isn’t a pre-requisite. With regards to snazzy gear – the opposite is required.  The work can be hard on clothing, so old clothes are a must. You are also given a volunteer T-shirt which will save you having to ruin yours.

Differences to just hiking?

Most of the work involves some sort of walk as you are working in the mountains, but the key difference is that you are then completing conservation work at the end of it. It is really enjoyable as you can see the instant impact of what you are doing, and the National Trust team are great at explaining why the work is needed and the impact that it will have – so it also feels quite educational. We visited a peat hag that was re-profiled earlier in the year by BMC volunteers, and it was great to see the improvement that our work had made.

What were the other volunteers like?

The other volunteers were a range of ages and backgrounds, all were like-minded and passionate about the mountains, and great fun!

Was there a third day of free time?

Yes, half of the group went for a walk and explore in Dinorwig Quarry whilst the rest went climbing in the same area. Some of the more experienced climbers introduced some of the group to climbing for the first time.

Would you volunteer again with the BMC?

Absolutely (this was my 7th time).  I spend a lot of time in the mountains and it’s really great to give back. The BMC has now established an enduring relationship with the path team in Eryri and we feel like an extension to that team. It’s good to be able to see progress on previous projects or where eroded paths have recovered due to our work. I get an enormous amount of self-fulfilment from volunteering but can also clearly see the impact that it has on the environment.

How would you encourage others to volunteer?

Don’t be put off by the work which can look physical in its nature. You don’t have to be super-fit or have the latest gear. You’ll be working in the best ‘office’ in the world with a group of like-minded people, undertaking work that is educational and fulfilling – but most importantly having a positive impact on the environment (and having fun!). You won’t regret it.

Anything else you'd like to mention?

We are trying to pack more into the evenings – so this time had a talk during the communal meal from the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team – which was really informative. They have invited future groups to their base for a tour. We will also be hopefully having a reprise of our Welsh lesson which we did in April.

Will you Get Stuck In?

Get Stuck In events are for any BMC volunteers that want to help protect the delicate landscapes that we love to walk and climb in. Sign up here!

Working with the National Trust in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Peak District, some are day-long events, but often they are over two days with basic accommodation provided for free, and the opportunity to hike with your new-found friends on day three.

Over a dozen volunteering events have already taken place and this year the 2024 Mend Our Mountains funding from the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust will enable the continuation of these conservation projects where they are needed the most.

As a volunteer, not only will you be carrying out vital footpath repair work, drainage ditch digging, peat hag re-profiling, cairn-scattering and/or clearing litter and invasive species, but you will also have the opportunity to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

Find out more and sign up to volunteer here, or donate here.

What’s ACT?

The BMC's Access and Conservation Trust (ACT) funds vital projects that protect our crags and mountains. It promotes sustainable access to crags, mountains and open countryside through education and conservation projects across Great Britain. The current ACT campaigns include Mend Our Mountains and The Climate Project. Volunteering on a Get Stuck In day or two-day event is a great way to be involved with both! Primarily, Get Stuck In is part of Mend Our Mountains, but when the volunteers plant sphagnum in the Peak District from November to March, they are also contributing to The Climate Project - a double conservation whammy!

Find out more and sign up to volunteer here, or donate here.