Conservation volunteer roles

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.

Do you want to be involved in helping to protect the white-clawed crayfish, the UK’s only native freshwater crayfish? Do you fancy helping us to survey river catchments to help us better understand their distribution and help out at events to champion this native crayfish? If so, then this role will be perfect for you!

Unfortunately the white-clawed crayfish has seen a dramatic decline across the country, mainly due to the introduction of the invasive signal crayfish and the crayfish plague it carries. North Yorkshire is one of the last strongholds for the endangered species, and so the North Yorkshire Crayfish Forum was set up in 2019 to develop a strategy to protect and preserve our local populations and the forum is now Yorkshire wide.

It is vital that we understand the distribution of the 2 species of crayfish (both the native white-clawed crayfish and invasive signal crayfish) in Yorkshire, with much of the available data for them being outdated and likely inaccurate. We are therefore recruiting Crayfish Survey Volunteers to help us survey 5 target river catchments (Derwent, Swale, Nidd, Ure and Foss), this will allow us to better understand the species distribution and help identify key areas where proactive work needs to be carried out to protect white-clawed crayfish populations!

Unfortunately, the white-clawed crayfish has seen a dramatic decline across the country, mainly due to the introduction of the invasive signal crayfish and the crayfish plague it carries. North Yorkshire is one of the last strongholds for the endangered species, and so the Yorkshire Crayfish Forum was set up in 2019 to develop a strategy to protect and preserve our local populations and is now Yorkshire-wide.

We are looking for volunteers to join us on either a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 3-4 times per month to help us with these surveys. 

To undertake this role you will need to complete essential training which will help you to survey the crayfish correctly. Training dates to be confirmed but plenty of notice will be provided

The Lifescape Project is a quickly growing UK-registered charity whose mission is to protect and restore wild, natural landscapes. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that pursue this mission.

We use the approach of combining disciplines to design and deliver our work because the biodiversity crisis is driven and impacted by social, economic, legal and other complex factors. It is increasingly recognised that the urgent transformative change needed for a sustainable future on our planet is most effectively achieved through this approach. The Lifescape Project has a unique ability to apply these diverse areas of expertise to our mission whilst maintaining the agility of a smaller organisation in delivering our work.

Working in pursuit of our 2020-2026 strategy, the Lifescape Project has seen rapid growth in its impact, team and revenue since commencing work in 2020. Our annual revenue has increased from £265,000 in FY 2020/2021 to £1.3m in FY 2025/2026, with further growth expected in the current FY. Our team has grown from just one to a team which will number 23 at the time of the new trustees joining.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Lifescape Project ("Lifescape") achieves its purpose. Trustees oversee the management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Lifescape has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision: We want to live in a world rich in wild landscapes, providing a sustainable future for life on earth. 

Just as importantly, trustees support and challenge the executive team to enable Lifescape to grow and thrive, to achieve our mission of catalysing the creation, restoration and protection of wild landscapes by through building and employing our expertise in science, technology, law, economics, and culture. 

Duties include: 

• Support and provide advice on Lifescape’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation. 

• Oversee Lifescape’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Review and approve Lifescape’s financial statements. 

• Keep abreast of changes in Lifescape's operating environment, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively. 

• Provide support and challenge to Lifescape’s CEO . 

• Contribute to regular reviews of Lifescape's own governance. Attend Board meetings, prepared to contribute to discussions. 

• Apply your expertise and knowledge and make use of your professional networks to contribute to the promotion of Lifescape's objects and aims, and to enhance the charity’s reputation.. 

As a small charity, there are times when trustees need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may include assisting with recruitment, developing internal policies, ad-hoc reviews of strategic decisions or providing guidance to the executive team on specific subject areas within your expertise.

What we are looking for 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role. 

Prior experience of working or volunteering for, or acting as trustee of, an NGO would be an advantage but is not required. We will provide a full induction and training.

For this round of trustee recruitment, we welcome interest from all candidates who believe they have something to offer. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Planning and delivering conservation or rewilding programmes in Europe, or in Eastern or Southern Africa; or having relevant professional networks in those geographies. 

• Environmental economics / natural capital accounting. 

• Major donor or grant fundraising for charities.

• Strategic communications.

Personal skills and qualities 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. 

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to our mission to protect and restore wild landscapes globally.

• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

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

We are happy to consider trustees based in any geographic location.

We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, and are keen to broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Prior experience of serving on a board is not required, and you don't need to meet every single requirement listed in order to apply. 

Our top priority is finding someone who is as passionate about Lifescape's mission and vision as we are and has time to commit to it 

Terms of appointment 

Terms of office 

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, subject to renewal at a designated board meeting. 

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. 

Time commitment 

• Trustees attend quarterly board meetings which last approximately two hours. These are usually scheduled towards the end of the UK working day (e.g. 5pm – 7pm) but timings can be varied if required.

• Board meetings are usually held virtually, with one in-person meeting a year (see below).

• An agenda and pack of supporting materials will be circulated in advance of the meeting. We would normally recommend allowing at least an hour to read these and prepare for the meeting.

• In addition, we may call ad hoc meetings of the board as needed, e.g. to discuss strategy or where an urgent board approval is required.

• Lifescape is a remote organisation and relies on periodic in-person meetings to bring team members together. The trustees are asked to attend an annual offsite, which may be held in the UK or abroad. Travel, accommodation and meals are paid for and organised by Lifescape. The length of the annual offsite varies depending on location but is usually four days, requiring trustees to spend at least three nights away from home. 

Committee membership

• The board delegates certain functions to committees. We currently have a Governance Committee and a Finance & HR Committee. There may be new committees in future. These committees meet approximately once a month, and the timing of the meetings is flexible to suit the availability of participants.

• If you would like to see the Terms of Reference for either committee, then please let us know. We would be delighted if new trustees were keen to get involved in our committee work. 

How to apply 

To apply, please send your CV (max two pages) and a statement of no more than 500 words explaining your interest in and suitability for the role.

Applications close at the end of 31st July 2026, although we may close applications earlier if we receive a sufficient number of qualified candidates before this date. 

There will be at least one interview for candidates who pass the first stage of review. 

If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please contact us. If you require any information in a different format, please let us know. 

About The Role

Volunteers are integral for the running of Caerlaverock reserve, without their help we wouldn't be able to maintain this vast 1,400-acre wetland of international importance. You will join a small, friendly and motivated team and will benefit from volunteering by gaining experience, meeting like-minded people and making a difference by helping to maintain our important wetland. 

Managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical, hands-on, physical tasks. With training and guidance, you will become part of our friendly dedicated reserve team. Your role will help support in all areas of practical reserve management - including maintaining habitats, biological monitoring, increasing species biodiversity, and ensuring the reserve and grounds look their best. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main Tasks

• Maintenance of visitor facilities including paths, hides, benches
• Assisting with practical reserve management including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding and fencing
• Ensuring reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately 
• Assisting in wildlife monitoring
• Operating machinery and hand tools safely and correctly to carry out habitat management
• Observing health & safety regulations at all times to ensure the safety, welfare, and enjoyment of everyone on site
• General visitor engagement
• Occasional assisting with management of livestock or visitor centre work

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish.

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. Our enthusiasm for what we do motivates others to support our cause and ultimately helps save wetlands and their wildlife. You will be contributing to this aspect of our work by assisting the Education department with the delivery of outdoor workshops for schools and other educational groups.

No previous knowledge is required as training and equipment will be provided. However, this role will suit you if you have:

• A good basic knowledge of UK wildlife, conservation and nature.
• An enthusiasm for the natural world and sharing this with others.
•  The ability to communicate effectively with children.
• Willingness to work outside in most weather conditions. Please note the role will require some lifting, bending and other reasonable physical activities.
• Excellent and reliable time management to ensure that sessions run time.
• Ability to work well with other WWT Martin Mere staff and volunteers.
• A positive, confident and welcoming disposition.

Please apply for this role via the WWT website.

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

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

Summary

The Sussex Area of the Ramblers has two Countryside Officers, one for East Sussex and one for West Sussex. The main activity in the role is to act on behalf of members where a planning development is likely to have an adverse impact on the walking environment in the Sussex countryside.

Description

The Ramblers, the Sussex 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 footpaths 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 role of East Sussex Area Countryside Officer involves reviewing planning applications published by Local Authorities and creating and submitting objections on behalf of Sussex Ramblers if an application is likely to have an adverse impact on the Sussex countryside and the places where people walk. Objections may be expressed in writing through a response to the planning process, but could also involve site visits and on occasion attendance at public hearings or meetings with representatives of Local Authorities or with other stakeholders such as Parish Councils and environmental and wildlife organisations.

The role holder will work closely with other Ramblers volunteers such as the East Sussex Area Footpath Officer, the West Sussex Area Countryside Officer and Local Footpath Wardens in East Sussex and where necessary will seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' Central Office. Other main contacts include the Local Authorities, Parish/Town Councils, the South Downs National Park Authority and the East Sussex Local Access Forum. The role holder will be a member of the Area leadership team (Area Council). You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and to live in or close to East Sussex.

What Impact will you have?

The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as an Area Countryside Officer you will be playing a vital role in making sure we can achieve this by holding Local Authorities to account for planning decisions, and helping to ensure that our countryside and the places people walk, essential to health and wellbeing, are safeguarded.

Skills and Experience Required

You should have a passion for walking and for the preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a good knowledge of the county. Experience and knowledge of the Local Authorities' planning process is not essential but would be an advantage. The role is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written and spoken form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.

Working with the England & Wales Wildfire Forum, we are determined - with your help - to be a voice for education and prevention of wildfires to project our wildlife and landscapes.

Make a difference to protecting trees and wildlife in your local area. Help us realise this by becoming a Wildfire Prevention Ambassador.

As a volunteer, you’ll deliver talks and or activities to any school, college, club or workplace you are involved in with the aim of helping prevent the starting of wildfires.

Often triggered by human activity, wildfires in the UK can have devastating consequences for wildlife, habitats, infrastructure and people. And thanks to climate change, the risk is increasing. You’ll receive all the material on wildfires, as well as coaching in how to deliver engaging public talks. All you need is the desire to make a difference!

This role is open to 14-25 year olds. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

This role is made possible with support from the NHLF.

We are seeking a WordPress developer to revamp our current website. Preferably able to do IT support for the site. Your input to our online presence will shape how we are presented to service users, funders and the general public. The more eyes on us, the more support we have to reach our objective.

We need someone who has experience with creating and designing user-friendly websites on the WordPress platform. These are the key soft skills we're looking for:

• detail-oriented
• problem-solving
• team collaboration

This is an opportunity to lead the protection of the vital footpaths and rights of way network across the countryside of West Sussex and ensure walking in the natural environment is accessible to everyone.

You will coordinate a team of Local Footpath Wardens and will be responsible for assessing proposals affecting paths and for developing Ramblers' response to and comments on those proposals, liaising with Ramblers' Central Office and other stakeholders as necessary.

You will represent Ramblers' Sussex Area on rights of way issues with the local authorities and at meetings and public events.

To undertake the role you will need to keep up to date with legal and policy information about paths and planning issues nationally as well as in your local area.

The skills required for the role are to be confident but diplomatic; able to understand complex rights of way and legal issues; be friendly and personable with the ability to influence; and good at presenting arguments in writing and in person.

The role will offer you the opportunity to use your existing networking skills; to develop new skills and knowledge in relation to rights of way issues; and to work with a group of fellow volunteers to influence local policy.

ClientEarth is looking to add two to three new Trustees to our UK Board of Trustees.

Our Board of Trustees brings together experts from the private sector, B-Corps, non-profits and foundations, law, and the arts to guide and champion the ambition of ClientEarth in the wider environmental movement. They are driven by the urgency of the climate crisis and the relentless destruction of nature, and united in their belief in the law’s essential role in defending people and planet.

We are specifically seeking candidates with significant experience living and working in the EU or Asia-Pacific, given our depth of work in the former and rapid growth in the latter. We are also looking for candidates with the skills and willingness to take up roles on our Finance, Audit, & Investment Committee or our Governance & Risk Committee.

We are seeking outstanding people with diverse insights and experiences to help support this unique organisation in its next chapter. Will you join us?

An online Question and Answer session is scheduled for 10:30 BST / 11:30 CEST, Wednesday 5th August. Click through to the advert on our careers site to find the registration link.

Main duties

The ClientEarth UK Board of Trustees is responsible for agreeing ClientEarth’s overall programmatic and financial strategy; approving the annual budget; and ensuring sound governance, administration, and financial management.

Trustees also have oversight of arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Executive Team. Day-to-day management of ClientEarth is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who onward delegates certain functions to the Executive Team, as well as members of the Global Leadership Group.

See our Trustee recruitment brochure, below, for further details.

Key requirements

• Knowledge of or a strong interest in conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and/or social justice
• Strategic vision, sound and independent judgment, and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of working in a global organisation
• Leadership experience, preferably in finance, business, strategic communications, tech, law, or other relevant sectors
• Significant, relevant experience working in the EU or Asia-Pacific

See our Trustee recruitment brochure, below, for a detailed requirements list.

Further Information

UK Trustees serve a three-year term, and will be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. In exceptional cases, or where necessary to fill a needed skill gap, a Trustee may be offered a third term.

We estimate that Trustees commit on average 8-10 days a year, not including travel.

There is no financial remuneration for Trustees, although Board-related travel expenses may be claimed.

Recruitment timeline

Please read the "Our Hiring Process" section at the bottom of our advert on our careers site for a full overview of our recruitment process. Please note we operate a two-stage application process as detailed below.

• Advertising period: July 13th through to 23:59 BST Tuesday September 15th 2026
• Additional questions submitted by: 18th September 2026
• First round interviews: Early to mid October TBC
• Second round interviews: Late October TBC
• Appointments confirmed by: Early December 2026

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.

Our green charity looks after dozens of spaces around the East Midlands, with multiple around Bolsover:

• Clowne Greenway: Every Monday 10am – 1pm 
•  Archaeological Way: Every other Wednesday from 9:30 – 1:30pm

From planting and coppicing trees to litter picking and weeding, there are tasks for people of all ages and abilities, whether you’re an avid gardener or a brand new enthusiast. Full training, PPE, and light refreshments are provided. We’ll also fully reimburse your transport costs.

Volunteering has many benefits:

• Being active helps your physical and mental health
• Meet new people and being social
• Enjoy working outdoors in the fresh air
• See a green space improve before your very eyes
• Give back to your community
• …and much more!

Our green charity looks after dozens of spaces around the East Midlands, with multiple in Amber Valley:

• Carr Wood Local Nature Reserve in Ripley: Every Wednesday 9am – 12:30pm
• Hammersmith Meadows Nature Reserve in Ripley: One Wednesday morning a month
• Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve in Somercotes: Every other Wednesday morning
• Sandbed Lane Loop in Belper: One Friday morning a month
• Red River Local Nature Reserve in Heanor & Loscoe: Every second Saturday of the month from 10am – 12pm

From planting and coppicing trees to litter picking and weeding, there are tasks for people of all ages and abilities, whether you’re an avid gardener or a brand new enthusiast. Full training, PPE, and light refreshments are provided. We’ll also fully reimburse your transport costs.

Volunteering has many benefits:

• Being active helps your physical and mental health
• Meet new people and being social
• Enjoy working outdoors in the fresh air
• See a green space improve before your very eyes
• Give back to your community
• …and much more!

Our outdoor community hub in Worksop launched in autumn 2024 and continues to grow.

We host family events, children’s nature play groups, workshops, green skills training sessions, and much more. We also grow our own produce to use in healthy cooking and eating events on-site.

Every other Friday 9:30am – 2:30pm we work with volunteers who want to be part of something special, to give back to the community and the environment. You can still sign up even if you can’t attend every time or all day, every hour you spent with us is greatly appreciated.

We need volunteers to help us with: DIY, gardening, implementing infrastructure such as polytunnels, raised beds, seating, and more.

From planting and coppicing trees to litter picking and weeding, there are tasks for people of all ages and abilities, whether you’re an avid gardener or a brand new enthusiast. Full training, PPE, and light refreshments are provided. We’ll also fully reimburse your transport costs.

Volunteering has many benefits:

• Being active helps your physical and mental health
• Meet new people and being social
• Enjoy working outdoors in the fresh air
• See a green space improve before your very eyes
• Give back to your community
• …and much more!

Address: Entrance to Allotments via metal gate next to 109 Cheapside, Worksop, S80 2JD
Facilities: There is a toilet and running water on-site, free on-street parking, and shops nearby.