48 Conservation volunteer roles

West Midlands Heritage Trust, along with its three partner project trusts, is seeking to appoint a new Trustee Treasurer to its board. This is an exciting opportunity to help guide our work in rescuing, restoring, and finding sustainable new uses for historic buildings in our region.

Who are we?

We are four building preservation trusts all based in the West Midlands, working together to share our knowledge and experience to save Historic Buildings at Risk.

West Midlands Heritage is made up of: West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, and Wolverhampton Heritage Trust.

We aim to safeguard buildings of historical and/or architectural importance, within the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire which are in danger of being lost. Our previous projects range in age and type from a 16th Century farmhouse to a Georgian townhouse and a Victorian Cemetery Chapel. 

As well as projects to protect and rescue historic buildings, the Trusts organise a range of activities and events to encourage and involve our members and local communities, as well as contribute to professional development within the sector.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee Treasurer with an interest in saving historic buildings at risk and contributing to their local community.

The Treasurer plays a key role in supporting the financial governance of the Trusts and helping to ensure their long-term sustainability. Working with fellow Trustees and staff, including a Finance Officer, the Treasurer will oversee financial reporting, budgeting and financial controls, and provide advice on financial matters affecting the organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in:

• Finance, accountancy or bookkeeping
• Financial management of charities, businesses, or within the public sector
• Strategic financial planning
• Risk management or governance

A recognised accounting qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.

It is not necessary to have previous trustee experience, as support and guidance will be given.

What the role entails

• Attendance at up to SIX evening meetings of The Council of Management per year, plus the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Attendance at finance sub-committee meetings.
• Optional attendance at other meetings and site visits within the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
• Preparation of financial reports for the Council of Management and the AGM
• Responsible for overseeing Finance Officer role and activities
• Oversight of Trust bank accounts and authorisation of payments, monthly, with Finance Officer
• Oversight of Restricted Fund Management, with Finance Officer
• Liaison with the Trust’s appointed accountants (book-keeping) and auditors, with Finance Officer

Trustees are elected for a 3-year term of office, and may offer themselves for re-election thereafter. Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

We are keen to make the role of Trustee Treasurer accessible to all and will endeavour to make necessary arrangements for individuals unable to attend in person, including the use of online meeting platforms.

Join Our Wildlife Conservation Volunteering Programme!

Be part of our volunteering programme supporting conservation and protecting wildlife habitats at Baronsdown our wildlife reserve in Dulverton, near the West Somerset/Devon border.

Saturday 10 October

• Morning: 10:00–12:00
• Afternoon: 13:00–15:00
• Or join us for the full day (10:00–15:00)

Volunteer Activity – Rhododendron Control.

A throwback to the Victorian era of introducing exotic species to large estates, rhododendron has become an invasive species that threatens the diversity and existence of native woodlands. As part of the ongoing restoration of our temperate rainforest on Baronsdown, we will be clearing these plants for the benefit of our native ground flora and the trees of the future.

No experience is needed as full instruction and supervision will be provided (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Tools and equipment are supplied.

Please note, the land is uneven and hilly. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are advised, such as wellies or sturdy boots, long sleeves/trousers, and waterproofs.

Facilities

• Toilets on site
• Parking available
• Tea and biscuits will be provided
• If attending for the full day, please bring a packed lunch.

Why Get Involved?

• Make a positive conservation impact
• Help protect local wildlife habitats
• Meet and engage with others
• Time to connect with nature
• Improve wellbeing through meaningful outdoor activity.

We would love to welcome new volunteers of all experience levels. If you are interested in attending, please let us know and our Volunteer Coordinator Angela will be in touch.

Portsmouth Cathedral's Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC) is seeking to recruit two new members to join the existing committee which has expertise in architecture, planning, art, design, and conservation.  We are looking for people with extensive experience and sound judgement who can advise within a complex organisation.  Applications are particularly welcome from those with liturgical, architectural, museum or heritage backgrounds.

The FAC is responsible to the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE) for the care, conservation and development of the Cathedral and forms part of the planning application for the Grade 1 listed building and its immediate precinct (The Cathedral Green).

As a member of FAC your role will be vital in the oversight of the overall development, conservation and maintenance of the Cathedral building and precinct.   Appointees will, as appropriate, provide determination on applications and advise the Cathedral Chapter (the governing body of a cathedral) in line with the statutory responsibility of the Committee under the Care of Cathedrals Measure, remaining true to the values of the Cathedral and its role as a living place of worship. 

Term of Office
Members are appointed for up to five years with the option for reappointment.  All members are re-appointed every five years.  The current Quinquennial runs until 2031.

Time Commitment
FAC meets a minimum of three times a year. Meetings are normally held on mornings in October, February and May in person but with an online option. The committee will need to work more regularly when major capital works or repairs are planned. Ad hoc meetings and support through working groups and/or support to the executive team may be required.

Remuneration

Membership of FAC is an unpaid role.  Reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses will be paid in accordance with the Cathedral’s Expenses policy.

Safeguarding

The Cathedral takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously, and practices Safer Recruitment for all roles (both paid and voluntary). Members of our committees are expected to undertake any safeguarding training provided by the Church of England and Diocese pertinent to their role and the Cathedral records and manages the checks and courses taken to ensure that training is refreshed as required.

We are committed to ensuring our committees are diverse and representative of the community we serve. There is no requirement to be a Christian, but appointees should be able to understand the ethos and structures of the Church of England, and work in sympathy with the Cathedral’s mission.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

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

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

You need to be willing to challenge yourself, learn to work hard, and want to be the best you can be.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity. 

Please see the Wildlife For All website for further details, including how to apply for an interview. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

British Registered Charity 1006174

Project Overview

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to support the progress of making inert conservation polyester enclosures for the paper artworks within the collection. The role will involve careful handling of historic paper artworks and creation of bespoke inert polyester enclosures to contribute to the long-term preservation of our significant collection.

Role Description

• Careful handling of fragile historic artworks ranging in date from c.1870-2000s in order to produce accurate measurements to make polyester enclosures.

• Sorting artworks by size and condition to prioritize enclosure creation.

• Measuring, cutting via guillotine, and welding polyester to make the enclosures to exact measurements and conservation standards.

• Ensuring artworks go back into the correct locations after enclosures are made.

• Working with the team on any emergency enclosure requirements for vulnerable items.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the volunteer’s existing responsibilities and deadlines. We require a minimum of ten days commitment to offer training, and to provide a meaningful work experience. A longer time period is preferable. 

Some online training on the history of Warner & Sons and collections care will be required prior to the volunteer’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs, and £5 per day for subsistence.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years.

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent spatial awareness and practical making skills which require attention to detail such as a background in pattern cutting, dress making or technical drawing.

• Interest in solving visual and spatial puzzles to limit wastage of materials.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

Would you like to join our Board of  Trustees of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust?

This year we are looking for three people to join our Board of Trustees at our AGM in October 26.

Trustees of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) are volunteers who together lead the organisation in the planning, resourcing and delivery of its activities, so that it can achieve its charitable objectives.  An enthusiastic, committed and active Board of Trustees, with a good range of knowledge, skills, experience and personal qualities is vital to the healthy and effective running of the organisation.

The Board of Trustees:

• lead the strategic development and planning of the Trust

• develop and adopt appropriate policies

• aim to ensure that the Trust is legally compliant and works to best practice wherever possible

• supports, guides and advises the Trust’s staff and volunteers, especially the CEO and the Executive Team

This year, we are especially keen to hear from people who:

Have expertise, knowledge and experience in one or more of the of the following areas:

• Marketing

• Commercial management, business acumen, profit for purpose experience (with reference to our consultancy)

• Green finance.

• Enterprise development

• Income generation

• Legal experience

• Health, Safety and safeguarding policy and compliance

• Have a good knowledge of communities and/or natural environment in Rotherham

• Can represent more of our diverse community in Sheffield & Rotherham

We are also recruiting for a Trustee to be our Treasurer who will have:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, AAT)

• Ability to analyse proposals and understand financial consequences

• Understanding of financial risk

Skills & Experience

Trustees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Passion for nature

• Interest in and enthusiasm for the work of the Wildlife Trust

• Experience of working as part of a decision-making group, board or committee either in a business or voluntary environment

• Experience or knowledge of the legal requirements of a charity

• Local knowledge of the places in which the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust operates

• Experience of financial management and budgeting in a business or voluntary environment 

The following areas of expertise are always welcome on the Board:

• Environmental Law/ Protected species

• Land Management and Conservation 

• Community Outreach and Development

• Education & Training, Working with Children and Young People

• Advocacy & Campaigning

• Research: relevant to the work of the Trust

• Fundraising

Wild We Stand is a fully volunteer-led collective and this is a volunteer opportunity. We are a flat collective where everyone belongs, a co-creation space where we get excited about your work, support your ideas, and want you to thrive with genuine freedom. We highly value our team’s time and expertise, and provide learning opportunities, perks, and a community for us all. While this is currently a volunteer role, as a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), our shared goal is to build a sustainable pathway to paid roles as the collective grows. 

Time Commitment: We’re looking for long-term collective members and partners. We’re flexible on time commitment but it would be ideal if you were excited and available to dedicate 5+ hours per week to Wild We Stand.

Location Policy: Fully Globally Remote. Must be available for 1-2 hours of meetings weekly within core UK hours to collaborate with the team.

What is the role?

As our Visual & Creative Lead you will own the aesthetic identity and graphic output of Wild We Stand, working closely with our editorial and community leads to shape the visual language of our movement.

You will help us to define a creative strategy for the collective, and produce all our visual assets, including events & announcement posters, carousels, print media and more.

This is a volunteer position. Your work in our purpose-driven collective will have a direct role in shaping the visual language of a justice-centred environmental movement.

What will you be responsible for?

1. Design and format print/digital zine layouts, publications, and editorial assets 

2. Establish and maintain the visual identity, typography, and graphic aesthetic across all collective materials.

3. Produce print-ready artwork and specifications for stickers, flyers, posters, and physical merchandise.

4. Export clean graphics and visual assets for digital channels, campaign launches, and event promotions.

5. Commitment to a decolonised imagination that connects conservation to the intersections of wildlife and oppression.

6. An unwavering drive to confront the consequences of capitalism and systems of power with the urgency required for genuine change and justice.

What are we looking for?

1. Proficiency in graphic design tools (such as InDesign, Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, or Figma).

2. Experience in editorial layout, print preparation, or zine design.

3. A strong visual portfolio showcasing experimental, radical, or narrative-driven creative work.

4. Ability to take raw copy and transform it into compelling, accessible visual layouts independently.

5. Alignment with radical ecology and a desire to use art as a tool for movement-building.

6. A collaborative, non-hierarchical mindset that thrives in a flat collective structure.

It would also be great if you had:

• Experience working with eco-friendly print processes or local print shops.

• Illustration, collage, or physical media artwork skills.

Why Join Wild We Stand?

As a member of our Founding Collective, you will help lead an organisation dedicated to exploring the crucial intersections of conservation, wildlife, oppression, and the fight for justice and liberation. You will join a team focused on untangling these complexities through critical engagement and candid discussions to light the pathway for solving global challenges.

We are proud to offer:

• Belonging in a truly flat, supportive co-creation space where we hype your work and give you space to be your best self

• Membership in the Wild We Stand collective and access to all WWS programmes, events, and content

• Opportunity for a formal Director stake in the Wild We Stand CIC

• Collective mentorship and peer solidarity to process systemic issues and sustain the drive for change

• The tools you and your team need to thrive

• Access to all WWS programmes, events, and content

• Team recognition, treats and physical & virtual get-togethers

• A pathway to paid positions as part of a collective roadmap

A rewarding opportunity to apply your business expertise to help one of the UK's leading wildlife charities maximise the impact of its trading activities, providing high level governance and strategic commercial foresight (no day-to-day operational management). With every profit turning commercial retail success into wildlife conservation action! Key responsibilities: • Guide staff on commercial, tech, and operational upgrades to boost efficiency. • Analyse sales trends to expand product lines and open new revenue streams. • Evaluate commercial performance to scale profitability safely. • Partner with Trustees, the CEO, and Marketing to align trading with charity goals.

The National Forest is about so much more than trees; it is pioneering new ways of working to transform landscapes, lives and livelihoods.

The last three decades have seen the National Forest Company drive forward delivery of the National Forest, taking it from a leap of faith to the success story we see today: a restored forest landscape; an emerging visitor destination; and communities that are connecting with nature. With a new Vision to 2050 now in place, highly experienced and dedicated Trustees, and a small but exceptionally committed staff team, the NFC is well placed to meet the challenges ahead.

They are now seeking to appoint a new Trustee to bring enthusiasm, ideas and expertise to support the organisation to take forward its communities and enterprise work.

This role is unremunerated, with travel, training and other expenses paid 
Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per month
Remote/ hybrid, with quarterly Trustee meetings and ad hoc meetings in person
In person board meetings are on Fridays
Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire

The successful candidate will have the right experience and outlook to steer work on communities and enterprise, including strategy and policy, major projects and evidence.

This role would suit a professional with expertise in one or all of the following:

• Community engagement
• Education
• Health & wellbeing
• Sustainable tourism

The role provides an exciting opportunity for an executive looking to develop further, an experienced non-executive director, or an individual pursuing a portfolio career. They will be a strategic thinker, have an understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities and an awareness of charity culture.

This is an opportunity to work with a highly professional organisation that is achieving extraordinary results through its passionate staff, Trustees, ambassadors, and supporters locally, regionally and nationally.

As a Trustee, this is an opportunity to enjoy a diverse and interesting programme, a stimulating environment, and a voice on the national stage.

For more information on the role, including how to apply, please view the full Appointment Brief

Recruitment timetable:

• Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026 (midnight)
• Informal discussions with the NFC: w/c 5 October 2026
• Panel interview, including a visit to the National Forest and informal meetings in person: Wednesday 21 October 2026

If you have any queries about the opportunity or for an informal conversation, please contact Louise Driver, Director of Operations, via email (see job pack for details).

The National Forest Company relies on the experience and commitment of people of all ages and backgrounds. It operates as an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from all.

About The Role

The hides on our reserve present an opportunity to engage visitors with our wetlands, helping them to learn more about the WWT’s important conservation work and about the amazing biodiversity and abundance of species at our Caerlaverock site. Through sharing your enthusiasm and expertise, you will make connections, inspire visitors, and help people of all birdwatching abilities to enjoy the wildlife on our reserve. Helping someone identify a bird species that they haven’t seen before or are struggling to identify can really kickstart their connection with nature and create a lasting positive experience.

Our Guide in the Hide Volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to the hide, point out species of interest and assist with identification, educate about WWT’s conservation work, and make sure our visitors have a positive experience looking at wildlife. You will also help to record any wildlife sightings whilst out on the reserve. This is a great opportunity to meet a variety of people, learn about wildlife conservation and become a part of a friendly and supportive team. 

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

• Giving a warm welcome to all visitors coming into the hides
• Talking to visitors about what they can see from the hide windows
• Recording sightings data into a logbook
• Helping with wildlife species identification
• Assisting visitors to use the optical equipment and identification guidebooks
• Informing visitors of which events, talks, and activities at the site may be of interest
• Updating the sightings board and letting the welcome desk know about any exciting sightings
• Maintaining the hides – tidying chairs, cleaning surfaces, sweeping, collecting litter, organising learning materials & equipment

About You 

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important. However, this role would suit you if:

• You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public, and can adapt your communication style to suit your audience
• You love birding and want to share your enthusiasm with others
• You have a strong basic knowledge of UK bird species - additional training & support for species identification can be provided
• You are friendly and approachable with a positive attitude
• You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
• You are physically fit to patrol the reserve in all weather

About Us

The Child Beale Trust is a registered charity dedicated to public recreation, wildlife conservation, and education. Based at Beale Wildlife Park, our unique operations include a vibrant 40-acre zoo set within 350 acres of picturesque Thameside land.

Our core purpose is to preserve and enhance Beale Park as a place of natural beauty, wildlife conservation, and meaningful discovery for generations to come. To connect people with nature through conservation, education, and accessible outdoor experiences that inspire care for the environment and wellbeing for all.

By joining our board, you will play a critical strategic role in ensuring our activities remain values driven and mission-led on these charitable objectives, protecting this beautiful asset for generations to come whilst delivering impact for our beneficiaries. To secure our governance and drive our mission forward, we are expanding our board. We are explicitly looking for mission-led individuals who want to help us deliver on our charitable objectives.

We are currently seeking five distinct specialists to join our board:

• 1. Zoo or Veterinary Specialist -The Role: Provides high-level governance oversight for Collection, animal welfare, veterinary protocols, and captive breeding standards -Who you are: A registered vet, zoologist, or senior animal care professional who understands BIAZA and Zoo Licensing Act compliance.

• 2. Education Specialist (wildlife focussed) - The Role: Helps shape our educational outreach, school workshop strategies, and curriculum-linked visitor learning programs. - Who you are: A teacher, educational consultant, or learning coordinator with a passion for wildlife.

• 3. Visitor Recreation Specialist - The Role: Guides the strategic development of our public visitor experiences, family attractions, and park play/leisure assets.- Who you are: A professional from the leisure, tourism, or visitor attraction sector who understands how to optimise visitor experience and income.

• 4. Marketing & Communications Specialist - The Role: Advises on strategies to grow ticket sales, boost annual memberships, enhance digital marketing, and protect brand PR. - Who you are: A senior marketing manager, PR director, or commercial growth expert. 

• 5. Legal & Compliance Specialist - The Role: Provides oversight on health and safety, public liability, employment law, and charity governance frameworks.- Who you are: A qualified solicitor, legal counsel, risk compliance manager or H&S qualified professional. 

Our Culture & Values, Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Accessibility. How we work together matters just as much as our professional expertise. We pride ourselves on a board culture rooted in collaboration and mutual support. We welcome trustees who are open minded, listen generously to alternative viewpoints, and desire to work collectively in a positive, constructive environment to champion the charity’s goals. 

The Child Beale Trust is a fully inclusive and equal opportunities employer and charity. We value diversity and positively welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Please apply even if you do not meet every piece of criteria listed above. We are always seeking to increase diversity of thought, experience, and background on our board. If you share a deep passion for our mission and believe you bring other relevant skills or perspectives that could help us grow, we would love to hear from you. 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a brief covering paragraph outlining your background, which area you feel you can support, and why you are passionate about supporting our conservation and education goals.

Note: This is a voluntary position with only reasonable expenses paid.

Managing a large wetland reserve requires a lot of practical, hands-on, physical tasks. We are looking for new volunteers to join our weekly Thursday Habitat Management group, supporting reserve habitat management across our beautiful 103-acre site at WWT Washington. You will be working outdoors alongside a team of 3 wardens and in a group of up to 10 fellow volunteers.

Our Reserve Volunteers assist the reserve team in completing big jobs across the reserve, including annual meadow cuts, tree planting plans, and installation of new features such as ponds and hides. You will also be helping to maintain and restore various habitats – supporting one of the largest inland Curlew roosts in the UK and providing foraging and breeding habitat for our population of red-listed Willow Tits.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get out in the fresh air and become involved in practical nature conservation, meet new like-minded people, and make a difference by helping to maintain our important wetlands.

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.

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 and let it do the talking. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference.

We are looking for a someone who can offer excellent customer service to every one of our visitors, encouraging them to support WWT’s conservation work through retail sales at WWT Washington. Through providing excellent customer service, you will be inspiring people to make the most of their visit, connect with our wetlands, and secure the essential support we need to continue our ambitious plans for wetland conservation. This is a great opportunity to build customer service skills, gain experience of trading and retail systems, and become part of a friendly and supportive team.

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 the necessary equipment, uniform, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Why do we need you?

Are you passionate about Yorkshire’s wildlife? Could you help shape how The Trust builds the support it needs to protect it?

We are looking for Volunteer Advisors to join our Fundraising & Engagement Committee — bringing external expertise and challenge to help the Trust grow and diversify its income, deepen community engagement, and build the supporter base needed to deliver our charitable objectives.

The Trust was established in 1946, through the acquisition of our founding nature reserve, Askham Bog in York. Since then, we have grown into an organisation of nearly 200 staff and around 900 volunteers, working with local communities to foster understanding of the climate and nature crises and inspire action. We directly manage over 100 nature reserves across Yorkshire’s upland and lowland landscapes, coast and marine environment.

Our ambition now is to broaden our reach, engaging and inspiring more people across the region — and to further diversify and grow our income, so we can do even more for wildlife and wild places.

What will you be doing?

We believe the best committees bring together different perspectives, and experience from outside the conservation sector is a real asset here — the fresh thinking it brings is exactly what strengthens this Committee. That said, if you do have a conservation background, that's welcome too. We are particularly interested in people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Digital expertise, particularly in communications and marketing
• High-value fundraising, from any sector — major donors, corporate partnerships, legacy giving
• Mass engagement and campaigning, especially reaching younger audiences
• Visitor experience, with a strong customer focus — for example from a visitor attraction background