To mark International Volunteer Day - 5 December - Rob Mills, an Accounting Technician in the Cabinet Office Digital Finance team, shares how swapping spreadsheets for conservation work reminded him why getting outside matters - and why you should consider it.
When was the last time you did something that made you forget about your inbox? For me, it was a day spent battling bracken, sorting sapplings, and yes, being eaten alive by midges in the Northumberland wilderness.
It turns out that stepping away from your desk doesn't just refresh you; it can genuinely make a difference to the world around you.
From digital to dirt
Back in July - with my line manager’s support - I swapped my desk in Cabinet Office Digital for the wild beauty of Northumberland, spending a truly memorable day volunteering with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
It was an experience that took me from the familiar realm of spreadsheets and meetings into the practical, hands-on business of conservation – and it was absolutely brilliant, despite a few challenges!
Work that matters
The day's mission was two-fold: tackling invasive bracken and nurturing young trees.
Using a variety of tools, we set about destroying dense patches of bracken, a vital task that helps restore native habitats and allows other plant species to flourish. This isn't just about manual labour; it's about making a tangible difference to the local ecosystem, creating space for biodiversity to thrive.
The second part of our day involved sorting out countless young trees, preparing them for future planting. This work is the very essence of building for the future, ensuring that Northumberland's woodlands will continue to grow and provide a home for wildlife for generations to come.
It’s a powerful reminder that small, consistent actions can lead to monumental change.
Reality check
Now, I won't lie – it wasn't all sunshine and gentle breezes. July in Northumberland brought its fair share of weather, from glorious spells of sunshine to a little shower of rain.
And yes, I was bitten to death by midges.
But even these minor discomforts couldn't diminish the incredible sense of purpose and camaraderie that defined the day. In fact, battling the elements and the insects only added to the feeling of genuine engagement with nature.
Human side of conservation
Being part of this volunteering journey, I learned that successful conservation isn't really about the weather or the midges – it's about people and how to mobilise and inspire volunteers to focus on different and new meaningful work that reconnects us with our natural world.
My day didn't replace professional conservationists; it empowered me to work at a practical level, applying my energy where it matters - directly to the projects and organisations making a real difference in communities across the country.
This is the multiplier effect of intelligent volunteering in action.
Lessons for everyone
My day with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust offered valuable insights for me at work too.
First, it demonstrated the importance of starting with a clear, practical problem rather than just a vague desire to help. The team identified the specific challenges of bracken invasion and tree propagation, and then applied our collective effort to address them systematically.
Second, it shows the value of taking a hands-on approach that allows for immediate impact and a genuine connection to the work. This immersive approach builds confidence while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world – crucial factors in the conservation context.
Finally, this experience exemplifies how successful it is to bring together the passion of volunteers with the expertise to create solutions that are both technically sound and practically useful. I absolutely love it.
Get involved!
While this type of volunteering might not be for you, there are many opportunities to consider supported by the Cabinet Office.
Cabinet Office staff are eligible for three days for volunteering with their manager’s approval. An additional two days can be approved by the Head of Unit based on how the individual and organisation will benefit from the opportunity via skills development as well as the individual's overall performance. [Note: the author benefitted from Cabinet Office policies, which will differ depending on which department you work for.]
There are lots of different ways you can get involved! So what volunteering role might you be able to throw yourself into?
To find out more information about volunteering opportunities, civil servants should check out their Departmental intranets.
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