Volunteer roles for the Environment sector
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!
Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Preparing wood for resale
* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture
Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.
Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.
The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!
Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.
Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.
Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.
Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Friends of the Dales is a membership-based registered charity founded in 1981 which works to protect and enhance the Yorkshire Dales and encourage everyone from all backgrounds to value and enjoy this special area.
We are a campaigning organisation and work on a wide range of environmental and social issues that affect the biodiversity and landscape of the Dales, and the well-being of local communities.
The organisation employs 3 part-time staff, with offices in Gargrave.
The Treasurer is a volunteer Trustee / Director of the organisation elected for 3 years, with an option to stand for re-election for a further three years. The role will become vacant in 2025 when the term of office of the current incumbent expires.
Responsibilities The Treasurer is a key member of the organisation, working closely with the Chair and the Executive Director. The role is responsible for ensuring that the Board carries out its financial and governance obligations and that the Charity complies with the requirements of Company and Charity law. Specific responsibilities include:
1 Financial management • Advising the Board on financial issues and on all aspects of expenditure and income generation • Production of periodic financial reports (income and expenditure statements) for Trustees (financial records are maintained by office staff) • Cash flow management and reporting • Oversight of the production of the Annual Report and Accounts (statutory accounts are prepared by external auditors) • Management and optimisation of deposit accounts in line with the organisation’s ethical standards • Reviewing and making recommendations on financial controls
2 Corporate Governance • Advising the Board on good corporate governance and compliance with Charity Commission requirements (supported by the Executive Director) • Chair of the Finance & Governance (F&G) Committee • Maintenance of the organisation’s Risk Register • Working with the Chair, advising on Board composition and Trustee development • Working closely with the Chair and Executive Director on the development of corporate strategy 1Friends of the Dales is the trading name of The Yorkshire Dales Society, a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered No 1822908, and a Registered Charity No 515384. The Charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator
3 Internal management • Line management of the Executive Director • Oversight of HR issues (supported by pro bono professional advice from a third party). Note: payroll and tax are administered by a third party • Advising the Board on insurance issues
Scope of the role:
The turnover of the organisation in 2023/24 was £74k although this can vary significantly from year to year depending on legacy income. Membership accounts for c 50% of income. There is currently a planned annual operating deficit of c£55k funded from reserves which, at the end of 2023/24 were £332k, of which £310k were unrestricted.
A review of the organisation’s Business Model is currently being undertaken; the Treasurer will be expected to contribute to this. Both the Board and the F&G Committee meet quarterly.
Meetings normally take place in Gargrave on weekdays during normal working hours although these timings may be reviewed in the future. Further ad hoc meetings with staff and Trustees take place on an as needed basis. Regular use is made of video calls.
Skills and Experience:
The Board is keen to broaden the diversity of Trustees; whilst welcoming expressions of interest from people of any background, applications from minority ethnic groups and from younger people are especially encouraged. The role could provide a development opportunity for an individual looking to acquire / develop experience of the charitable sector.
The role requires some level of numeracy and basic spreadsheeting skills. A formal accountancy background is not required. A knowledge and awareness of company reporting and Charity Commission requirements would be helpful.
The role would suit someone with some experience of general management in a not for profit environment or a commercial organisation.
An interest in landscape and biodiversity management in protected areas would be advantageous.
Note: Consideration may be given to splitting the role between the financial and the corporate governance / internal management components should this better suit the skills of individual applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join Us as Treasurer Trustee – Help Secure the Future of Sherwood Forest for People & Nature
Do you have strong financial acumen and are passionate about conservation and heritage? Since 1995, our charity has been at the heart of protecting and preserving the rich natural and cultural heritage of Sherwood Forest. Through dedicated conservation projects, community engagement, and educational initiatives, we work to restore threatened heathlands, expand woodlands, and inspire people to connect with this historic landscape.
With funding from the National Heritage Fund, we are embarking on an exciting programme to restore lowland heathlands across the Sherwood National Character Area. As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring the charity’s financial health, sustainability, and strategic growth—helping us make the most of our resources to continue this important work for future generations.
We have a high-performing staff finance officer so this is not a Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the staff team and the Board as you support your fellow Trustees in the performance of their governance duties and understanding of the charity’s finances.
You’ll be joining a passionate, committed and experienced board of trustees who are in close connection with our CEO led staff team. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your financial expertise to shape the future of a well-established charity. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to apply your skills in financial oversight, strategic planning, and governance - while making a real impact on the environment we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with varied professional expertise and lived experiences. We encourage applications from individuals who can bring different perspectives to our work and help us better serve the communities we support.
If you would like an informal chat around the role, please contact our CEO, Helen (contact details on the next tab). To apply, please send your CV or Linkedin profile accompanied with a letter explaining why you want to become a trustee and what you hope to bring to the Board of Trustees.
To apply, please send your CV or Linkedin profile accompanied with a letter explaining why you want to become a trustee and what you hope to bring to the Board of Trustees.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Ensuring the survival of the historic Sherwood Forest as a national treasure for future generations of people and wildlife.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Role
At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. At heart we are warm, welcoming and genuine. In our Waterside Cafe we do this by offering a delicious selection of home cooked food and chilled drinks, served and assisted by our friendly team of staff and volunteers.
We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in the Waterside Cafe and ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors.
Working alongside the Kitchen Manager and catering team to provide an inviting and relaxing environment in between gorgeous walks and beautiful sights.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
About You
To carry out this role, you will need:
- Good verbal communication skills
- Some understanding around H&S within a catering environment
- To enjoy working as part of a team
- Good general fitness as this role involves spending periods of time on your feet and may involve lifting
- To be reliable and committed to the role and the team
- An interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you'll love volunteering at WWT
- Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
- Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
- Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Restore Wetlands and Unlock their Power
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Introduction
Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire? Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work? CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.
Who we are
CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:
- The right development in the right place
- Active support to improve biodiversity and
- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.
Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.
The role
Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live. But with your support we can do even more!
In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations. However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.
+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total.
What we need and what’s in it for you
You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside. Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership. Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Introduction
Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire? Do you have skills and experience in supporter development/fundraising that you could bring to our work? CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Supporter Development Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.
Who we are
CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:
- The right development in the right place
- Active support to improve biodiversity and
- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.
Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.
The role
Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live. But with your support we can do even more!
In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations. However additionally as our Lead for Supporter Development you will use your specialist knowledge to inform and guide the Trustee Board in this area and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims. As part of this remit, you will also oversee the recruitment of a Communications and Supporter Care Officer (a brand new role) and have ongoing responsibility for communicating organisational requirements and providing feedback to the individual once engaged.
+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total.
What we need and what’s in it for you
You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level expertise in Supporter Development/Fundraising. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside. Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership. Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website CPRENEY.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for Activity Leaders and Activity Assistants to help deliver activity session for various groups of young people and children visiting Cameron's Cottage.
Cameron's Cottage is a outdoor nature education centre for children and young people, based at RSPB Franchises Lodge on the edge of the New Forest. The Cottage has capacity to sleep up to 19, and welcomes both day visiting groups and those coming for a residential stay. RSPB staff lead the groups in a range of different activities, including nature walks, team building games, wildlife surveys known as 'bioblitz', conservation tasks, mindfulness walks and so much more! We are looking for volunteers who would be able to assist RSPB with delivering these activities, and there is the possibility for you to build up confidence and ability to lead these activities, if you are interested.
Please visit our volunteering page to find out more info and fill out our online form to help us connect young people back to nature!
Registered Charity
More than 1000
The RSPB brings people together – people like you – to protect the things that matter to us all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. You will be directly involved in shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences through your warm welcome, your interaction with them and the information that you provide. We need friendly, outgoing people to help with the canoe safari operation, ensuring that our visitors feel part of something amazing.
The role may include providing health and safety talks, fitting visitors in buoyancy aids and helping them in and out of canoes, or you may undertake tours on our electric boat.
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.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Restore Wetlands and Unlock their Power
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The 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.
By providing an excellent visitor experience as a member of the visitor services team, you will be encouraging our visitors to make the most of their visit to Washington Wetland Centre, and to understand and support our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.
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:
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Good listening skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to suit your audience
- Confident in the use of multi operation tills
- A confident attitude and/or experience of successful face-to-face contact with the public
- Commitment to excellent customer service
- An interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
- The ability to work under your own initiative under the direction of the Visitor Services and Engagement Officer
- Commitment to undertake relevant training
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
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Restore Wetlands and Unlock their Power
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
By providing an excellent visitor experience as a member of the Welcome and Information Team, you will be encouraging our visitors to make the most of their visit to Martin Mere centre, and to understand and support our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people. The role will include:
- Acting as the first point of contact for all visitors to Martin Mere, providing them with a warm welcome along with appropriate information to aid their visit.
- Conducting specific talks to the public – scripts and training are provided.
- Conducting activities such as opening the moth traps and using props to actively engage with visitors
- Conducting guided walks of the grounds and the reserve when required – training is provided.
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.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Restore Wetlands and Unlock their Power
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you green-fingered and have time to help nurture wildflowers for the community?
The Wetland Wildflower Project aims to grow and distribute meadow plants of local provenance to enhance the wildflower diversity of local community projects, as well as the grounds and reserve areas at WWT Slimbridge. We will grow these plants in a recently refurbished polytunnel at Slimbridge.
Floodplain meadows are not only beautiful, but these rare, species-rich plant communities are part of the heritage of the Severn Vale. Floodplain meadows can store more carbon than woodlands, are incredibly biodiverse and can help mitigate flooding. Unfortunately, today just over 1000ha remain in England and Wales.
To help our efforts to restore floodplain meadows and other wet grasslands in the Severn Vale, we are looking for volunteers to assist with growing wildflower plug plants in our polytunnel.
This is a great role for those who will enjoy this hands-on work behind the scenes, whilst playing a role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.
Tasks will include:
- Receiving simple training on the methods and essential health & safety
- Caring for plug plants e.g. weeding, hand watering, potting on plants for sale in shop and watering and replacing these, as required
- Seed collecting and looking for pests and diseases
- Preparing plants for orders
- Ensuring optimal growing conditions in the polytunnel e.g. raising /lowering sides of tunnel, adapting automatic watering regime
- Some general maintenance, as needed, including moving trays and keeping work areas clean and safe
- Updating records, e.g. of any problems/loss of plants/transfer of plants
- Planting out plugs, as and when required
- Supporting attendance at plant sales and fairs, as agreed
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.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Restore Wetlands and Unlock their Power
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we need you:
This role is vital to the work of FareShare Merseyside. You will be preparing and cooking meals for our volunteers and staff, cleaning down the kitchen, and adhering to allergen, HACCP, and other compliance checks.
For the role of the Volunteer Kitchen Lead/ Chef, a background in food is essential. If you have experience leading a small team, and adhering to food hygiene, you would be a great fit for this role.
What will I be doing?
- Learning how to use our internal Warehouse systems to ‘book out’ food, ensuring a good level of stock is available at all time.
- Planning, creating, and cooking meals from surplus food for volunteer and staff lunches.
- Carrying out routine kitchen cleaning, health and safety checks, and completing all relevant paperwork.
- Assisting with one-off corporate or fundraising events.
- Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner at all times.
What we need you to be:
- Minimum of 18 years old
- Experience cooking for large numbers of people
- Passionate about food and saving surplus food from going to waste
- Inventive in the kitchen and able to cook for all dietary requirements
- Positive, friendly and personable, able to interact well with different people
- Good with numbers, identifying different foods, writing clearly
- Able to work effectively and use your initiative in a fast-paced environment
- Able to work well in a team and on your own
- Able to follow FareShare’s policies & procedures
What will I get out of it?
· An active and sociable role
· Development of skills such as menu planning, batch cooking, team leading
· Support and supervision from the Regional Volunteer Manager, and our Culinary Lead.
- An induction and training for the role
- The opportunity to take on new challenges and support people in your community
- Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch
- A fun and friendly place to work
- The opportunity to take on new challenges
- A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months
- The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we need you:
This role is vital to the work of FareShare Merseyside. You will be preparing and cooking meals for our volunteers and staff, cleaning down the kitchen, and adhering to allergen, HACCP, and other compliance checks.
For the role of the Volunteer Kitchen Assistant, a background in food is desirable but not essential. If you have experience working in a kitchen, a passion for food and sustainability, and a willingness to learn new skills whilst working in a small team, you would be a great fit for this role!
What will I be doing?
- Helping to plan, create, and cook meals from surplus food for volunteer and staff lunches.
- Carrying out routine kitchen cleaning, health and safety checks, and completing all relevant paperwork.
- Assisting with one- off corporate or fundraising events.
- Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner at all times.
What we need you to be:
- Minimum of 18 years old
- Passionate about food and saving surplus food from going to waste
- Positive, friendly and personable, able to interact well with different people
- Good with numbers, identifying different foods, writing clearly
- Able to work well in a team and on your own
- Able to follow FareShare’s policies & procedures
What will I get out of it?
· An active and sociable role
· Development of skills such as food preparation, batch cooking, and menu planning.
· Support and supervision from the Regional Volunteer Manager, and our Culinary Lead.
- An induction and training for the role
- The opportunity to take on new challenges and support people in your community
- Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch
- A fun and friendly place to work
- The opportunity to take on new challenges
- A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months
- The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.