Ascension : My First Week as a Conservation Volunteer - By Helen Wilkinson
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 01.10.2009 (Article Archived on 15.10.2009)

I’ve been here a week now, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to the Ascension Island community; particularly the Conservation department, VT, and Phyliss ‘my Ascension Island mom’ for making me so welcome.

I’ve been here a week now, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to the Ascension Island community; particularly the Conservation department, VT, and Phyliss ‘my Ascension Island mom’ for making me so welcome.

It’s been an incredibly busy week, with Stedson throwing me straight into work about two hours after I’d stumbled off the plane in this strange new land. I’ve been out with Raymond and Nathan (The Bird Boys) to do nest checks on the Brown Noddys, and I’ve been to see the Sooty Tern colony on Mars Bay. I’ve also helped them in checking that there are no cats attacking the breeding birds after a disturbing report there may have been one on the prowl.

Natasha and Olivia were leading tours for passengers on the RMS St Helena, and I was able to tag along on my second day to get to know my way around the island a bit. I was a great way to get an insight into the history and conservation work on the island side-by-side; and if you’re new to the island I’d certainly suggest taking one to see the huge wealth of wildlife and culture there is here.

I’ve also been working with the endemic species up on Green Mountain with Olivia, potting them on, and planting them out. We’ve also had a full day as a conservation team, cutting back the invasive species, Mexican thorn and Wild Tobacco at the Devils Riding School, so that the unique geology and biodiversity on the island will be protected.

                                    
                                                 Photo: Hash from the Scout Camp