Animal volunteer roles in harrogate, north yorkshire

Help protect the countryside of North and East Yorkshire for current and future generations. Join the board of CPRE North & East Yorkshire.

Applications close: Monday 8th September 2025.

Location: Hybrid/North and East Yorkshire (Thirsk)

Time commitment: c.1 – 2 days per month

About CPRE North and East Yorkshire

CPRE North and East Yorkshire campaigns to protect, enhance and promote the countryside for everyone’s benefit. We cover the largest CPRE region in England, spanning 6,900 square miles from the River Tees to Goole (south of the River Humber) and west from the Yorkshire Dales to the East Yorkshire coast.

Our vision is for a beautiful and thriving countryside that enriches all our lives. We work tirelessly to ensure the right development occurs in the right place. We actively support biodiversity improvement and champion countryside protection from climate change impacts, while contributing to climate solutions.

Our small but energetic team of volunteer trustees helps people to protect the countryside they love. We have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to shape proposed development in ways that enrich their rural communities and the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

About the roles

We are seeking two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees, each bringing specialist expertise while sharing general trustee responsibilities for developing our charity in line with our strategy and ensuring compliance with all legal and governance requirements.

Trustee with Supporter Engagement, Development and Fundraising Experience

This role combines general trustee duties with specialist leadership of our supporter development and fundraising activities. You will inform and guide the Board on supporter development matters, coordinate activities to meet our agreed aims, and lead the recruitment of a new Communications and Supporter Care Officer. Following our recent strategic review with external fundraising consultants, this role is crucial to implementing recommendations that will grow and strengthen our relationships with supporters and safeguard our charity’s future.

Trustee with Local Authority Experience

This position merges trustee responsibilities with expert guidance on local authority engagement and policy development. You will lead our proactive campaigning with local authorities for planning policies that protect the countryside, particularly in meeting climate change challenges. Your expertise will be vital as we work with the newly established North Yorkshire Council and other authorities across our region to influence policy development and implementation.

Who we are looking for

Vacancy 1

We are seeking an individual with management or senior-level experience in supporter development and fundraising. You will have experience in building relationships with supporters, developing fundraising strategies, and implementing successful campaigns.

Vacancy 2

We are also seeking someone with management or senior-level experience, either in policy development within local authorities or as a policy advisor to local authorities, or with experience working with local authorities in a not for profit capacity.

You should understand how local government works, have experience in policy and possess strong communication skills for engaging with elected officials and officers.

Our Trustees are passionate about countryside protection. You will bring strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and a commitment to our charitable aims. Previous trustee experience is not required as we provide comprehensive training and support.

Time commitment

Both roles require the equivalent of circa 1-2 days per month, including attendance at trustee meetings held every 2-3 months (currently in Thirsk), an annual AGM, and collaboration between meetings. Most meetings are held in person, although some are conducted online.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 8th September 2025

Loved Before

A soft toy adoption agency, saving the planet one teddy at a time…

Each year in the UK alone, 8 million soft toys end up in landfill (and growing!). Along with them, the stories and memories shared with them are thrown away and left to rot. The difficult materials of these toys make them frankly impossible to recycle, and their composition means they take hundreds of years to break down and compose. Along with this, high carbon emissions come from the production of these toys which require immense fossil fuels, not to mention the carbon footprint of this high-demand global supply chain. As a culture, and quite literally from the moment we are born, we begin to grow our own collection of toys, with most children acquiring far more than they could ever love or play with within the first few years of their life. Charity shops are ill-equipped and overwhelmed, toy brand trends are fuelling over-consumption and the industry is calling for change.

This is why, when I discovered what was going on, I created Loved Before. We are a soft toy adoption agency looking to challenge perceptions of second hand, rebuild the consumer model and change the industry forever. When people are ready to part with their toys, they send them into us (we receive quite literally hundreds every single day). The toys visit our spa for a thorough clean, refresh and repair and are then beautifully packaged along with their bio (often written by their previous owners) before finding their next adventures across the world.

Fluffy Linkedin Lead

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Do you believe in second chances? So do we – especially when it comes to soft toys! Loved Before is on a mission to rescue, restore, and rehome pre-loved stuffed animals, proving that second-hand doesn’t mean second best. We’ve built an incredible, engaged community across our platforms, and now we need someone special to help us bring that same magic to LinkedIn.

About the Role We’re looking for a volunteer LinkedIn Manager to help us grow our presence on LinkedIn – connecting with like-minded brands, sustainability advocates, and supporters who believe in what we do. You'll play a key role in spreading our mission, building relationships, and helping us reach new audiences.

What You'll Be Doing: �� Creating engaging LinkedIn posts that showcase our impact, partnerships, and behind-the-scenes stories. �� Growing our network by connecting with potential collaborators, eco-conscious brands, and corporate supporters. �� Spotting LinkedIn trends and leveraging them to boost engagement. �� Tracking growth & insights to refine our approach. �� Engaging with our community—responding to comments, messages, and opportunities for collaboration.

What We’re Looking For: ✔ Someone who understands LinkedIn and can help us stand out. ✔ A creative storyteller who can turn our impact into compelling content. ✔ A self-starter who loves connecting with people and building relationships. ✔ Passion for sustainability, second-hand love, or social impact (bonus points if you have a soft spot for soft toys!).

What You’ll Get: ��A chance to be part of something truly special – an award-winning social enterprise changing how people see second-hand. �� Flexible remote volunteering – work from wherever, whenever suits you. �� The opportunity to make a real impact in growing a brand with purpose.

If you're ready to help us turn LinkedIn into a hub of second-hand storytelling, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now and let’s save the world, one teddy at a time.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Are you aged 18-25, West Midlands based and passionate about environmental change? 
 
Join us on our FREE programme!
 
Across 9 months, you’ll take part in both online and in-person events, equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to spark positive change in your local area and beyond. 
 
If you’d like to get more connected to nature, build transferable skills and meet like-minded people, apply now at the ELP2 website.

The West Midlands Environmental Leadership Programme2 (ELP2) is powered by Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and Shropshire Wildlife Trust and it is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

I am short of time so need a helper or helpers to draft up bids for restoration and enhancement works to Grade I listed St Marys Church Sompting BN15 0AZ and II* listed St Marys church Binsted BN18 0LL (each having 2 charities PCC and Friends), also for Sustainable Sussex CIO's community farm projects at Sompting BN15 0EW.  It might be possible to pay a freelancer but in the first instance we are seeking appropriately experienced bidwriting volunteers who could enjoy helping us raise grants for any of these projects.

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for equine welfare, high standards in charitable delivery, or inclusive activities? RDA UK is looking for dedicated professionals to join our Advisory Boards in a voluntary, non-executive capacity. 

About RDA UK 

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) UK is a national charity that enables people with disabilities to experience life-changing benefits through horses. With a UK-wide network of member groups, we are committed to delivering excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in all we do. 

About the Role 

As an Advisory Board Member, you will support our mission by offering expert advice and thought leadership. This role is purely advisory — focused on influence, not governance or operations. There are three Advisory Boards, and the particular skills and experience we’re looking for each are listed below. 

• Member Group Quality and Standards Advisory Board 

• Participants – Championing the voice of our participants, ensuring the participant perspective is woven into our offering. 

• Volunteers – Leading the way in volunteering, ensuring RDAs vision to be a leader in volunteering experience across the UK. 

• Education  – Bringing an education background to increase the RDA educational experience in its offering. 

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) – A leader in EDI they will ensure RDA continues momentum in embedding EDI across the organisation, ensuring it is a welcoming place for all. 

• Environmental sustainability – A leader in environmental sustainability field will work to bring an increased sustainability view to RDAs member group operations. 

• Mental Health – A professional in mental health support, bringing to life mental health considerations in our work. 

• Advanced Coaching – A RDA coaching professional with advanced coaching qualifications to support the ongoing development of coaching standards at RDA. Preference for PRACA attendance. 

• Equine Welfare  – An individual with clear experience in the field that will ensure equine welfare continues to be central to how we deliver our services.

• Physiotherapy – A human focused physio to help us embed the therapy benefits of our services across the organisation.

• Activities Advisory Board 

• Participants – Championing the voice of our participants, ensuring the participant perspective is woven into our offering. 

• Carriage Driving – A carriage driving professional with experience in RDA delivery. 

• Tea with a Pony/Dementia care services – A representative with experience in delivering the ‘tea with a pony’ initiative within RDA or has experience within the Dementia care field. 

• Equine Assisted Services – A leader in equine assisted services, supporting RDAs continued development in service offering. 

• Equine Welfare  – An individual with clear experience in the field that will ensure equine welfare continues to be central to how we deliver our services.

• Physiotherapy – A human focused physio to help us embed the therapy benefits across all out delivered activities.

• Advanced Coaching – A RDA coaching professional with advanced coaching qualifications to support the ongoing development of coaching across the different activities that RDA offer. Preference for PRACA attendance. 

• Equine Welfare Advisory Board
• Vet – A qualified veterinary surgeon, leading in equine practice that will support the ongoing development of equine welfare policies and practices, supporting equine welfare to be the central part of RDAs way of delivering services. 

• Farrier – A qualified farrier, who is a leader in their field, using their knowledge and experience, supporting equine welfare to be the central part of RDAs way of delivering services. 

• Equine Physiotherapist – A qualified equine physio, who is a leader in their field, using their knowledge and experience, supporting equine welfare to be the central part of RDAs way of delivering services. 

• Equine Research – A leader in equine research ensuring RDA remains at the forefront of the latest best practise and welfare standards. 

• Equine Welfare – An individual with clear experience in the field that will ensure equine welfare continues to be central to how we deliver our services.

• Physiotherapy – A human focused physio to help us ensure equine welfare remains central to RDA as part of delivering therapy through horses. 

• Advanced Coach – A RDA coaching professional with advanced coaching qualifications to support the ongoing development of coaching knowledge of equine welfare. Preference for PRACA attendance. 

Note: Some roles have the option to sit across multiple Boards. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Offer strategic insight and professional expertise to inform key decisions. 

• Contribute actively to Advisory Board meetings (minimum twice per year). 

• Provide guidance on best practice, innovation, and emerging opportunities. 

• Support projects and collaborate between meetings as needed. 

• Assist in the development of reports and recommendations for RDA UK Trustees. 

What We’re Looking For 

• Proven experience and leadership in a relevant industry. 

• Specialist knowledge aligned with one of the Advisory Boards. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

• Prior board or advisory experience (desirable, not essential). 

• A genuine commitment to RDA’s mission and values. 

Note: Advisory Board Members cannot be current RDA UK Trustees or staff. 

Commitment 

• Serve a 3-year term, renewable up to three times (maximum 9 years). 

• Attend two Advisory Board meetings annually, with additional engagement as required. 

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold RDA’s values at all times. 

Why Join? 

This is an opportunity to share your expertise, shape the future of inclusive equestrian activity, and help RDA UK continue delivering life-enhancing experiences. If you’re looking to give back in a meaningful way, we would love to hear from you. 

Position: Volunteer Urban Ranger
Responsible to: Urban Ranger
Location: Various outdoor spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5
Hours: Anything from two hours here and there, to two days a week.
Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed for bus tickets, train tickets or car mileage

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At Better Place Bradford, our mission is to identify and oversee improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families. We work across larger parks, pocket parks, community centres, streets and green spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and highly motivated individual, who is looking to gain some practical landscape maintenance experience.

As a Volunteer Urban Ranger, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the upkeep of our sites, regularly checking that each site is safe, inviting, and free from rubbish — noting any issues that arise.

Duties include: Litter clearance, sweeping sand back into the sand pits, weeding, planting, watering plants, affixing signs, checking in on the Little Free Library boxes, strimming, raking leaves, supporting at event days, promoting responsible use and enjoyment of our sites.

This role is for you if you;

• Enjoy being outdoors (in all weather)
• Are not afraid of physical work
• Want to make a difference in your local area
• Are comfortable getting to sites across BD3/BD4/BD5
• Enjoy interacting with members of the public
• Want to gain practical landscape maintenance experience
• Are looking for an intro into the environmental / conservation / ranger sectors

Volunteers must be in the UK already.

At CPRE, we’re passionate about making the countryside a better place for everyone to enjoy. This flexible, micro-volunteering role is a great way to stand up for the countryside if you don’t have much time to spare! You’ll take quick and easy online actions to support our campaigns from home (or wherever you have internet access!) at a time that suits you.

We're particularly keen to recruit people aged 18 - 30 (although this role is open to everyone!) as we want to being younger voices into our campaigning work.

This is an excellent opportunity for those looking explore a career in environmental campaigning and advocacy. By taking easy online actions, you’ll help us to champion environmental issues such as the climate emergency, renewable energy, biodiversity and sustainable transport.

We’ll ask you to take and feedback on England based campaigning actions, to inform what we do in the future. Your ideas will shape the way we do our campaigns in the future.

We’re looking to build our team of activists for a series of actions over the next few months. You’ll actively shape the future of this work, and you’ll be testing an exciting new way to volunteer with CPRE! Interested in taking part? Find out more below.

Why we want you

We want to gain the support of people with many different experiences of the countryside to inform what we do so we can work towards a thriving countryside for everyone.

You'll join a group of enthusiastic volunteers taking actions and giving feedback that directly supports our campaigning work. Some actions will take as little as 5 minutes!

Sign up is easy - we just need a few details and then you'll join our activist pool. Please note you must be 18 or over to sign up for this role.

What you will be doing

The types of actions we’ll ask you to take part may include:

• Build our understanding of what motivates you to support our campaigns, what you’d like to see us do in the future and how best you’d like to take part through surveys and feedback
• Sign a petition, send a letter to your MP using a template or take a survey
• Read / share articles & like / share posts / blogs
• Attend an online session / webinar / training eg on lobbying
• Feedback on campaigns content (reports, website, podcasts)

The skills you need

• An interest in the countryside and environmental issues
• Willing to give feedback as part of the role
• Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet
• No experience necessary!

What's in it for you

• Use your enthusiasm, skills and experience to make a positive difference to the countryside
• Opportunity to influence future campaigning asks, and feedback on what works
• Access to online campaigning training and webinars
• Learn new advocacy and campaigning skills

East London Waterworks Park is looking for illustrators, animators and graphic designers to help campaign in the creation of our new park with natural swimming ponds.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for illustrators, animators and graphic designers to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on coordinating our digital marketing. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across content creation, social media, film or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While technical skills are essential, we also value your ability to think creatively and strategically. You should have experience in creating engaging visual content for various platforms that will engage stakeholders and decision makers, such as public reports, presentations for decision makers, social media and websites. A strong understanding of storytelling and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through visuals will be invaluable. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.Your creative talents will be invaluable in bringing the park’s biodiversity to life. Through your illustrations, animations, and graphic designs, you’ll help us create visually captivating content that inspires, educates, and engages our community, stakeholders and decision makers. Your work will play a vital role in fostering a strong connection between people and nature, ultimately creating the park’s future.

East London Waterworks Park is looking for illustrators, animators and graphic designers to help campaign in the creation of our new park with natural swimming ponds.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for illustrators, animators and graphic designers to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on coordinating our digital marketing. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across content creation, social media, film or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While technical skills are essential, we also value your ability to think creatively and strategically. You should have experience in creating engaging visual content for various platforms that will engage stakeholders and decision makers, such as public reports, presentations for decision makers, social media and websites. A strong understanding of storytelling and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through visuals will be invaluable. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.Your creative talents will be invaluable in bringing the park’s biodiversity to life. Through your illustrations, animations, and graphic designs, you’ll help us create visually captivating content that inspires, educates, and engages our community, stakeholders and decision makers. Your work will play a vital role in fostering a strong connection between people and nature, ultimately creating the park’s future.

Are you passionate about protecting the countryside? Do you want to help ensure future generations have beautiful surroundings for their mental health, a better climate to live in and food to eat, while also having sustainable energy, transport and places to live?

CPRE Buckinghamshire is looking for enthusiastic individuals to support our work on local planning matters, ranging from county-wide development plans through neighbourhood (local) plans, to proposals for large commercial and residential developments.

By volunteering with us you would be providing invaluable input into our campaigns and helping to ensure the protection and celebration of the green spaces of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

Activities include:

* Investigating planning applications, helping us to influence their outcome

* Reviewing plans, applications and other consultations and sharing your findings

* Drafting response letters to the local planning authority

* Researching planning policy and best practice

* Supporting local communities in responding to planning issues and contributing to local campaigns

* Assisting in the preparation of responses to wider consultations, including planning appeals

* Liaising with other CPRE volunteers, local residents or other organisations.

Person description:

This role does not require previous experience with planning, as training and guidance can be provided. However, some knowledge would be very helpful. We hope you can offer us many of the qualities described below:

* A strong passion for the countryside

* An understanding of the planning system (or be willing to learn)

* An interest in investigative work, with an eye for detail

* A desire to share your knowledge with others in the branch

* Good communication skills – written and verbal

* Can attend meetings or, when not possible, can provide updates for meetings

* Computer literate – the internet, e-mail and MS Word or equivalent.

This is an ideal opportunity to grow your knowledge of the planning system, and to gain experience of working in the environmental campaigning sector or for an environmental charity. You will have the opportunity to meet local people and feel part of a friendly and passionate group.

We anticipate that this role could take a few hours per week, but it can be as little or as much as you like. We keep in regular contact via phone and/or email to discuss progress and to provide support. Group meetings are usually virtual.

The role is voluntary, although we will pay all out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement, in line with our Volunteers Policy.

Lead a dynamic, mission-driven charity at a pivotal time in its development. As Chair of Trustees, you’ll play a central role in shaping the future of the Surrey Hills Society – championing one of England’s most treasured National Landscapes.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and growing charity dedicated to conserving, enhancing and celebrating the Surrey Hills National Landscape. You’ll work closely with trustees, our small team and volunteers to provide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and grow the Society’s reach and impact. Ideal candidates will bring senior leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach to chairing a diverse and committed Board.

 We are looking for someone with Social Media Marketing experience who has the ability to analyse data and identify trends to improve our social media strategies. We have a small team of volunteers who create and post our content but we are battling the algorithms.A large part of our findraising efforts rely on our reach across Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Tik Tok and Blue Sky and this allows us to keep our dogs fed and well cared for. Understanding how each platform works, its features and its auidience is a key part of this volunteer role. Although a remote position you will be joining a warm and friendly team who are in contact daily when needed so you will receive all the support you need. Come and join us and help stray dogs and former death dogs have better lives.Saving Strays is run by volunteers only, please ensure that you are serious about volunteering and dedicating some of your free time to the charity.

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Mid Kent area covering Maidstone, West Malling, Aylesford, Larkfield, Leybourne, Bearsted, Paddock Wood, West Kingsdown, Wrotham, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham etc

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Canterbury area covering postcodes CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, ME13.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events