Conservation volunteer roles

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

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’re looking for up to three Trustees to help guide Hackney Empire through an exciting period of growth, creativity and deepened community impact.

As a member of our Board, you will play a vital strategic role in shaping the future of Hackney Empire. You’ll support our mission to empower young people, champion diverse artistic voices, and strengthen our connections within our local community and the wider cultural landscape.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals who share our values, have strong strategic and advocacy skills, and bring experience in arts management, fundraising, legal practice, heritage/buildings projects, or digital and social media strategy, as well as people whose lived experience reflects the communities we serve.

Disabled and D/deaf people are currently under-represented at Hackney Empire, we will offer an interview to anyone who identifies as D/deaf or disabled if they are able to demonstrate they meet the person specification.

Recognising under-representation of people from the global majority in our Heads of Department Team, we actively encourage people from the global majority to apply for this role.

Open Country is a Charity that helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. We are always looking for volunteers to support our conservation and gardening groups, walking group and our weekend outings.

- Conservation group meet on a Tuesday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities who carry out practical conservation tasks each week at various locations. We work with organisations like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Tasks can include meadow creation, tree planting, pond maintenance and invasive species removal to name but a few. 

- Walking group meet on a Thursday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities or sensory impairments. We walk between 5-7miles each week at different locations around Yorkshire and normally finish the walk with a pub or cafe stop. 

- Gardening and arts group meet on a Friday, and is made up of adults with learning disabilities, where we learn about gardening and various natural craft like willow weaving. We also regulary work with organisations like the National Trust and the National Coal Mining Museum.

We also run weekend outings for people with all kinds of disabilities providing experiences and a chance to socialise and explore new places. Our activities range from a gentle amble round a country house and gardens, wildlife watching at a nature reserve to axe throwing and abseiling. 

As a volunteer you would be helping our members stick together as a group, or carry out the conservation tasks, making sure they are happy and safe.

No experience is required, just a willingness to get stuck in! We will provide all relevant training for the role. 

We meet at Thornes Park Nursery, Wakefield at 10am and head out in our accessible minibus to site. 

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to join our Council of Trustees.

We are Worcestershire’s leading nature conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and the natural environment. We are supported by over 21,000 individual members. Our 40 staff are supported by our 500 volunteers who are vital to the delivery of our work. We manage 75+ nature reserves across the county, covering 12.5 square kilometres of land, and provide land management advice across around a quarter of the county. We also work to inspire people to take action for nature and this includes work with schools and young people, communities and local businesses.

Our three goals set out in our strategy to 2030 are:

• Nature in recovery: 30% of land for nature by 2030
• Action for nature: one in four taking action for nature by 2030
• Sustaining our future: more diversity, more funding and carbon zero by 2030

We are looking for an Honorary Treasurer to join our board of Trustees to develop and maintain a solid understanding of the Trust’s finances and to be the lead on the Council for financial matters. The treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Council at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

Position Overview

This is a dynamic and rewarding internship opportunity to play a hands-on role in shaping the voice and visual identity of SEED Madagascar. As part of a passionate and collaborative communications team, you will contribute directly to how our work is shared with global audiences—helping to tell powerful stories of community-led development and conservation in southeast Madagascar.

This role offers a unique blend of creativity and purpose. You will support social media management, develop engaging visual content, and curate impactful imagery that brings our programmes to life. It is ideally suited to a proactive and imaginative individual who is eager to build practical skills in communications while contributing to meaningful, real-world impact. Throughout the internship, you will gain valuable experience in digital storytelling, branding, and content strategy within an international development context.

Location: Remote – based anywhere in the world

Time zone: East Africa Time

Timeframe: 6 months extendable – flexible, guideline 1-2 days a week

Overview: Voluntary, unsalaried, flexible times to suit volunteer

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas.

About The Role

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home to such an assortment of wildlife. 

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

By providing excellent customer care in our shop, you will be encouraging our visitors to support the wider conservation work of WWT. The money that is taken in retail is instrumental to the conservation work that WWT can afford to carry out.

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. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and  leave us a message with your name and number.  

About You

Who are we looking for?

This role would suit you if:

• Have an enthusiastic and friendly manner
• Have an eye for detail and creativity
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• A confident attitude and / or experience in successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Are happy using a computer/till
• Like working in a busy environment
• An interest in birding and optics equipment (if you’d like to get involved in promoting and selling our optics)

We are particularly looking for people to help on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays. 

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 look forward to hearing from you! 

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, Suusex Area of which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, 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.

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.

Are you interested in helping to save wildlife? We are Swan Lifeline, based on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton Berkshire, and our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured waterfowl.

We’re dependant on Volunteers and offer a very rewarding experience where you will learn lots and share amazing experiences as we transform lives. This volunteering role involves attending waterfowl who need rescuing and/or transporting to our site in Eton. 

We’re looking for 2 types of specialist Volunteers: You could do either or both.

Rescuer (Home based): Rescuing swans and other waterfowl from home. You’ll only do simple rescues to start with i.e. moving a swan from a garden or road etc. (beginners will not be asked to attend water-based rescues). Requires confidence handling large birds (full training given) and a good level of physical fitness. We will set you up with equipment.

Driver: Collecting waterfowl (usually ducklings, cygnets, geese etc.) and dropping them to our site or transporting birds to a different rescue centre.

We do have a few requirements for the Rescue and Driver Volunteer role:

· You live no more than 50 miles radius from postcode SL4 6SS

· You have a full, clean driving license and your own vehicle

· You can work independently once fully trained (full training given at our site in Eton)

· Are over the age of 18 (sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover Minors)

· You have a passion for Swans and are comfortable (after training) handling large birds

· You are willing to join the WhatsApp group that we use to communicate. We post rescues and collections to the WA group, and we ask you to respond if you are able to go. There is no obligation to respond or attend if you are unable.

Charity Trustee Opportunity – Protecting Animals, Changing Lives

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a meaningful way to make an impact?

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (JSAWT) is seeking new Trustees to join its dedicated and collaborative Board.

What we do:

JSAWT supports UK-registered charities that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and rehome animals by providing vital grant funding.

We focus on smaller organisations—where our support can make a real difference—helping transform the lives of animals and the people who care for them. From volunteer-led hedgehog rescues to international wildlife conservation initiatives, our work spans a diverse and inspiring range of causes.

Applications are reviewed three times a year by the Board of Trustees. Awards are given on a case-by-case basis to charities that meet our criteria and clearly demonstrate how the funding will benefit animals in their care.

Why join us?

By joining us, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Play a vital role in shaping the future of a leading animal welfare grant provider.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Learn about a wide range of animal welfare initiatives in the UK and internationally.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, informing the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Share your expertise to help JSAWT strengthen its resilience and ensure sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for JSAWT. You may be invited to represent JSAWT at events hosted by charities we support. Trustees are also encouraged to visit applicants and previous grant recipients, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure our awards are used as intended.
• You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Administrators to ensure JSAWT achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we are looking for:

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to JSAWT’s values and a passion for improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

We welcome applications from individuals with knowledge and experience in any of the following areas:

• IT and cybersecurity, especially for a small non-profit organisation.
• Legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Communications and marketing, ideally for a small non-profit organisation.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Potential Trustees must be able to commit to reviewing documents and applications in advance of meetings and be able to communicate their decisions.

The Board is friendly and inclusive and welcomes discussion and expression of opinions in a respectful and supportive environment.

Terms:

• Three Board meetings are held in March, July/August, and November. The meetings are held at the London office. They are usually in the afternoon and can last 4-5 hours.
• Attendance in person is encouraged; however, Trustees may attend virtually if this is preferable.
• The office has step free access and is all on one level.
• There may be occasional sub-committee meetings or events (virtual or in person).
• Reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings (or other agreed work) may be reimbursed: for example, travel, subsistence, and childcare.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.

JSAWT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Appropriate checks will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Further details are available on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Administrators.

About The Role

Why do we need you?

At WWT, we believe that the best way for people to understand and ‘connect’ with wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close.You will be directly involved in shaping children’s unforgettable experiences through the warm welcome you give them, your interactions with them and the information that you provide. We need enthusiastic people to help deliver our education programmes to school groups and in doing so ensure that they feel part of something amazing.

What will you be doing?

•Helping out with school groups as appropriate, bringing their science curriculum to life.

•Engaging pupils in the natural world and helping to foster a love of the outdoors and wetland habitats.

•Interacting with children in a sensitive and responsive manner.

What's in it for you?

•You'll be playing a vital role in shaping unforgettable experiences for local school children and groups. We regularly hear the children visiting say, "best school trip ever!"

•Working as part of a small and friendly team, you will be supported in gaining any essential training for the role.

•You will learn lots of new and transferrable skills. No two days are ever the same!

•You'll be making a tangible contribution to wetland conservation by inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

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. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and leave a message with your name and number. 

Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts.  

About You

Who are we looking for?

The role will suit you if:

• You have experience in an educational setting (though not essential)
• You are able to work well in a team of staff and volunteers
• You are able to communicate well with a diverse range of audiences
• You are familiar with Washington Wetland Centre - this would be an advantage during the initial stages
• You have a love of the outdoors and enjoy engaging with children

Please note that unfortunately this role is not suitable for Under 18's.

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

For more information on this role, and others, and to apply please visit our webpage.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the imporant work of WWT and we look forward to hearing from you! 

Pró-Onça Institute empowers Cerrado communities to restore critical habitats, monitor biodiversity, and promote sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.

The Brazilian Cerrado, one of the world's most biodiverse savannas, is vanishing at an alarming rate due to large-scale agriculture. This habitat loss fragments the landscape, isolating large carnivores like jaguars and driving them into dangerous conflicts with local farmers. Furthermore, the rural communities living closest to these ecosystems—particularly women and youth—are often excluded from conservation leadership and lack the resources to protect their land against the intensifying threats of drought and wildfires.

Pró-Onça Institute addresses these crises through a locally driven model that transforms communities into active conservation partners across four integrated pillars. We train rural women and youth in high-tech biodiversity monitoring—using camera traps and GPS to track wildlife and reduce predator conflicts—while establishing community nurseries to restore native vegetation corridors that reconnect fragmented habitats. Through flagship initiatives like "Jaguar Women for Climate & Conservation," we provide the leadership training and employment needed for local women to head restoration efforts, all while using professional storytelling and art to amplify community voices and foster global engagement. By blending ecological science with social empowerment, we create resilient landscapes where both jaguars and people can thrive together.

​The role: Impact Finance & Fundraising Strategist

This role is ideal for someone interested in impact investment, climate and biodiversity finance, or strategic partnerships for mission-driven organizations. You will work directly with the founder of Pró-Onça Institute to help design and implement a funding and partnership strategy that allows our conservation initiatives to scale.

This goes beyond advisory support. We are looking for someone who is willing to actively collaborate with us in building relationships with potential supporters and partners.

Responsibilities include:

• helping design a clear funding and partnership strategy for the organisation
• identifying potential donors, foundations, corporate partners, and impact investors aligned with biodiversity and climate initiatives
• advising on how to approach and communicate with potential funders
• supporting outreach and introductions to relevant partners when possible
• helping refine our pitch and value proposition for potential supporters
• advising on negotiation and partnership conversations

Our goal is to build long-term partnerships that allow community-led conservation initiatives to grow and reach more landscapes and communities.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

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