Wildlife conservation volunteer roles

We need volunteers in this role to help gather as much data as possible as part of our Wild Magic project, so we can see the way that new management techniques will impact upon wildlife, and how it contributes to The Owen Smith Charitable Trust; monitoring the changes in the numbers and types of species found at Wild Magic, and the changes in habitat provision.

We are aiming to undertake surveys and monitoring relating to birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and plant species. By volunteering you will be helping us to gain a better understanding of the species and habitats within the project area, and how the species, their populations and the habitat changes in relation to the management practices.

What this role entails

• Help conduct wildlife and plant surveys
• Assist with ongoing monitoring
• Adhere to safety and regulations guidelines

Qualifications, experience and skills needed

• Interest in environmental conservation and biodiversity
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Basic knowledge of native plants and wildlife preferred
• Ability to work well in a team
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Patience, attention to detail, and willingness to see a survey through

Benefits

Exciting opportunity to monitor wildlife and contribute to evidence-based conservation, while gaining real-world experience. We will offer training to ensure you are prepared.

Are you looking for an opportunity to gain the experience and skills needed to kick-start your career within the conservation and wildlife sector?

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Northern Projects team on a dedicated learning and development programme specialising in rivers and wetlands.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT)’s mission is to create a Yorkshire rich in wildlife for the benefit of everyone – more wildlife, more wild places and more people having a strong connection to nature. Within our Northern region we manage 36 nature reserves, as well as a number of exciting projects. Enabling nature’s recovery takes time and effort and the North Team benefits from the help and support of volunteers to make our vision a reality, whilst providing a first-rate learning and development opportunity for people wanting to focus on a career in nature conservation.

The role of the River and Wetlands Voluntary Placement is for the volunteer to support and be involved in the management of conservation projects in North Yorkshire. Working alongside a team of knowledgeable staff, you will help in planning, development, and the practical delivery of this work. This role will allow you to get an in-depth understanding of working in the conservation sector - you will gain experience in developing river restoration and wetland projects on a local scale whilst working alongside landowners on private land. You will have an opportunity to be directly involved in projects which help to reduce sediment inputs into the watercourse, increase biodiversity and encourage natural flood management.

What will you be doing?

On this Voluntary Placement you will gain experience in supporting with river restoration and wetland creation projects in North Yorkshire. You will be based in our York office with field work largely carried out near Northallerton, Whitby and York. You will primarily assist our Project Officers in undertaking work on third party land, however there will also be the opportunity to support other members of the wider team to enhance your development. You have the opportunity to gain experience in the following areas:

• Riparian ecology and restoration (habitats located on the edge of rivers, streams, lakes and other water bodies).
• Land management techniques to improve water quality
• Wetland habitat creation
• Riparian surveys to identify sedimentation issues and other Water Framework Directive failures (WFD is a directive for the protection of all waterbodies).
• Assist in overseeing contractors undertaking practical conservation work (familiarisation with contracts etc.)
• Undertaking practical tasks such as tree planting, surveys, pond work & habitat creation
• Gain familiarisation with budgets and project management tools
• Mapping and GIS work using QGIS
• Publicising project work via traditional communications, social media and community engagement events.
• Coordinating volunteers for survey work and events.

What's in it for you?

• A full induction to the role
• Regular one-to-one with your line voluntary placement manager
• Ongoing personal development, allowing you to develop nature conservation skills and valuable experience towards a career in this highly competitive sector.
• External Training in Level 1 certificate in River Restoration with the River Restoration Centre (RRC)
• A programme of in-house training courses will be available throughout your traineeship.
• Access to our free varied internal volunteer training programme
• Branded uniform
• The Trust can contribute £15 per day of your voluntary placement to support with fuel and public transport costs
• An intensive and high-quality experience that will stand out on any CV, as a team member of one of the UK’s most vibrant and varied conservation organisations.

80% of volunteers on longer term placements with YWT have successfully found employment within the sector or gone on to relevant further studies.

Recruitment Information:

2 days per week, Monday- Friday with flexibility to suit the voluntary placement. Closing deadline for applications 9am, Thursday 20th August 2026.

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

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.

Join TreeAction as a Conservation Volunteer 

Love being outdoors and want to make a real difference in your community? Join TreeAction and help us care for young trees and improve local green spaces across Sussex.

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to take part in our relaxed, hands-on conservation sessions. There’s no long-term commitment — just come along when you can and enjoy making a positive impact.

What you’ll do
Help care for newly planted trees by:

• Weeding

• Mulching

• Watering saplings

Sessions take place at:

• Adur Recreation Ground

• Southwick Recreation Ground

• Shoreham Recreation Ground

• Lancing Manor Gardens

What to expect

• Just 2 hours per session, once a month

• No commitment - join in whenever you are available

• No experience needed — full training provided

• Tools supplied

• A welcoming, supportive community atmosphere

What to bring

• Gardening clothes (long sleeves and trousers recommended)

• Sturdy footwear

TreeAction is a non-profit community interest organisation working to plant trees in schools, colleges, and public spaces, while supporting environmental education for young people. By volunteering with us, you’ll be helping to create greener, healthier places for everyone.

You’ll also be joining a growing community of nature lovers and conservationists — with social events throughout the year.

Come grow something meaningful with us 

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK) is a charity and independent campaigning organisation established in 1984. We pioneered undercover investigations to combat environmental crime and abuse. We use evidence and analysis to bring about lasting policy and changes to legislation to protect our planet, its biodiversity, climate and all who live here.

Our vision is a future where humanity respects, protects and celebrates the natural world.

We are looking for volunteers to start immediately.

EIA UK is seeking two volunteers to support the Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) team ideally 1-2 days a week and for a minimum of 3 months, with research and data entry.

The I&I team undertakes strategic and intelligence-led activities in cooperation with the Campaign team to act and tackle illegal trade in wildlife parts and derivatives. We are looking for support to update and maintain the Global Environmental Crime Tracker- a publicly accessible database charting wildlife crime seizures, prosecutions and convictions. Volunteers with a keen eye for detail and appetite for data are encouraged to apply and should have an interest in the environment, a passion for conservation and share the aims of EIA.

Do you have what it takes to be an EIA Volunteer?

• Fluency in English. Capacity in any of the following languages will be an asset: Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, French
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes
• Good data entry skills
• Good research and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and thorough work ethic

What we can offer you as an EIA Volunteer:

• Flexible working.
• Reimbursement for subsistence (one meal) and for public transport costs when attending the office from within the London area.
• Work experience at a leading international environmental NGO.
• Opportunities for training on selected relevant software.
• Working with like-minded people and networking.

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to EIA UK

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

Bats are amazing animals and an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. BCT operates a National Bat Helpline to provide almost 15,000 enquirers a year with easily accessible and accurate information, including getting injured bats to the care they need. The Helpline’s role in advising and supporting people who come into contact with bats is an important part of BCT’s work towards our vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.

About the role

As a volunteer you will answer calls from the public, providing advice on bat care calls and putting them in touch with local bat care volunteers where possible. We consistently receive feedback from volunteers to say that this role can be challenging at times, but with the support from the team, and the knowledge that they are helping bats and advising members of the public makes it such a rewarding role. Many enjoy it so much that they return to volunteer the next season! Volunteers took about 1,500 calls between September 2022 and May 2023.

You do not need to have prior experience in conservation to volunteer, anyone who is interested in helping bats is welcome to apply. Volunteering for the Helpline is a great way to get involved in conservation from the comfort of your home and during your spare time.  

Commitment

 Winter volunteerswill be ready tostart Bat Watches on Monday 5th October. We hope volunteers will sign up to Bat Watches until May 2027 and there is always the option to continue volunteering after May.

We hope that volunteers will be able to sign up to at least 1-2 Bat Watches per month between September – May.

A Bat Watch is up to 3.5 hours (including 30mins break), please see below for Bat Watch times:

Weekdays

Morning: 9:30 – 13:00

Afternoon: 13:00 – 16:30

*Please note that VBCH winter season operates In Office Hours only.

All you need is:

• A computer/laptop with internet access (or a tablet, although a computer is preferable).
• A speaker/mic and headset to use with your computer, as phone calls will be received using an internet app on your device.
• A phone with reliable reception for contacting support staff where needed

Skills and abilities

• Competent in using computers and entering data onto an online form.
• Accurate record-keeping.
• An interest in UK wildlife and conservation and/or animal welfare.
• Affective communication skills and ability to reassure members of the public during calls.
• Willingness to spend additional time reading training materials and keeping up to date with communications from the project coordinator.

Training and support

New winter volunteers must complete some introductory online training in their own time and attend one online training day on either:

• Tuesday 8th September 2026
• Thursday 10th September 2026

Training days will run between 10:30am and 2:30pm with breaks.

Returning winter volunteers (those who have done a winter season with us in 2024 or 2025), will receive a refresher training video instead. If you have done a winter season with us pre-2024, you will need to attend a full training day. Thank you!

All volunteers will receive a comprehensive manual and full support from BCT staff during their assigned bat watches and throughout the season. During the virtual training day, we will provide an induction explaining what we do and how volunteers fit within our organisation. We will also provide training to assist you to meet the standards we expect from volunteers.

BCT will reimburse certain "out of pocket" expenses where required.

Benefits of volunteering with BCT

• Supporting and learning about the work of the leading NGO in the UK solely devoted to the conservation of bats
• Developing transferable skills that can help enhance your CV
• Developing confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Learning about opportunities to get involved in other aspects of bat conservation
• Learning more about bats
• Discounts to BCT training

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.

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

Our Aviculture team are responsible for the care, breeding, rearing, and welfare of WWT’s “Living Collection” of birds. This role involves working directly with the birds within our collections of rare and endangered waterfowl species from around the world. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to be part of the team continuing our practice of excellent animal welfare and husbandry.

You will undertake recurring daily husbandry routines, such as preparing food & feeding birds, recording data, cleaning & maintenance of equipment and facilities, and implementing biosecurity measures. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in bird husbandry and be involved in internationally important conservation.

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. At WWT Slimbridge, visitors can explore our stunning wetland habitats and the amazing diversity of birds, mammals, amphibians, plants, and insects that inhabit them.

Our Living Collections Team play a huge role in educating our visitors and raising the profile of the importance of wetlands. We are looking for volunteers to assist the team by undertaking practical hands-on tasks to help maintain habitats for birds in our collection. These tasks will include strimming, clearing, pruning, lawn care, weeding and mowing. You will ensure that our collections are maintained to the highest standard for wildlife and that they look their best for visitors, encouraging their engagement and support for our vital work.

We are looking for people who enjoy being outdoors, are willing to get stuck in, and are enthusiastic about wetlands and wildlife. You will often have an avian audience – so if you are motivated to maintain a lawn or weed some gravel next to our naughty Nenes, then this one is for you! This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills and gain experience in horticulture, meet new like-minded people, become part of a dedicated team, 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.

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