Conservation volunteers volunteer roles

Assist with the upkeep of ground support equipment and aviation artifacts.

Key Tasks:

• Clean, restore, and preserve historical support equipment.

• Carry out basic repairs and painting as needed.

• Help maintain safety standards and logs.

Skills Required:

• Hands-on DIY or mechanical skills.

• Comfortable using tools and handling equipment.

• Attention to detail and care with heritage items.

• Some basic knowledge of ground support equipment is desirable.

Ideal For:

· Practical people who like working with tools.

· Those with DIY, mechanical, or restoration skills (or wanting to learn).

· Retirees, veterans, tinkerers, or anyone who enjoys hands-on volunteering.

An accredited museum and award winning visitor attraction, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a charity and the largest surviving Great War Aerodrome in Europe.

We are a centre for volunteering and, with the assistance of over 100 volunteers, we deliver an extensive programme of educational and fundraising events each year designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors including historians, aviation enthusiasts, school parties and families. 

We are looking for volunteers to help in our beautiful 1917 Airmen’s Mess Café with views over the aerodrome and the wildlife that thrives there. It is the heart of our site and popular with all our supporters and volunteers.

We open to the public, most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hours are flexible but are mainly worked on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when we are open to the public.

Come and join our friendly team under the capable management of our experienced Kitchen Supervisor.

No previous catering experience is needed as training will be given.

Are you:

• Friendly and welcoming
• Willing to engage with our visitors 
• Happy to work as part of a small but busy team
• Punctual and reliable
• Flexible and happy to take on a variety of tasks including use of a simple till system

This role could be perfect for you!

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference. As a Membership and Retail Support

As a Membership and Retail Volunteer you will actively engage with our visitors and encourage them to support WWT as members. Enthusing them with stories of our conservation work and the many benefits of membership, you’ll help us secure the essential support we need to continue our ambitious plans for wetlands conservation.

And if you have an eye for something special and can offer excellent customer service to every one of our visitors, even better. You will also be a support to our retail team and help keep up the great work in offering a wide range of items for them to take home. Experience is always welcomed but not essential as training for this and our membership processes will be provided.

Washington’s amazing grounds have a lot of infrastructure which requires regular maintenance. By volunteering your time with us you will be helping to ensure that Washington’s grounds are maintained to the highest standards for our visitors. We use resources creatively to maximum effect which is why we need enthusiastic and hardworking people to help with these daily tasks.

What will you be doing?

• This role will be varied and will involve a lot of daily maintenance/minor repair of the infrastructure throughout the Washington Centre grounds, including play areas, fencing, gateways and platforms.
• Use of a wide variety of hand tools and light power tools to carry out repairs.
• Assisting the wardens with any of their ongoing tasks.

Who are we looking for?

• Someone who is committed to great customer service and willing to engage with our visitors on an ad hoc in a friendly and welcoming way
• Someone who is able and willing to undertake a range of physical activities outside in all weathers.
• Previous experience with the use of hand tools would be an advantage, although not necessarily a necessity.
• Proactive and able to work with a minimum of supervision, under the direction of the grounds, reserve and living collection teams.
• Must have excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.

Please note, you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Washington’s amazing inner grounds have a lot of infrastructure which requires regular maintenance. By volunteering your time with us you will be helping to ensure that Washington’s play area is maintained to the highest standard for our visitors, helping families make memories in our amazing wetlands.

What will you be doing?

• This role will be varied, and will involve a lot of daily maintenance/minor repair of the play area, including:
• Inspection of play area to identify work required and ensure it is in working order (training will be given in line with our Play Inspection system)
• Cleaning of play equipment and ground surfaces using brushes, mobile jetwash and environmentally safe detergents
• Raking and replenishment of woodchip and sand
• Weeding of play area
• Identifying and undertaking minor repairs of equipment and pathways within the play area
• Managing vegetation around the play area and its pathways

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. 

Who are we looking for?

• Someone who should be committed to good customer service and willing to engage our visitors with the work of WWT.
• Any volunteer should be able and willing to undertake a range of physical activities outside in all weathers.
• Previous experience with the use of hand tools would be an advantage, although not necessarily a necessity.
• Proactive and able to work with a minimum of supervision, under the direction of the grounds team.
• Must have excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role. 

Looking to gain experience in the conservation sector and inspire people in Gloucestershire to stand up for nature's recovery? You’ve come to the right place!

We have two Wild Trainee roles currently vacant within our Engagement and Communications team – could you join our team?

The Wildlife Trusts have recognised that for nature to be put into recovery, we must better engage and inspire people on a local level – these roles form part of the Wild Trainees Programme, which is designed to provide valuable experience for young people in delivering nature’s recovery through practical work, communications, evidence, and engagement.

The Community Action Wild Trainee role is an essential part of our wider vision, inspiring communities across the county to take meaningful action for nature and creating bigger, better and more connected landscapes for people and wildlife.

Our Community Action and Communications Wild Trainees will work closely throughout their traineeship, collaborating and developing skills from all areas of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

How to apply: Please send us your CV and cover letter outlining why you’d like to be considered for the role and what applicable key skills and experience you have.

Application deadline: Tuesday 30th September

Date of interviews: Tuesday 7th October

Being a charity we hope all recruitment agencies will appreciate that we want to save money where possible - so thank you, but unless we get in touch, we don't need you help with this role quite yet.

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Warm and friendly.
• Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
• Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
• Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
• A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
• Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
• Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
• Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
• Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
• Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
• Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
• Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
• Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

 By getting involved you could· 

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
  Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty.
• Meet people from all walks of life
• Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
  Improve your communication skills.
  Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.

 You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts

Staffordshire Wildlife Trading Ltd is seeking a:

Non-Executive Director

We are looking for a Non-Executive Director to join our Trading Board at an exciting time of growth and ambition.

A fully owned, yet independent company of The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the trading company manages and oversees the development of commercial enterprises for the Trust. This currently includes a café at The Wolseley Centre, charity shops in Leek, Penkridge and Codsall and a retail shop in the Wolseley Centre.

Whilst no previous experience of acting as a director is necessary, we are keen to talk to applicants with senior experience or knowledge in the Commercial / Retail / Business sectors.

The role of our directors is varied and stimulating and covers both overseeing operational activity within the trading company and contributing to the forward strategic development of the trading organisation. You will be bringing your expertise, experience and passion to help lead the company into the next phase of its development.

Director Tenure: 4 year term – maximum 3 terms

Regularity: Normally 4 Board Meetings per year at 1.30 pm on a Monday

Location: The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT 

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Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the leading local charity in Staffordshire, is dedicated to the conservation of nature and connecting people with their local wildlife

By contributing to the success of the trading company you will be helping us to protect and enhance the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promote understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world

We are welcoming. One of the core values of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is that we nurture a culture of equality, inclusivity and diversity.

We are welcoming to those underrepresented in our communities and we strive to listen, learn and share from each other.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping children and young people safe, you can see our policy by visiting our website.

Safeguarding and protecting our visitors, customers, members, staff and volunteers is the responsibility of every trustee, director, employee, and volunteer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Staffordshire Trading Company.

For more information and to request an application pack visit our website.

Closing Date: 9am Monday 6th October 2025

Interviews:    First interviews TBC

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership of Sussex Area Ramblers by supporting the Chair in the oversight and direction of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.

The Ramblers, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks. 

The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, the protection of rights of way, and and the preservation and conservation of, the countryside, includung representing the Area to external stakeholders.

The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area leadership teams (Area Council and Area Executive Committee), represents the Area at meetings of the Ramblers' South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.

The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.

The role holderwill work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.

You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and live in East or West Sussex to hold the role.

Volunteer at Our Award-Winning Community Allotment in Easterhouse!

Want to get your hands dirty, grow fresh produce, and make a real impact in your community? Join us at our vibrant, award-winning community allotment on Drumlanrig Avenue, Easterhouse — a cherished green space where local nurseries, schools, adult clubs, and families come together to sow, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious to give it a go, we welcome volunteers of all experience levels. All you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to muck in — we’ll support you every step of the way and tailor tasks to your interests and skills.

What You Might Get Involved In:

• Planting, weeding, and harvesting
• Painting and beautifying the space
• Helping with site maintenance and small repair projects
• Supporting community plots and group activities

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Learn hands-on gardening and DIY skills
• Boost your physical and mental well-being
• Discover sustainable living in action
• Be part of a friendly, welcoming community
• Add valuable experience to your CV

Time Commitment:

We’re ideally looking for a weekly commitment of 2+ hours, but we’re flexible — any time you can give is appreciated!

Ready to Dig In?

Come grow with us and help our allotment — and our neighbourhood — flourish. No references or CV required. When you apply you will be prompted to add a CV, feel free to submit a wee bit about yourself or submit a blank sheet. Our volunteer coordinator will be in touch via email to discuss the opportunity further. 

Looking to gain experience in the conservation sector and inspire people in Gloucestershire to stand up for nature's recovery? You’ve come to the right place!

We have two Wild Trainee roles currently vacant within our Engagement and Communications team – could you join our team?

The Wildlife Trusts have recognised that for nature to be put into recovery, we must better engage and inspire people on a local level – these roles form part of the Wild Trainees Programme, which is designed to provide valuable experience for young people in delivering nature’s recovery through practical work, communications, evidence, and engagement.

The Communications Wild Trainee will work across the organisation and support the Communications and Marketing team to produce inspiring content that influences Gloucestershire to grow more connected with nature.

You can view the Community Action Wild Trainee role here:

Our Community Action and Communications Wild Trainees will work closely throughout their traineeship, collaborating and developing skills from all areas of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

How to apply: Please send us your CV and cover letter outlining why you’d like to be considered for the role and what applicable key skills and you have

Application deadline: Tuesday 30th September 2025

Date of interviews: Tuesday, 7th October 2025

Being a charity we hope all recruitment agencies will appreciate that we want to save money where possible - so thank you, but unless we get in touch, we don't need you help with this role quite yet.

Crossness Pumping Station (overseen by the Crossness Engines Trust) is a unique and valuable museum of UK and world reknown telling the history of how the ambitious management of sewage transformed London as a city of growth and innovation in the 1860s and helped eradicate cholera. Preserved and restored by a group of enthusiasts since 1987, we are now entering a second phase of major restoration and we need visionary trustees who can help us achieve it.

This role is one of three we have created for experts in their field to help us implement a major programme over the next 5-10 years. It really is your chance to be part of our history!

As well as the usual trustee roles (outlined in the role description attached) the specific skills needed for this role include:

Role Objectives

• Acting as lead expert on the Board in relation to management of Crossness as a heritage asset.
• Advising on regulatory and policy issues in heritage buildings and assets.
• Ensuring high standards of achievement in all aspects relating to Museum Accreditation including Building restoration, Collections and Archives.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with the Restoration, Archives and other relevant teams including developing work plans.
• Overseeing funding requirements in major grant applications.
• Being part of the Building Condition Survey sub-group.
• Liaising with volunteers and suppliers on developing work plans and ensuring their completion.
• Contribute to financial and business plans to achieve the heritage asset goals of the Trust.

Candidate requirements

Essential

• Experience working in a senior heritage management role.
• Excellent understanding of the needs of heritage assets and the roles of volunteers and staff in their management.
• Understanding of key stakeholder networks and sources of information useful to the Trust.
• Excellent communication skills including with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Commitment to attend board meetings regularly and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.
• Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings.
• Treating colleagues with respect and politeness.

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer at a similar organisation.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)