Environment and wildlife conservation volunteer roles

Visitor Centre Helper at South Walney

Location: South Walney , Walney Island , Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YQ

Do you love wildlife? Do you enjoy chatting to people? Why not join our friendly team of volunteers meeting and greeting visitors to our beautiful South Walney Nature reserve?

Commitment: Any Day

Frequency:Weekly

Interested in volunteering for half or a full day, at one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s most beautiful nature reserves? With stunning views across Morecambe Bay, this shingle island reserve is a landscape of rolling sand dunes and wetlands, surrounded by the wild Irish Sea. 

Do you love wildlife? Over 250 bird species have been recorded here, throughout the year. The reserve is also home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.

Are you a people person? Join a friendly team of volunteers at our visitor centre, meeting and greeting visitors to the reserve; providing information on the site’s wildlife; promoting the work of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust in general and South Walney nature reserve, in particular.

This is a unique opportunity to learn new skills through volunteering, working on South Walney nature reserve and learning how the reserve is managed. You don’t need to be a wading bird or grey seal expert, just have a natural enthusiasm for the all the wildlife that you and the visitors will see there.

Training, hot brews and, due to the reserve’s remote location, travel expenses, will all be provided.

We are looking for volunteer helpers who’d be able to come down once a week for a half or full day.

Our visitor centre is accessible for wheelchair users. Suitable for over 16s. 

As a Volunteer Helper, your role will include:

Greeting visitors on arrival in the visitor centre and assisting in the car park

Providing leaflets to visitors and advice to ensure they enjoy their visit

Spending time out and about on site, engaging with all our visitors and ensuring visitors are keeping to footpaths

Providing assistance and encouragement to visitors less experienced in bird and wildlife watching to discuss their sightings and share information

Where appropriate and safe, to deal with any misuse of the site by providing guidance to visitors

Assisting the tidying, and opening up/closing of the visitor centre.

If this role is for you, then we’d love to hear from you.

RSPB Crawley and Horsham Local Group plays a vital role supporting the RSPB locally through a mixture of inspiring talks, guided walks and trips, and other events. This volunteer led group provides a focal point to meet friendly and like-minded people, while learning more about birds and wildlife. For the smooth running of the group we have regular committee meetings and you will need to:

• Take minutes at meetings of the local group committee.
• Disseminate agendas prior to meetings, and actions following meetings.
• Share other information among committee members before and after meeting.

This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in the Exeter area.

Join us as the volunteer leader of the RSPB Exeter & District Local Group and lead a group of enthusiastic members who are passionate about supporting the RSPB and exploring local wildlife. The group runs a full programme of activities, from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fundraising events. As the group leader, you will primarily lead the group and oversee the programme. You will be part of a friendly and helpful committee that share the same vision of bringing members closer to nature. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB.

If you want to have an informal chat about the role, please ask for Richard, the current group leader. We’d love to hear from you.

We need someone to lead a group of enthusiastic people who are passionate about supporting the RSPB and exploring local wildlife. The group runs a full programme of activities, from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fundraising events. As the group leader, you will primarily lead the group and oversee things. You will be part of a friendly and helpful committee that share the same vision of bringing people closer to nature. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB.

About The Role

With a wealth of experience and proven track record in scientific research, we create and conserve wetlands and save species. We collect data on a wide range of species on all of our reserves, it is important these data-sets are compiled and safely stored centre.

Reserve records help to inform WWT’s reserves’ management plans by highlighting species trends and population changes - this knowledge can then be used in order to safeguard species utilising WWT reserves. We are looking for a volunteer with good knowledge of the classification of organisms and competent IT data entry skills to assist us in inputting and processing of the data from Arundel.

Working with the Reserve Manager and wider team, you will:

• Help to input biological records from the Reserve onto spreadsheets and databases.
• Assist with the compiling and formatting of historical records collected at WWT Arundel.
• Liaise with volunteers and staff to clarify data and ensure full records are complete.

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 will suit you if you:

• Are experienced in data entry, data handling and the use of databases and spreadsheets
• Have a good understanding and knowledge of the classification of organisms
• Are self-motivated and have a good attention to detail
• Are happy to liaise with the team in an office environment

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

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.

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us. 

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.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

RSPB Brighton and District Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

RSPB Pinner and District Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

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.

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

This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in your community. It is an opportunity to try new things and use your skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of your RSPB Local Group. We are a friendly and supportive team, so you will get the chance to build new relationships and meet new faces.

You will be leading the group in developing a range of activities designed to encourage wide participation from the group membership and to attract new group members, as well as heading the committee comprising individuals which assist with the running of the group and the activities which we run. You will have the support of Area/Country offices, and HQ.

The Natural History Consortium is a charitable collaboration of 13 organisations working together on a shared mission: engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action.

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help us keep events running smoothly, get feedback from festival visitors, and to share updates on our social media channels – could this be you? We would love your support helping people learn about, get inspired by, and take action for nature!����

RSPB Plymouth Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

Do you love the natural world and want to share it with others? Are you keen to share new ways for people to engage with nature?

Cameron's Cottage is a outdoor nature education centre for children and young people, based at RSPB Franchises Lodge on the edge of the New Forest. The Cottage has capacity to sleep up to 19, and welcomes both day visiting groups and those coming for a residential stay. RSPB staff lead the groups in a range of different activities, including nature walks, team building games, wildlife surveys, conservation tasks, mindfulness walks and so much more!

We are looking for someone in Dorset/Hampshire/Wiltshire area interested in helping us shout about Cameron's Cottage, share how young people can connect with nature and encourage young people to visit Cameron's Cottage .

What might this look like?

• Attending fairs or shows alongside/on behalf of the Cameron's Cottage team

• Using your social media platform and Cameron's Cottage social media pages to be a visible advocate for Cameron's Cottage to boost interaction by young people

• Share ways of how young people can get connected into their local green space, and create content or resources to facilitate this.

• Help the Cameron's Cottage team improve their offer, particularly activities, to be more inclusive and interesting to young people.

• in any other innovative ideas to help Cameron's Cottage meet its targets to connect a diverse range of young people with nature

Our groups are entirely volunteer run and led. They are in the front line of engagement with local people, with an extensive programme of walks, talks, day trips and indoor meetings for the group and members of the public. We're looking for people who are passionate about connecting people with nature and helping in the smooth running of the group. By becoming part of the group, you'll have the chance to use your existing skills (and learn new ones) to build the group and make it an ever more important aspect of local RSPB connections with people. The roles available will depend on the group and can include:

• Publicity and / or social media
• Website editor
• Helping with organising and running events

Being a community group, you'll also have the opportunity to make new friends, have fun, and know you are enthusing people about the joys of nature. All you need is a willingness and ability to help with one or more of the varied activities of our RSPB groups, and able to give a minimum of a few hours each month. We have groups across the UK (see our map to find your nearest group). Feel free to contact your local group direct or go along to an event or two to find out more. If you can't find a group near you and would like to help set one up, please click on "Ask a question".

Notes: This opportunity is not based on a reserve and may not include practical conservation work. It is also not suitable for work experience. However it can usually be customised to your skills, experience and requirements depending on your situation.

We are committed to better reflecting society within our workforce and are keen to encourage more applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and younger people.