3,5 stars

The Volunteers by Carol Donaldson is an inspiring book that sheds light on a subject many of us might not know much about: the protection of the natural world through the efforts of ordinary people. The story follows Donaldson as she tries to rebuild her life after a painful breakup and an unexpected redundancy. Taking on a new role, she leads a group of passionate volunteers while managing a seemingly endless task list of conservation projects assigned by her not-very-easy-going boss. The book offers an insightful look into her and the group’s collective efforts to protect and restore nature, the challenges they face and the relationships they build along the way.
Donaldson’s writing captures her passion and commitment to conservation as well as the deep love for nature shared by the volunteers. This makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking, showing how community spirit can create positive change, even when resources are limited.
However, the book does have some minor flaws. At times, the timeline is unclear, making it difficult to follow the sequence of events. Additionally, while the volunteers’ work is in focus, some of the backstories could have used more development. We get glimpses into the lives of some individuals, but a deeper exploration of their lives and what led each core member to join the group would have added more depth to the narrative and helped readers feel more connected to them.
Overall, The Volunteers is a beautiful read for anyone interested in environmental conservation, as well as those who long for a sense of community or a closer connection to nature. For me, part of the book's appeal was how it highlighted the growing disconnect between urban living and the natural world. Despite some minor flaws in the writing, it provides valuable insights into the work of volunteer conservationists, their essential role in protecting the environment, and the impact community can have on our lives.

A personal journey into nature, volunteering and friendship

In an unchallenging memoir, Donaldson recounts a moment in her life where everything was up in the air, and how a new job in nature and the friendships she made in it (notably, not with her work colleagues) helped her to find her life's purpose. The descriptions of the volunteer group she managed and the work they did in their local natural landscapes are the highlight of the book, alongside her tentative attempts to date again, and the constant clashes with her boss and her uncaring colleagues.

With environmental confessionals a growing genre, this is an easy read that feels ripe for a film or television adaptation, perhaps with a comedian in the lead role testing her dramatic chops, and the oddballs around her played by supremely recognisable character actors (Michael Sheen as Bevan? Amirite?).

An easy three stars.