My name is Ciara Long and I am a Volunteer from Dingle, Co. Kerry. I have volunteered with different groups over the last eight years or so for many reasons. The biggest reason is probably that I want to help. I find it a good way to contribute to society while meeting new people, learning new skills and just having fun along the way.
I studied archaeology in university but after returning home from a couple of years travelling, I decided to change careers and work with the environment. Promoting the protection of the environment is something I am passionate about so I decided to do further study online and undertake a Diploma in Environmental Management. I then looked on the Kerry Volunteer Centre’s website for some environmental groups in Kerry that I could volunteer with to help me gain experience in the area. This is how I was put in touch with Jane Jackson of the Kerry Japanese Knotweed Survey and Awareness Project.
Japanese knotweed was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th century and since then it has spread across the island causing huge environmental and economic problems. The project’s goal is: “To collect data and make it readily available. To educate the public on how to prevent the further spread of Japanese knotweed in their community and on their land and raise awareness regarding this destructive invasive species.”
Working with the group has been a very rewarding experience; I have gained so many new, useful skills. I helped set up the project website (Website: www.knotweedsurvey.ie), buy the domain name and add content to the site.
Jane and I worked together to fill out Heritage Grant application forms, something which I had never done before. This resulted in the project being awarded €3000, the fund was a great help to the project and was used to cover volunteer expenses and buy equipment. It was a scramble to get all the information we needed in on time, but we did and it was so gratifying to see it pay off when the group was awarded funding.
I went along with the info stand to the Tralee agricultural fair and got to speak to people about the plant and the damage it’s causing, telling them how they can avoid spreading it or how they can treat it on their own land. Public speaking is one of my weak points so it was good to get the practice in a relaxed setting. I even gave a short radio interview in Irish to Raidio na Gaeltachta which was nerve wracking, but also very enjoyable.
All the tasks I was given, big or small, were not only beneficial to the project but to me. I have learned so much from working with this group and I hope to be able to put to use what I have learned in my future career.
I find Kerry Volunteer Centre fantastic. The staff are supportive and friendly and even called me after I joined the group to find out how I was getting on which I thought was a nice, personal touch. There is a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.
Written by Ciara Long.
