You may have spotted one on a trip to your local green space or perhaps seen signs that someone has been working hard to keep your local beauty spots accessible to the public. If you live near to one of our sites, then it’s likely – the WildCATs have been carrying out important maintenance work there, alongside many Friends of Groups too. This includes grassland management, scrub clearance, coppicing, woodland management and maintaining path access. My Wild City is a partnership project with Bristol City Council funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Who are the WildCATS in your local area?
Rebecca Nimmo
The Wild City Action Team (WildCATS) are a dedicated and hearty group of volunteers who have been a force of nature out on the My Wild City sites for many years.
Where can you find a WildCAT?
Their natural habitat, at least on Tuesdays, is at one of the many My Wild City Sites:
What does it take to become a WildCAT?
The WildCATS have a diverse range of experience between them, and perhaps surprisingly very few have spent their careers in green or environmental jobs but have found volunteering as way to connect with the land outside of their vocations- proving anyone can learn! Some of the job roles WildCATS have had are Chemist, Psychologist, Nurse, Pharmacist, Lecturer and Support Worker to people with Learning Disabilities. Many have now retired and are able to dedicate more time to this important conservation work for wildlife and people. They are motivated by community spirit, passion for wildlife, wellbeing, purpose and ‘doing their bit’ for the land and the people who use it.
Let’s meet a few members of the team
(C) Rebecca Nimmo
Name: Bob
Length of WildCAT service: 8/9 years
In Bob’s career, he used to work with people with learning disabilities which he adored. When he moved to a house with a lovely garden he found a passion for caring for plants in much the same way as he had cared for people. As a devoted WildCAT he has been known to take the snaths home (the wooden parts of the scythe) so he can treat the wood and keep the tools in good condition for everyone, the next time they come to use it!
(C) Rebecca Nimmo
Name: Ruth
Length of WildCAT service: 3 years
I caught Ruth hard at work when taking this picture which really captures her determination. Ruth was previously a nurse in the NHS and upon retiring saw the WildCATS as a perfect opportunity to volunteer is a way which made a meaningful contribution to people and wildlife, as well as to look after her own fitness and wellbeing.
Would you like to be a WildCAT? You can join them too!
When you’re volunteering, it’s not always roses (some days there may be a spot of rain), but there is a lot of joy every WildCAT feels at caretaking these important sites and supporting the fascinating wildlife in our home, our wonderful city of Bristol.
Contact us today if you'd like to join the WildCATs