Conservation volunteers volunteer roles

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

We work with hundreds of adult volunteers every year at Skelton Grange Environment Centre, running practical and wellbeing based volunteering sessions and managing and improving our beautiful wildlife area in South East Leeds.

Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team, working both independently and with volunteer teams and the local community at Skelton Grange Environment Centre, helping to plan, prepare and run sessions. You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and Volunteer Officers.

Typical activities for Volunteer Officers include:
- Leading or assisting groups of volunteers on practical conservation tasks, including preparing and organising activities, supporting and training volunteers (including some with additional support needs) looking after tools, refreshments and group welfare.
- Assisting with public events and related activities.
- Working to develop and maintain the wildlife area as an exciting and inspiring location for visitors to get a hands-on experience with nature. This will include both development work and routine maintenance.
- Keeping the activity days and resources up to date and developing new resources or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project.

Benefits to you:
We will aim to train Volunteer Officers in:
- Leading a range of practical tasks and events with volunteers on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Practical development and maintenance of the wildlife area at Skelton Grange - including habitat management, practical conservation and surveying skills.

The Volunteer role will give you real responsibility in a supportive environment, and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
As well as valuable practical experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field, we will provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

It's also a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile, and have lots of fun with some great people!

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with other people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector, or you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time.

How much time:
2-4 days per week.

To maximise your experience and make the most of your new skills, many people aim to complete 100 days of volunteering within 6 to 12 months.

About The Role

An exciting opportunity to volunteer with the team at the Conservation Breeding Unit (CBU) at Slimbridge has arisen. As a CBU horticulture and maintenance volunteer, you will play a vital role in assisting the Conservation Breeding Team to uphold the highest standards of care and welfare. You'll achieve this by maintaining and constructing facilities and aviaries at CBU and carrying out various horticultural roles such as grass mowing, weeding and 'planting up' aviaries for a collection of birds that are vital to ongoing conservation efforts. 

This role is ideal if you are interested in learning how things work 'behind the scenes' at an organisation that prides itself on carrying out effective and successful wetland conservation. You will have the opportunity to develop your horticultural and DIY skills. You will also learn from a team of dedicated conservation aviculturists who are happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, making this an ideal stepping-stone for those who are looking to enter the world of practical conservation work but require more experience to get their foot in the door.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

This role could be perfect for you if you are:

•  An early career conservationist/aviculturist looking for some extra experience of working within the sector
• Looking to develop your skillset, especially horticultural skills, through experience and training opportunities
• Keen to learn and improve your understanding of how conservation looks and functions 'behind the scenes'
• Interested in making a real contribution to the conservation work of WWT

We are looking for someone who:

• Cares about managing vegetation in and around a small site for the benefit of wildlife.
• Is proactive and able to complete tasks with minimal supervision, initiative is a highly valued characteristic.
• Is willing to listen and learn new skills and information on a regular basis in order to support the work of CBU.
• Has a moderate level of fitness.
• Is able to work well within a small, cross-department team and doesn't mind getting wet and mucky!
• Has some knowledge or experience of gardening/conservation/DIY (not essential). 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

General notes:

Road: Slimbridge Wetland Centre is 2 miles off the A38. There is a large car park with ample car parking spaces and there is a bike rack available for staff volunteers. Rail: Cam & Dursley rail station is a 3.5 mile cycle or taxi ride away. Bus: Unfortunately, there is no bus service directly to Slimbridge: the nearest services stop is at the A38, 2 miles walk from the Centre.

This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid. Any offer of a volunteer placement is not intended to create a legally binding contract between us and any agreement may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

We celebrate inclusivity and diversity amongst our volunteering community and encourage applicants to state any disabilities they have for provided support.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Location: Southeast England (within 30 mins of London & Brighton)

If you want to make a genuine difference, The Wildlife For All Trust is looking to expand its team. We’re a pioneering charity with a refreshingly different and deeper approach. Amongst other projects, we run a huge nature reserve in South Africa.  

We train our team members to understand how psychological attitude has a huge impact on project success. No previous conservation experience is required. We provide all the necessary training to be part of our highly successful work, starting at our nature reserve in Sussex. 

You need to be willing to challenge yourself, learn to work hard, and want to be the best you can be. This is a rare and exciting opportunity. 

Please see our website for further details, including how to apply for an interview. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

The Wildlife For All Trust 

British Registered Charity 1006174 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist

Help shape the future of deer conservation and education

The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.

Why join us?

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.

About the role

Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.

What we’re looking for

We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy

By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.

Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level! 

Interested in volunteering at one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s most beautiful nature reserves? Do you love wildlife? This is a unique opportunity to learn new conservation survey skills, through volunteering.

From dolphins to white faced darters, from Cumbrian rocky shores and offshore habitats to the north Pennines and from experts to novices we have a wide programme of surveying and monitoring volunteering opportunities to suit all abilities this summer. Programmes include:

-Marine Survey

-Marine Survey  (Ocean World Day special)

-Shoresearch Training

-Shoresearch

-White-faced darter (dragonfly) monitoring

-Dragonfly monitoring

If any of these roles is for you, then we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer Assistant Warden (RSPB Gloucestershire Reserves)
The RSPB is seeking two Volunteer Assistant Wardens for a 6–12 month placement (2 days/week) at two unique woodland reserves: Nagshead in the Forest of Dean and Highnam Woods near Gloucester. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to start a career in conservation. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in woodland management, species monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, and visitor engagement. Tasks include habitat management (e.g., coppicing, glade creation), biological surveys (birds, butterflies, reptiles, flora), and supporting events and guided walks.

Volunteers will work alongside a small, experienced team and receive training tailored to their development, including species ID, leadership, and practical conservation skills. A mentor will support personal growth, and further training opportunities are available for those committing to the full 12 months.

Applicants must be 18+, hold a full UK driving licence, and be able to travel to the Gloucestershire reserves office in Parkend. One of the working days must be Wednesday; the second is flexible (Mon–Thu, excluding Friday). Previous volunteering is not essential, but flexibility, resilience, and enthusiasm for outdoor work in all weathers are key.

This role is ideal for those passionate about nature and conservation, ready to work both independently and within a team. Travel expenses are reimbursed (26p/mile, up to 25 miles).

While the placement doesn’t guarantee employment, it provides invaluable experience and networking opportunities within the RSPB.

If this is something of interest to you, apply now!

About The Role

We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. In this role you will be assisting the Living Collections team in all aspects of caring for the birds in our living collection, which includes rare and endangered species of wildfowl from around the world. You will be directly involved in the care, breeding and welfare of WWTs collection birds, which includes working with waders, waterfowl and flamingos.

You will be working amongst a supportive and experienced team, who will allow you to gain practical experience in animal care and conservation. 

Someone with a background in animal care will find this a varied and interesting role within a supportive and experienced team. The role is also an ideal placement for someone looking to gain practical experience in animal care / biology / ecology or conservation science.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

In order to get the most from this role, we ask that you are be able to commit 2 or 3 days per week for a minimum of 6 weeks. This can drop to one day per week once you have completed training.

Please note, you must be Over 18 to volunteer in this role.

In order to carry out this role, you will need:

• Interest in gaining experience in bird keeping and practical habitat management.
• Ability to be a team player with the ability to work under your own initiative.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Good communication skills.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need.  This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need.

Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing.

If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website.

We regret that we are not in a position to reimburse expenses incurred for travel to the site. Any pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of the role will be reimbursed.

We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form so that we can talk it through further with you.

Please vist our webpage for more information and to apply. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Join Us as Treasurer Trustee – Help Secure the Future of Sherwood Forest for People & Nature

Do you have strong financial acumen and are passionate about conservation and heritage? Since 1995, our charity has been at the heart of protecting and preserving the rich natural and cultural heritage of Sherwood Forest. Through dedicated conservation projects, community engagement, and educational initiatives, we work to restore threatened heathlands, expand woodlands, and inspire people to connect with this historic landscape.

With funding from the National Heritage Fund, we are embarking on an exciting programme to restore lowland heathlands across the Sherwood National Character Area. As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring the charity’s financial health, sustainability, and strategic growth—helping us make the most of our resources to continue this important work for future generations.

We have a high-performing staff finance officer so this is not a Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the staff team and the Board as you support your fellow Trustees in the performance of their governance duties and understanding of the charity’s finances.

You’ll be joining a passionate, committed and experienced board of trustees who are in close connection with our CEO led staff team. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your financial expertise to shape the future of a well-established charity. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to apply your skills in financial oversight, strategic planning, and governance - while making a real impact on the environment we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with varied professional expertise and lived experiences. We encourage applications from individuals who can bring different perspectives to our work and help us better serve the communities we support.

If you would like an informal chat around the role, please contact our CEO, Helen (contact details on the next tab). To apply, please send your CV or Linkedin profile accompanied with a letter explaining why you want to become a trustee and what you hope to bring to the Board of Trustees.

The RSPB is seeking friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to support our visitor engagement activities at Nagshead Nature Reserve, a beautiful and wildlife-rich site. This role involves helping visitors feel welcome, offering information about trails, events, and wildlife sightings, and encouraging people to connect with nature. Tasks may include greeting guests, recommending walks, sharing recent wildlife news, assisting with family-friendly activities like pond dipping, processing small payments for refreshments or pin badges, and chatting about the RSPB’s conservation work.

Volunteers will also help maintain a clean and inviting visitor centre, update information displays, and check trails and hides while engaging with visitors. Opening and closing the visitor centre may be part of the role, and full training and support are provided.

The role is ideal for people who enjoy interacting with others and want to make a positive difference. You’ll be part of a supportive team, meet new people, and spend time outdoors on a stunning reserve. Volunteering at Nagshead offers opportunities to learn about nature conservation and gain valuable skills in public engagement and reserve management.

The Nagshead Visitor Centre is open from 11am to 3pm on weekends and Bank Holidays from April to September, and every Wednesday during summer holidays. Volunteers use the RSPB’s Assemble platform to book shifts, and all shifts require at least two people, so you’ll never be working alone.

Please note: Volunteers must be 18 or older due to safeguarding policies at Nagshead.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, go ahead and click the apply button.

What you will be doing
The opportunity will be volunteering with the Volunteering Officer and People & Culture Manager carrying out administrative tasks that include data input in to systems, issuing letters and documents, responding to email enquiries, photocopying/scanning, filing, using Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint and the development of the volunteering programme at Suffolk Wildlife Trust including the recognition events and activities.

There are no set tasks or duties with the opportunity - you'll be getting involved with the day-to-day activities.

The skills you need
No experience is required other than able to use a computer and Microsoft Office.

What you'll get out of it
This opportunity may suit someone who is looking for a career in volunteering support or within HR, or someone with administrative experience looking to use their skills.

You can claim back out-of-pocket expenses.

The time you need to give
You can volunteer as much or as little as you wish. A regular volunteering day on a Tuesday would be ideal but we are open to different days and hours between Monday and Friday.

How to Apply
For more information about this opportunity and an informal discussion, please contact us.

Volunteer Handyperson – Help Us Keep Our Facilities in Top Shape!

Location: RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch – Community-based

Role Type: Volunteer – Handyperson

Manager: Operations Manager

Do You Enjoy DIY and Fixing Things?

Would you like to use your practical skills to help improve the environment for rescued animals and support our charity shops?

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, our volunteer handypersons play a crucial role by:

● Repairing and maintaining small animal pens and hutches to ensure they are safe and comfortable.

● Installing shelves, notice boards, and basic fixtures in our charity shops.
Carrying out general maintenance tasks at our shops, storage facilities, and animal care locations.

● Assisting with minor repairs, painting, and basic carpentry tasks as needed.

If you have basic DIY skills, some spare time, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to have you on board!

Why Volunteer With Us?

As an RSPCA volunteer handyperson, you will:

● Meet a variety of RSPCA staff, volunteers, animal carers and people from our community.

● Help create safer and more comfortable environments for animals.

● Support the smooth running of our charity shops and animal care sites.

● Enjoy a rewarding role that makes a tangible difference in your local community.

What We’re Looking For:

● Aged 18 or over with practical DIY skills.

● Ability to use basic tools safely (drills, screwdrivers, hammers, saws, etc.).

● Comfortable lifting, carrying, and handling materials.

● Reliable, responsible, and able to work independently.

● A problem-solver with a can-do attitude.

What You’ll Be Doing:

● Animal Pen & Hutch Repairs: Fixing broken enclosures and ensuring they are safe and weatherproof.

● Shop Maintenance: Putting up shelves, assembling furniture, and installing small fixtures.

● General Repairs & Upkeep: Basic painting, minor carpentry, and fixing small issues.

● Storage & Organisation: Helping maintain our storage areas and ensuring everything is tidy.

● Ad Hoc Jobs: Supporting the team with various maintenance tasks as needed.

What’s in It for You?

● Meet new people and be part of a passionate team.

● A comprehensive induction and training relevant to your role.

● The chance to make a meaningful difference to the welfare of animals.

● Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.

Practical Considerations:

● Health & Safety: Volunteers must follow RSPCA safety guidelines for DIY work.

● Physical Requirements: This role involves lifting, carrying, and working with tools.

● Equipment Use: Tools and materials will be provided where needed.

● Volunteers must use equipment safely and responsibly.

● Training & Support: You will receive a volunteer handbook and guidance from our team.

About The Role

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences.  At heart we are warm, welcoming and genuine.  In our Waterside Cafe we do this by offering a delicious selection of home cooked food and chilled drinks, served and assisted by our friendly team of staff and volunteers.  

We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in the Waterside Cafe and ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors.

Working alongside the Kitchen Manager and catering team to provide an inviting and relaxing environment in between gorgeous walks and beautiful sights. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

To carry out this role, you will need:

• Good verbal communication skills
• Some understanding around H&S within a catering environment 
• To enjoy working as part of a team
• Good general fitness as this role involves spending periods of time on your feet and may involve lifting
• To be reliable and committed to the role and the team
• An interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Are you green-fingered and have time to help nurture wildflowers for the community?

The Wetland Wildflower Project aims to grow and distribute meadow plants of local provenance to enhance the wildflower diversity of local community projects, as well as the grounds and reserve areas at WWT Slimbridge.  We will grow these plants in a recently refurbished polytunnel at Slimbridge.

Floodplain meadows are not only beautiful, but these rare, species-rich plant communities are part of the heritage of the Severn Vale.  Floodplain meadows can store more carbon than woodlands, are incredibly biodiverse and can help mitigate flooding. Unfortunately, today just over 1000ha remain in England and Wales.

To help our efforts to restore floodplain meadows and other wet grasslands in the Severn Vale, we are looking for volunteers to assist with growing wildflower plug plants in our polytunnel.

This is a great role for those who will enjoy this hands-on work behind the scenes, whilst playing a role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.  

Tasks will include:

• Receiving simple training on the methods and essential health & safety
• Caring for plug plants e.g. weeding, hand watering, potting on plants for sale in shop and watering and replacing these, as required
• Seed collecting  and looking for pests and diseases
• Preparing plants for orders
• Ensuring optimal growing conditions in the polytunnel e.g. raising /lowering sides of tunnel, adapting automatic watering regime
• Some general maintenance, as needed, including moving trays and keeping work areas clean and safe
• Updating records, e.g. of any problems/loss of plants/transfer of plants
• Planting out plugs, as and when required 
• Supporting attendance at plant sales and fairs, as agreed

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.