From Clapham Common to Community Conservation

Nicole Gow, lives in Clapham Common and works for a large London Law Firm, but earlier this year she became a conservation worker and, after a life changing experience, is hoping to encourage others from the area to follow suit and discover more about the magical island of Madagascar and its people.

Nicole is 24 and after several years of working hard to gain her legal qualifications she decided that this year she wanted to do something a little bit different during her time off. So instead of booking a relaxing holiday in the sun, Nicole signed up for a month working with a charity called  Azafady.

The charity carry out a whole range of projects that aim to help the people, plants and animals of Madagascar and, wanting to challenge herself and try something new, Nicole signed up to a project that focussed on monitoring numerous endangered species of animals and plants, based out of a remote bush community.

The work was hard, but immensely rewarding for the International volunteers, who worked alongside locals employed by the charity. They helped collect data for part of a study that is mapping and monitoring the population spread of a rare and important palm, which provides microhabitats for other species, such as geckos and orchids that grow under the shade of its leaves. Nicole stepped out of her comfort zone to wade through marshes at night in search of endangered frogs, measured the size of snakes, and trekked and observed Madagascar’s most famous inhabitants – its lemurs.

One of Nicole’s most memorable trips however was one deep in the forests around the village she was staying in in search of a rumoured colony of giant Flying Foxes, which after hours of searching they managed to locate and enjoyed amazing views of the giant bats with their huge wingspans of over a meter.

Nicole also helped with some of the education programmes the charity carry out, working alongside translators to teach locals about the unique importance of the animals around them and teaching sustainable living methods, which help both the eco-system and economy.  For example, one of the main reasons the palm Nicole was helping to monitor is critically endangered is because of its importance to the local community. The people use the Bacariophoenix’s leaves to construct shelters and lobster traps (a huge source of income), but the plant has very poor seed dispersal so unless people are taught about how to plant and grow new palms, not only will the important habitat be lost, but so too will an significant source of livelihood.

It wasn’t all work for the team of volunteers however and Nicole also got a chance to explore the local area and discover the beauty of the country herself. From meeting the ever smiling, despite their hardships, local children to walking along a pristine deserted beach, fringed by endemic palm trees with an azure blue sea lapping at her feet, Nicole made many unforgettable memories.

Since returning from Madagascar Nicole has decided to try and help encourage others to learn a little bit more about Madagascar, one of the poorest countries on the planet and one few know much about, and perhaps follow in her footsteps and do something life changing.

“Volunteering for Azafady was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life and I’d encourage everyone to have a look at what the charity’s all about. Volunteering for them isn’t just about doing something to help others, it’s an adventure and an experience you’ll never forget.” - To learn more about Nicole’s trip visit Azafady website www.madagascar.co.uk