As a Learn and Discover Volunteer, you will help to deliver environmental education and play activities in the Warwickshire, Coventry, and Solihull areas. We provide on-site activities with the Education team at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve in Coventry and the Parkridge Centre in Solihull.

Tasks you will be involved with:
The Learn and Discover team require volunteers to help support and deliver fun and exciting environmental activities including assisting with school visits and holiday workshops where typical activities range from pond dipping, mini-beast hunting and bird watching to creating models and masks out of natural materials. There will also be the opportunity to assist with 'Really Wild' themed birthday parties.

Skills and abilities required

. Enjoy working with children, with previous experience desirable.
. Excellent communication skills with the ability to encourage all ages to learn.
. Creativity, enthusiasm for both wildlife and conservation.
. Ability to work as part of a team and on your own.
. Good organisational skills and high motivation, and the ability to motivate others.
. Ability to give and take instructions.
. Enhanced disclosure check required - to be arranged through WWT at no extra cost.
. References will be sought.

You will be based at

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry and/or The Parkridge Centre, Solihull.

Times/days we would like you to be available

Flexible, as and when required.

Benefits to you

  .Knowledge that the role you will be carrying out will be playing a vital part in enhancing nature conservation.
. Experience working with young people for a well-known environmental charity.
. Possibility to design, develop and deliver educational activities with supervision from the Education Officer.
. Relevant training for the role e.g. emergency aid, risk assessments, H&S.
. You will be a valuable member of a professional team.
. Reference available.

As a Friday Force Volunteer, you will assist the Resserves Officer to maintain and enhance WWT nature reserves.

Tasks you will be involved with

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from meadow and ride cutting in the summer to fencing, coppicing, path work, scrub clearance and pond work in the autumn and winter.

Skills and abilities required

. No prior experience is needed, as full training is provided.
. You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing, all tools and safety equipment will be provided.
. Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work alongside mechanical and powered equipment.
. A willingness to work outside in all weather and in remote locations.
. An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described.
. Able to follow instructions.
. Please note: If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health and safety.
. Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and insect repellent.

You will be based at

WWT reserves throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

Times/days we would like you to be available

Sessions take place on a Friday. Sessions usually start at 9.00am and finish around 4.00pm. There is no minimum commitment required.

Benefits to you

. Contribute to the conservation of beautiful nature reserves.
. Learn new skills.
. Meet like-minded people, make new friends.
. Get some fresh air and exercise.
. Improve your health and well-being.

​ 

Purpose of your role

As an education session leader volunteer, you would take a group of around 20 children/ school children and their teaching staff, leading them through 4 activities in a day visit to, either Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry and The Parkridge Centre, Solihull. Sessions may include, Art in the Wild, Pond-Dipping, Teddy Bear Adventure, Den-building, Mini-beast hunting, Mammal discovery and many more. Most schools that visit us are from KS1/Lower KS2 (Ages 5-8) although we do also cater for younger years 3-5 and older years 8-18.
Visiting schools choose their activities from a choice of pre-planned lessons.

Tasks you will be involved in

. Welcoming children onto site.
. Teaching groups about pond dipping, den-building, mammals, mini-beast hunting, wild art and many more fun sessions.
. Providing any first aid if required.

Skills and abilities required

• Experience teaching or leading organised activities for children (other Environmental Education, Scouts, Brownies, etc)

• An interest in the environment and wildlife

• Basic knowledge of the environment and wildlife

• First Aid (desirable) 

• Confident speaker

• Relatively active (Please note all our sessions take place outdoors) 

• Able to provide a reference and DBS Checks (Former CRB Check)

Benefits to you

There will be plenty of support and training given during your volunteering time with us. Each volunteer will get a copy of all our sessions so you can get to grips with our activities, you will be given plenty of opportunities to observe our current leaders until you are comfortable and familiar with delivering sessions and finally after an informal observation you will begin to lead you own sessions alongside us. 
This is a great opportunity to gain more experience teaching and working outdoors. 
This role is a great way to keep fit and active whilst enjoying the surroundings of both our Nature centres. You will meet new people, we have lots of education volunteers and all chat during lunch. The education volunteers also arrange a social twice a year. This involves a walk around a local nature reserve, followed by a pub lunch. You will also be invited to Trust social events, including the Volunteers Christmas party.

Time/days we would like you to be available

Weekdays 9.45am - 2.30pm. As many days as you wish.

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry CV3 3GW or

The Parkridge Centre Brueton Park, Warwick Rd, Solihull B91 3HW

Purpose of your role

To attend and support Warwickshire Wildlife Trust community engagement activities and engage with the general public and other volunteers about nature and the work we do. In this varied role, depending on your interests, you may be involved in assisting with community engagement events, talks and practical taster sessions. Example activities include running a stall, co-leading wildlife walks, running children’s craft activities and supporting practical habitat management tasks. The majority of our activities are held outdoors.

Tasks you will be involved with:

• Assist as required at specific events
• Engaging with members of the public
• Support the preparation and delivery of wildlife based activities
• Working with a diverse range of people across all ages
• Handling donations
• Setting up display stands and gazebos
• This role may include lifting and carrying and can be heavy at times

Skills and abilities required:

• Good communication skills
• A keen interest in wildlife and the work of the trust
• Friendly and approachable with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage with people of all ages
• High level of enthusiasm
• Ability to work as part of a team and without direct supervision
• Ability to travel or by the use of public transport
• Ability to adhere to health and safety policies and procedures
• Able to provide a reference

You will be based at: We attend regular events across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

Times/days we would like you to be available: Flexible based on your lifestyle and circumstances.

Benefits to you:

• Develop communication and interpersonal skills with the public as well as other volunteers and staff
• Become a valuable member of a friendly, professional, hardworking team
• The chance to meet new people
• Contribute to the protection of our wildlife and wild places
• Receive training, develop new skills and gain experience in community engagement
• An opportunity to make a real difference to the work of the trust

As a Brandon Marsh Conservation Team Volunteer you will carry out day to day management of our nature reserves consistent with the current Brandon Marsh SSSI Management plan.

Tasks you will be involved with

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from fencing, coppicing, path work, scrub clearance, litter picking, bird hide maintenance, pond and reed bed work. Often the work will involve the use of hand tools, mechanical and powered equipment such as brush-cutters and chainsaws.

Skills and abilities required

•  No prior experience needed, as full training is provided.
• You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing, all tools and safety equipment will be provided.
• Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work with and alongside mechanical and powered equipment.
• A willingness to work outside in all weather and in remote locations.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described.
•  Able to follow instructions.
• Please note: If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health and safety.

 Bring a packed lunch, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent.

Benefits to you

• Contribute to the conservation of our beautiful nature reserves.
• Learn new skills.
• Meet like-minded people, make new friends.
• Get some fresh air and exercise.
• Improve your health and well-being.
• Reconnect with nature.

Times we would like you to be available

Thursdays throughout the year starting at 9.30am till 1.30pm.

 Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry CV3 3GW

Purpose of your role:

As a reception volunteer, you will provide a warm welcome to visitors to the Centre. If you have a particular passion for birds, butterflies, fungi or wildflowers then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, helping visitors to make the most of their visit, and interpreting information about the reserve and its wildlife. You will be assist the Centre team in maintaining a clean and well-presented Visitor Centre which is profitable and efficient. You will be helping to support the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

Assisting with maintaining standards of housekeeping

- Keeping the Centre clean and well presented.

- Ensuring that the Trust facilities are ready to receive visitors each day.

- Ensure that leaflets and posters are up to date and well presented.

Meeting and greeting visitors to the reserve

- Bringing the nature reserve to life for our visitors and answering their questions.

- Helping visitors discover more about the reserve and the species present.

- Engaging with visitors, and chatting about the benefits of supporting the Wildlife Trusts.

- Having up to date information to hand regarding events bookings, membership offers and latest wildlife sightings.

- Promoting and recruiting members to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

- Promoting volunteer opportunities.

- Promoting venue hire for children's parties, and corporate activities.

Supporting the retail officer at the Centre

- Keep up to date with knowledge on the products being sold.

- Keep the shop well stocked and merchandised.

- Utilise till to make sales.

- Assist with cash handling and cashing up procedures where appropriate.

Fundraising

- Encourage visitor donations.

- Promote and fundraising initiatives taking place at the Centre.

Skills and abilities required:

. We need friendly and approachable people who are keen to share their passion for wildlife with visitors to the Centre.

. A keen interest in the work of the Trust.

. Motivated, hardworking and enjoy working as part of a team.

. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

. The confidence and ability to work as part of a team or without direct supervision if required.

You will be based at:

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre

Time/days we would like you to be available:

Weekdays ( 9am - 1.00pm, 1.00pm - 4.30pm)

Weekends ( 9am - 1.00pm, 1.00pm - 4.30pm)

Benefits to you:

. The opportunity to actively take part and be directly involved in making a real difference and valuable contribution to the environment and wildlife of Solihull and Warwickshire.

. Enhancing the experience of people of all ages visiting the Brandon Marsh Nature Centre.

. You will be a valuable member of a professional team.

. Meet new people and learn new skills.

. Opportunity to enhance your CV and obtain reference for future employers.

Purpose of your role:

As a Gift Shop Volunteer, you will be the friendly face representing the Trust and will provide a warm welcome to visitors to the Centre. If you have a particular passion for wildlife and environmental conservation then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. You will help create an enjoyable and efficient shopping experience for our visitors, and help maintain a clean and well-presented Centre which is profitable and efficient. You will be helping to support the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

Supporting the retail officer at the Centre

- Keep up to date with knowledge on the products being sold.
- Serving customers, taking payments and providing great customer service.
- Organising and pricing stock.
- Creating engaging shop displays.
- Assisting with purchase orders.
- Assisting with end of day cashing up procedures.

Assisting with maintaining standards of housekeeping

- Keeping the shop clean, tidy and well presented.
- Ensuring that the Visitor Centre is ready to receive visitors each day.
- Ensure that leaflets and posters are up to date and well presented.

Meeting and greeting visitors to the reserves

- Working with the team to welcome and assist visitors.
- Engaging with visitors, and chatting about the benefits of supporting the 
  Wildlife Trusts.
- Having up to date information to hand regarding events bookings, 
  membership recruitment and offers and latest sightings.
-Promoting and recruiting members to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
- Promoting volunteer opportunities.

Skills and abilities required:

. We need friendly and approachable people who are keen to share their passion for wildlife with visitors to the Centre.
. A keen interest in the work of the Trust.
. Motivated, hardworking and enjoy working as part of a team.
. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
. The confidence and ability to work as part of a team or without direct supervision if required.

You will be based at:

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre

Times/days we would like you to be available:

Weekdays ( 9am - 4.30pm)

Weekends ( 9.30am - 4.30pm)

Benefits to you:

. The opportunity to actively take part and be directly involved in making a real difference and valuable contribution to the environment and wildlife of Solihull and Warwickshire.
. Enhancing the experience of people of all ages visiting the Brandon Marsh Nature Centre.
. You will be a valuable member of a professional team.
. Meet new people and learn new skills.
. Opportunity to enhance your CV and obtain reference for future employers.

Purpose of your role

As an Events Host Volunteer, you will provide guests with a warm welcome to the Visitor Centre and help to create wonderful and memorable experiences. If you have a particular passion for wildlife and helping people experience nature, then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, both in our visitor Centre team in hosting and supervising meetings and events, and maintaining the high standards of our meeting spaces. You will be helping to support the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

. Meet and greet visitors to the Centre.
. Set up meeting and event rooms.
. Ensure meeting rooms and public areas are kept clean and tidy.
. Ensure refreshment breaks are served at the correct times.
. Assist with guided walks on the reserve.
. Assist with front desk and shop payments.

Skills and abilities required:

. We need friendly and and approachable people who enjoy being outdoors and keen to share their passion for wildlife with visitors to the Centre.
. A keen interest in the work of the Trust.
. Competent with IT.
. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
. The confidence and ability to work as part of a team or without direct supervision if required.

You will be based at:

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre ( Potential to assist at the Parkridge Centre, Solihull)

Times/days we would like you to be available:

Weekdays ( 9am - 4.30pm)

Weekends (9.30am - 4.30pm)

Benefits to you:

. The opportunity to actively take part and be directly involved in making a real difference and valuable contribution to the environment and wildlife of Solihull and Warwickshire.
. Enhancing the experience of people of all ages visiting the Brandon Marsh Nature Centre.
. You will be a valuable member of a professional team.
. Meet new people and learn new skills.
. Opportunity to enhance your CV and obtain reference for future employers.

Purpose of your role:
If you love being active outdoors and enjoy practical tasks, then we would love to hear from you. As a Grounds Maintenance Volunteer, you will work alongside the Maintenance Manager to look after the Visitor Centre grounds, gardens and pathways. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, both in our Visitor Centre and out and about on the Brandon Marsh reserve. You will work with the team to create enjoyable and memorable experiences by helping to maintain a clean, safe and well-presented Visitor Centre. Your efforts will contribute towards the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

Tasks will vary throughout the year and will often involve the use of hand and power tools. The majority of the tasks can be summarised as:

. Trimming bushes, hedges and grassy areas.
. Weeding flowerbeds.
. Planting flowerbeds.
. General maintenance of buildings, gates, fences, signage and pathways.
. Litter picking

Skills and abilities required:

. We need friendly and approachable people who enjoy being outdoors.
. No prior experience needed, as full training is provided.
. You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing; all tools and safety equipment will be provided.
. Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work with and alongside mechanical and powered equipment.
. An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described.
. Able to follow instructions.
. Motivated, hardworking and enjoy working as part of a team.
. A keen interest in the work of the trust.
. The confidence and ability to work as part of a team with or without direct supervision if required.

You will be based at:

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre ( With th eopportunity to occasionally work at the Perkridge Centre, Solihull) 

Times/days we would like you to be available:

Weekdays ( 9am - 1.30pm)

Benefits to you:

. The opportunity to actively take part and be directly involved in making a real difference and valuable contribution to the environment and wildlife of Solihull and Warwickshire
. Enhancing the experience of people of all ages visiting the Brandon Marsh Nature Centre.
. You will be a valuable member of a professional team.
. Meet new and learn new skills.
. Opportunity to enhance your CV and obtain references for future employers.

Purpose of your role

To support the staff and volunteers carrying out practical habitat management by ensuring tools
and equipment required to complete the work are maintained in a good state of repair.

Tasks you will be involved with:

 Maintaining and repairing a range of hand tools
 Sharpening various tools
 Helping maintain a safe, tidy and efficient workshop
 Keeping a record of spare parts & materials required and liaising with the reserves team to
order them

Skills and abilities required:

 Prior experience of using workshop tools and carrying out tool maintenance is not essential
but advantageous
 A genuine interest and enthusiasm for maintaining and repairing tools
 Experience of using/servicing/maintaining 2 stroke power tools would be advantageous
 An awareness of the physical nature of the work required to complete certain tasks
 An understanding of the importance of health & safety in a workshop environment
 The confidence and ability to work without direct supervision

You will be based at:

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre

Times/days we would like you to be available:

Either a Monday or Friday between the hours
of 9am-4pm

Benefits to you:

 The opportunity to be directly involved in making a real difference and a valuable contribution
to the environment and wildlife of Solihull and Warwickshire
 Contributing to practical habitat management without having to be on the reserves
 You will be a valuable member of a professional team
 Opportunity to enhance your CV and obtain a reference for future employers

Purpose of your role

As a Project Volunteer, you will assist the TEaM Project staff with the delivery of bushcraft for
wellbeing programmes to people with poor mental health/wellbeing.

Tasks you will be involved with:
Tasks will include the support of set-up, delivery and pack-down of bushcraft sessions at
Brandon Marsh and other various locations within Warwickshire. Tasks will include set-up of
bush-tarps, fire lighting and fire management, safe use of Kelly-kettles, support of participants in
woodland skills such as green wood-working, cordage, weaving, charcoal making and new tasks
introduced during courses all of which will involve tool use (e.g. bush-knives, saws, fire-steels).
Please note: Training will be given where needed and no power tool use is required.

Skills and abilities required:

 No prior bushcraft experience needed, as full training is provided.
 Experience of using hand tools and supporting people with their wellbeing is an
advantage (some training will be given).
 You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing, all tools and safety
equipment will be provided.
 Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work in
the outdoors in varying weather conditions with a willingness to work outside all year
round
 An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment
 Able to follow instructions
 Volunteers will need to have their own transport
 DBS check will be required
 Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and insect repellent as needed

You will be based at:

Various reserves throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. The
groups will either meet on site or at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre.

Times/days we would like you to be available:

Various dependent on which project activity
you volunteer with, start times are between 9.00am and 10am, and finishing between 3pm and
4pm. Activities will mostly take place on weekdays

Benefits to you:

 Contribute to the wellbeing of others through engagement with nature.
 Learn new skills
 Meet like-minded people, make new friends
 Get some fresh air and exercise
 Improve your health and well-being
 Reconnect with nature

Oxfam Retail Charity - Volunteer – Till Assistant – (over 18)

In Oxfam Heaton, Newcastle Shop we're dedicated to fighting poverty and inequality. Boost your CV, confidence, and skills by getting customer service & sales experience here.

We'll give you training and support so you can help us sell lots of goodies each week by providing customers and donors with amazing service.

We ask for 4 - 8 hours per week. We can be very flexible around parenting / caring / health / employment / education and any other commitments you have. Some travel and lunch expenses can be covered too. (Please note we are unable to take under 18’s at present due to our shops being at capacity with a waiting list.)

If you have a couple of hours to give to Oxfam, then we'd like to hear from you.

We want to hear from you if you are:

• reliable and honest
• willing to learn new skills
• interested in working with a team
• Meet new people
• Gain Confidence

Are you looking to get back to work? Or just to get out and about again? Then volunteering is a great way of getting that all important experience and meeting new people and making new friends along the way!

Boost your confidence, skills, and CV by volunteering.

Tempted? Click Apply now and we'll get back to you soon!

Vacancy location: Oxfam 252 Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle.

Our shop complies with Covid-19 guidance and we aim to keep everyone safe with thorough cleaning and welfare procedures. Masks and gloves are provided.

We aim to reply to applications within two working days. Please check your junk folder.

Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

Oxfam Retail Charity Shop - Volunteer – Till Assistants (Over 18)

In Oxfam Gosforth we're dedicated to fighting poverty and inequality. Boost your CV, confidence, and skills by getting customer service & sales experience here.

We'll give you training and support so you can help us sell lots of goodies each week by providing customers and donors with amazing service.

We ask for 4 - 8 hours per week. We can be very flexible around parenting / caring / health / employment / education and any other commitments you have. Some travel and lunch expenses can be covered too. (Please note we are unable to take under 18’s at present due to our shops being at capacity with a waiting list.)

If you have even a couple of hours to give to Oxfam, then we'd like to hear from you.

We want to hear from you if you are:

• reliable and honest
• willing to learn new skills
• interested in working with a team
• Meet new people
• Gain in confidence

Are you looking to get back to work? Then volunteering is a great way of giving you that all important experience while having fun at the same time!

Boost your confidence, skills, and CV by volunteering.

Tempted? Click Apply now and we'll get back to you soon!

Are you looking to get back to work or just to get back out and about again? Then volunteering is a great way of doing this and getting valuable experience at the same time!

Vacancy location: Oxfam Gosforth 118 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1HB

Our shop complies with Covid-19 guidance and we aim to keep everyone safe with thorough cleaning and welfare procedures. Masks and gloves are provided.

We aim to reply to applications within two working days. (Ref: JS)

Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

Do you want to make a difference in your spare time?

Do you need some work experience to add to your CV?

Do you want to support the biggest charity in the UK that supports people in later life?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, volunteering at Age UK could be just what you are after.

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.

We provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people through life’s challenges.

Our amazing volunteers help to keep our charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that help support our wide range of services – services that are more in demand than ever before and as such we need your support more than ever before!

Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have, add experience to your CV or simply give your spare time to a worthy cause, then we have flexible options to suit you! Welcoming and serving our customers, keeping the shop tidy, sorting donations or helping with a wide range of other tasks.

Benefits of volunteering at Age UK:

-Gain customer service experience

-Gain experience dealing with and working with people of all ages & backgrounds

-Certificate of Achievement after 12 weeks of volunteering

-Knowledge of compliance training

-Reference provided (as and when required)

-Lunch & travel expenses available (subject to qualifying criteria)

-20% discount on donated items