Hi all! I’m Lorie, a 27 year-old Belgian nature and animal lover and I’ve spent the past three months volunteering for SEO/Birdlife around Doñana Park. If you’re a bird lover, these marshes probably sound familiar, as they constitute one of the most important stopover in Europe for migratory birds.
SEO/Birdlife is the oldest conservation NGO in Spain, focusing on the preservation of birds and nature through volunteering activities, scientific monitoring of species, ecological restoration and outreach programs. As an ESC volunteer, I’ve got to accompany the staff in their day-to-day work, which has been anything to bird ringing and census, invasive plants removal, raptor pellets analysis, document translation, as well as checking nest boxes, cleaning beaches and much more! Everyday is different here and all staff members are very supportive and kind.
Thanks to this opportunity, I’ve been able to do things I never thought I’d do. I’ve ringed an owl chick, climbed to the top of churches to collect data on kestrels, been vomited on by carraca chicks, seen great tit chicks only a few hours old, seen the king fisher up close and observed many endangered birds such as the marbled duck, white-headed duck, pin-tailed sandgrouse and osprey.
I’ve been living in Almonte, a typical Andalusian village about half way between El Rocio and the beaches of Matalascañas, and an hour from Sevilla. In my free time, I got to experience the local culture, which is mainly centered around horses: la Saca de las Yeguas, an event during which the semi wild mares from Doñana and their foal are taken in the village for sale and vet treatments; la feria de Sevilla; and of course the general “Western” vibe from El Rocio, where bars have very high tables for people who want to enjoy a beer and some tapas while riding their horse. It seems like here people learn how to ride a horse before they learn how to walk!
Besides, whenever I have the time, I don’t miss a chance to give a hand at the local animal shelter, where I get to take care of (and get a lot of love from) many dogs, cats, pigs, horses, goats and more!
And, of course, part of this experience is to visit the nearby places. I went to the beautiful cities of Sevilla and Córdoba, and I got the chance to visit Ronda – a charming historical Andalusian town – as well as hiking the stunning mountains of Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las nieves.
But what I’ll remember from this experience is mostly the beautiful, authentic and passionate people I’ve met along the way. This involves the other ESC volunteers I’m living and working with, the staff members, as well as the local friends I’ve made during my stay.
I’m so grateful I’ve got to a be a part of this project and community, I will only cherish wonderful memories of this experience and it has made me grow both personally and professionally. If you’re reading this because you’re considering becoming an ESC volunteer yourself, I can only recommend you to go for it!!
