Read what our volunteers have to say and what they get out of volunteering
We all know that volunteering gives people personal growth (confidence, purpose, well-being), professional development (new skills, experience, networking), and community connection (making a difference, meeting people, reducing isolation), leading to improved mental health, career opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging, all while helping others. ​

​If your inspired by peoples stories and want to do something, register as a volunteer and we will get in touch.

Bob
​Normally found creating amazing wooden bird boxes with a cuppa in the other hand

After retiring 3 years ago, whilst walking my dog, I was fortunate to discover Lynchmere Common. Spending a couple of hours exploring different landscapes or just sitting with a flask of tea, (I never go far without tea), I rediscovered my love of nature and the peace and tranquillity it can offer.

​Meeting members of the Lynchmere Society and learning that the commons need to be managed, I could think of no better way to spend some free time than becoming a volunteer. When Mike, our chairman, learnt I was a carpenter; I quickly found myself helping to build the Pole Barn. When that was complete in mid-2025 it enabled us to open up Mare Barn which had previously just been used to store the hay. This beautiful 17th Century Aisle Barn with Elm timbers and stone walls is a truly majestical place and I’m never happier than being there making something out of wood (yes, with a cup of tea in the other hand), or better still teaching others about the beauty of crafting wood.

Mark
​Happiest making charcoal, tending the orchard and sharpening his scythe

Therapy

When I asked mark to contribute, he said, that what he would write would be very very long and ultimately each thing that sparks his passion for volunteering on the commons and fields resulted in a form of therapy. So he decided his quote was a one worder "Therapy"!

Gay
Tending the orchard and if your lucky Gay has come armed with brownies

I moved from London to Marley 40 years ago to enjoy the countryside and walking with my dogs. The mix of heathland and woodland through the seasons gets me out and keeps me fit. But I know how important volunteering is to maintaining this special landscape. I have been volunteering on Marley Heath since the early 2000’s with loppers in hands snuggly inside very thick gloves. I enjoy the bonfires, the views, the people, the opportunity to learn and more recently I have been able to test market my different Brownie Recipes.

Uanu
Happy hauling hay bales in the sun

My dedication to the Lynchmere Society is rooted in a deep respect for our local environment and the creatures that call it home. I find true fulfillment in caring for the land, whether it is through the summer rhythm of straw baling and preserving the commons, or working to ensure the habitat remains safe for wildlife. I also take great pride in looking after our animals; as part of the Cow Club, I join my partner, every Wednesday to personally ensure the herd is happy and healthy. This experience allows me to nurture the ecosystem and actively protect the nature we all cherish.

Jonny
​Loves to dig trenches! Tame the bramble and writes lovely poems

Mare Barn
by Jon Lissimore

Rough stones and brickwork strong
Peacefully hold vast timbers long
Harboured deep in fields and trees
A brief home for nesting bees
A place for rural crafting
Where volunteers enjoy the grafting

To stem the damp we dug a trench,
While Bob constructed a wooden bench,
A work of art, not mere utility
Demonstrating his sublime ability
While Neil champions his woodland skills
To enable peoples learning thrills
We love the cows that roam the pastures
Managed by such caring masters
​
We thank Mr Tibbs creation
So many peoples dedication
And celebrate the Burkitt’s legacy
Enabling endless outdoor therapy
There’s bucolic nostalgia if that’s what you’re after
And knots and crinkles in every rafter
There’s community action and goodwill
Frankly it’s just really brill!
For me, Mare Barn is a very special place and the Lynchmere society represents a triumph of community action. I'm so pleased to be involved. Lovely people with so many different skills and backgrounds, fabulous architecture, fields, hedgerows, big skies and fresh air.....and of course the mellow Belted Galloways. There is so much to learn and so many things to do as the project develops. I love the pond area -we have coppiced the trees to bring new light and wild flowers in the spring. I was a reluctant Londoner for decades (jobs and family) but now I know the names of the fields and the local history. I love the Oaks as I walk down the lane to the barn. I feel a sense of community. Fabulous!

Jo
Often spotted crafting bird boxes or chatting to the Belties

Thanks to Bob and Neil I have developed a newfound love for learning carpentry and other woodcraft skills. Making bird boxes for the Society has quickly become one of my favourite things to do.

My primary love though is volunteering as a Cow Looker to help care for the Belted Galloway cattle that graze the commons and fields in Lynchmere for the society.

Volunteering has quite literally changed my life.

​Find out more about Jo's volunteering here on This Is Haslemere

Lowell
Often spotted cutting through forests of bracken with his scythe

I’ve practically grown up with the society – I started tagging along as a kid when my dad first brought me down. These days I’m here so much as I both work and volunteer, and I’ve picked up a huge amount that’s shaped my career. Honestly, I think every child should come along and give it a try.

Register today so we can inform you of events and opportunities
You can volunteer with us by getting stuck into practical conservation work or by doing surveys and other less strenuous administrative tasks. 

​Everyone is welcome. You don't need to be a member to volunteer.

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Last but not least,
the Belted Galloways, our resident lawnmowers

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Help preserve and maintain our Commons