Wildlife Restoration Project Volunteer Roles

Aliens are invading Yorkshire! Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are the second largest threat to global biodiversity (just below habitat loss) and all along Yorkshire’s waterways we can see the colonisation spreading year by year. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust are on the front line, battling the tide of INNS such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and American skunk cabbage. To win, we need volunteers to help us.

Our Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and river restoration project teams are looking for passionate individuals to volunteer within the West Region INNS Team. INNS are the second biggest threat to biodiversity within the UK, cost around £2 billion annually to manage, and cause numerous issues across Yorkshire such as infrastructure damage and increased bankside erosion. As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to assist staff with INNS surveying, treatment, and post-treatment restoration.

You will have the opportunity to learn how to identify a number of key native and INNS species, biosecurity, and surveying techniques including the use of our GB-wide app INNS Mapper. Furthermore, there is the opportunity to assist staff members within the wider West Region Projects team and attend skills training days run by the volunteer team.

This role will take place across the Calder and Colne catchments around Huddersfield and Ripponden, primarily on private land and land of partner organisations. Working in a ‘top-down’ manner, volunteers will help us to identify and control INNS across the catchments. 

A contribution towards reasonable travel expenses can be provided.

For more information and to apply, please visit Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website: INNS Volunteer Role