Countryside Jobs Service

At The Game Conservancy Trust, we recruit seasonal workers every year. Not just here in Upper Teesdale, but our other outstations in Leicestershire and the Scottish Highlands do likewise.

Our seasonal workforce are of huge importance and help to us in our very busy field season, indeed, we couldn’t function properly without them. Because our research is ornithological, our busy field season starts as soon as the birds get frisky in March and continues until August. Of course we conduct fieldwork virtually all year round, weather pending, but we wouldn’t be able to collect the huge amount of data needed to support our projects without the invaluable help from short contract staff.

Most of our seasonal staff only undertake one contract with us, for several reasons. Some are looking for longer term contracts, others want to try something different another year and a few may get offered permanent jobs with us. However, at our project in Northumberland, we have had several people return for a second, or even third year.

We do our best to make our seasonal staff feel like ‘one of the family’ and we practice the adage ‘work hard, play hard’ and try to get together socially as well, time permitting. Hopefully, staff may also learn something new whilst they are with us, such as radio tracking, or habitat identification skills. Certainly their bird identification skills will improve!

We have a bit of a joker here, Mike, who always manages to put our new members of staff at ease. He has been with us for several years and is as fit as a flea. A couple of years ago, when driving to one of our study sites with a newly started seasonal worker, he was asked why there were dead moles tied to many of the fences in the area. (It seems to be a tradition here…. I’m not entirely sure why) Quick as a flash, Mike replied “oh, the local farmers dry them out and smoke them in their pipes”. Sadly, Anne-Marie believed him!

So, on a final note, seasonal work can be very satisfying, interesting and useful to future careers, but if you come to us; don’t expect any lie-ins in the morning!

Develop new skills – Gain real work experience – support your community – Meet new people do-it.org.uk is the number one website for finding volunteering opportunities. With hundreds of thousands of opportunities from coaching assistants for the local footie club to supporting & befriending vulnerable families in your community. Why wait? do-it.org.uk – today!

We are looking for volunteers interested in woodland archaeology, history & ecology. Join our England-wide project & help with the development of the Woodland Heritage Manual… To find out more & to sign up as a volunteer please visit www.woodland-heritage.org.uk or contact Lindy at lindy@ukeconet.co.uk

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) offers a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, nationwide, for people keen to practice their skills as ornithologists and habitat recorders. For more information click on the surveys tab on www.bto.org, or call 01842 750050 and ask for a copy of the Jan/Feb issue of BTO News.

VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers.

We recruit volunteers skilled and experienced in agriculture, horticulture and natural resource management in Africa and Asia. We provide salary, return flight, accommodation, insurance cover, national insurance contributions, pension contributions, visas and work permits, grants and guaranteed holidays.

enquiry@vso.org.uk tel: 020 8780 7500

BTCV Volunteer Apprentice Programme, covering the whole range of BTCV work, local & international, provides the environmental sector with trained & experienced staff & volunteers. BTCV connects people with place, builds healthy, sustainable communities, & increases people’s life skills. It aims to create a better environment where people from all cultures feel valued, included & involved. http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/getmoreinvolved

There are lots of different types of "volunteer", here's a brief overview. To try to explain the difference we asked a range of organisations to complete the same questionnaire about their volunteer programmes.

We asked the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales about their occasional volunteers (OC), BTCV Scotland about their Midweek Volunteer programme (MW), Sheffield Wildlife Trust about their regular part time volunteers (P/T) and The National Trust (south west region) about their full time volunteers (Vol).

Occasional volunteers are just that occasional, you can do as many or as few days as your schedule permits, Midweek groups are similar. Both regular part time and full time voluntary posts are like having a job and most organisations ask for a minimum commitment of six months.

Oc: Work parties meet twice a week in most counties. Volunteers helping with administration attend on a regular basis. Watch Group Leaders and helpers usually meet once a month.

Oc: Some volunteers come regularly, to most work parties; others come occasionally, dependent on their other commitments.

MW: Some only come once, but of those that are regular, most do 1 or 2 days per week.

P/T: Our volunteers are welcome to attend any meetings at all throughout the trust

Oc: It depends upon their area of interest and skills. Visitor Centre Volunteers – Welcome all visitors and generally assist with running the Centres. Administration Volunteers – The usual sort of administration tasks, typing, filing etc. Walk/Event Leader Volunteers - To organise and lead events including Health and Safety evaluation of the location or route where the event will be held, and to recruit new members if possible. Handyperson Volunteers – e.g. Painting and decorating the centres inside and out, electrical work (must be qualified). Speaker Volunteers - To give talks about the Trust or a chosen topic across the county. Information Technology Volunteers - To input data accurately e.g. wildlife records & to write and/or update programs as required. Wildlife WATCH Leader and Assistant Volunteers - To help organise and assist with the running of events for young members of the local Wildlife Watch group. Species Recording Volunteers - To record the flora and fauna of Reserves. Skomer Island Voluntary Warden - (Residential Full time—One week) Assist with practical conservation work. Keep records of daily sightings. Assist with building maintenance. Managing day visitors to the island. Warden and Assistant Wardens of a Nature Reserve Maintain the reserve in accordance with the Management Plan and under the direction of the Conservation Department. Keep records of new sightings or the disappearance of species. Maintain good relationships with the local community. Conservation Volunteers - Practical work on reserves: coppicing, brush cutting, fencing, hedging, gates, pond clearance, paths, rubbish collecting, hides, bridges, handrails, ditch clearance etc. Local Group Committee Volunteers - To serve as a Committee member who as well as attending meeting usually help with tasks such as fundraising, local publicity, membership recruitment, helping the Trust respond to planning issues, monitoring roadside verges and organising local events. There is a Local Group in each district.

MW: Environmental conservation work – ranging from tree planting to footpath construction.

P/T: They get involved with all aspect of the trusts work, practical conservation, ecological surveying, working with local community groups, young people and children, admininstration etc.

Vol: Estate maintenance, working alongside the Warden. Education – helping Warden with school group visits. Archaeology – helping with archaeological monitoring. Public liaison – helping man the Peregrine Viewing platform observing nesting birds when we get 25,000 visitors

Oc: Core work is carried out by staff but they are supported by volunteers. Volunteers are extremely important for doing practical conservation work. The alternative would be to use contractors more of the time and we could not afford to take that option. Overall, volunteers increase the work the core staff can take on and deliver but do not replace the work of paid staff.

MW: We carry out lots of environmental and biodiversity projects that would otherwise not be done, and also assist local ranger services to carry out maintenance to valued nature reserves which there would otherwise not be staffing for. Examples of projects include new access through countryside such as bridges, boardwalks and footpaths. Community tree nursery, new community wetland and new pond area. Finally lots of work on school wildlife gardens.

P/T: Very – both in terms of what they do for the trust and what they get out of it for themselves – training & development, work experience, job references etc.

Vol: Very important. Without volunteers our wardens would find it very difficult to cope.

What do the volunteers get out of it – we’re thinking training / certification etc?

Oc: Mostly the social networking and contact, which is particularly important for retired people. Practical work keeps people fit and healthy and gives a sense of purpose. They also learn about the environment and management of the countryside and pick up new practical skills. They are trained in-house for the essential skills they need for practical or office work, and we send them on other training courses if we have project money set aside for that purpose. For younger people, it gives them essential experience for their CVs.

MW: Normal volunteers, unfortunately nothing, although there are moves afoot within BTCV Scotland to introduce a SVQ system which will help matters here. In terms of skills though, vols are learning a lot – it is just not formally recognised. VO’s and Project Scotland volunteers get a budget for training which roughly could be valued at £100 per month.

P/T: see above. We run a programme of National Open College Network accredited training courses that volunteers can access free of charge.

Vol: Full Time Volunteers are put through several certificated training courses, eg Chainsaw, brushcutter, First Aid at Work, Health & Safety. They are also given free accommodation .

Do your volunteers go on to full time paid work and if so approximately what percentage?

Oc: Many of our volunteers are retired people. The number of volunteering students is reducing over the years as student debts become more of a burden, making it necessary to take paid work. We do have students that go on to full time paid work, but the numbers going through the system are lower. Roughly 60% will go on to full time paid work.

MW: Vols are with us for many reasons – some are just filling time while they apply for work, sometimes unrelated. Re VO’s, approximately 35% leave us to take on a paid environmental post, most of the rest leave to take on paid non-environmental work.

P/T: The majority go on to paid work either within the trust or elsewhere, a lot have gained TLM (Transitional Labour Market) placements with us. If they have not gone on to paid work, our records show that many go into further education or travel abroad to take advantages of overseas volunteering activities.

Vol: In the past ten years, of the approx 25 FT Vols that have worked at one particular site (Plymbridge Woods, Dartmoor) about 90% immediately went on to other positions in conservation and probably 60% are still involved with conservation. (anecdotal figures only)

Although these organisations have answered questions on one specific type of volunteering they all offer a range of volunteering opportunities, as do many other groups and organisations. If you would like to get involved or want more information please contact:

Oc: Amanda Yeoman, Membership Development Officer, The Wildlife Trust for South & West Wales, Fountain Road, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 0EH 01656 724100 a.yeoman@welshwildlife.org

MW: Andy Ross, Community Project Officer, BTCV Scotland - Edinburgh
5 Arboretum Place, Inverleith, Edinburgh EH3 5NY T: 0131 332 8700 a.ross@btcv.org.uk

P/T: Claire Little – HR Administration Officer Tel direct 0114 2792651 or email c.little@wildsheffield.com

Vol: Gus Fergusson. The National Trust, Home Farm, Parke, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9JQ. Tel:01626 834750 or Email: gus.fergusson@nationaltrust.org.uk

DES The Estate is a private estate receiving approx 65,000 visits per year. Main duties incl visitor management, assisting with events, leading school gps, general day to day maintenance & habitat management. Positions would suit enthusiastic individual at the early stage of their career. BUT Good communication & interpersonal skills & driving licence essential, rel quals &/or experience advantage but not necessary as full training provided. ASK CV & covering letter to Richard Bolton, Finlaystone Country Estate, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ info@finlaystone.co.uk

DES Assist with all ranger duties on a 1000 ha upland site – guided walks, footpath & habitat maintenance, species monitoring & surveying, patrols, liaison with visitors. From early April – early July the site also runs a ‘peregrine watch’ which involves guarding nest & operating a CCTV for visitors to view on monitors. * + travel expenses & clothing allow & on the job training. BUT To qualify for a place the applicant must be resident in Scotland & aged between 18 & 25. Essential: clean driving licence. Desirable: rel qual or considerable rel experience, good hillcraft & navigational skills. ASK Dan Watson, Property Manager Ranger 01683 222714 dwatson@nts.org.uk

DES Lead residential Action Breaks. 6 mths from 9 April to 19 October 2007. BUT Ability to motivate & organise a gp of vols & proven knowledge of practical env skills essential. High degree of self motivation& reliance. Full, clean & current driving licence passed before 1 January 1997 OR driving for 2+ years & have full PCV entitlement & have undertaken training in driving a vehicle with trailer. ASK SAE quoting ref SPL to BTCV Scotland, Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QG www2.btcv.org.uk/display/jobs

BE4 ? LOC Central Scotland, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife, Borders & Tayside

DES We offer training & practical work experience to unemployed people on our reserves throughout Scotland. Chainsaw, Clearing Saw, Brushcutting & Strimming, Fencing, Footpath Construction, Tree Planting & other rural skills are taught as Lantra Qualifications. BUT Registered as unemployed, aged 18 or over & interested in outdoor work. ASK

Send SAE to: Peter Gilbert, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Cramond House, Cramond Glebe Road, Edinburgh 0131 3124732 (Direct Line) email: pgilbert@swt.org.uk www.swt.org.uk

The Carrifran Wildwood, Borders Forest Trust, seeks two volunteers for July and August 2007. Work will be tree survival monitoring, tree care, wildlife monitoring. On-site accommodation and allowance paid. Contact Hugh Chalmers. e-mail hugh@bordersforesttrust.org tel 01835 830750

Join Trees for Life on a work week reforesting the Scottish Highlands. Have fun in the wild planting trees, surveying, seed collection, fencing, non-native removal etc. £45-£95 sliding scale, food and accommodation included. See our website www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505 for more details

John Muir Trust Activities Programme

Volunteer Leader Opportunities – gain experience of environmental education and adventurous activities leading groups on our residential trips in wild places throughout the UK. The John Muir Trust is a leading wild land conservation organisation.

visit: www.jmt.org/programmes / contact: programmes@jmt.org / 0845 456 1783

The National Park Volunteer Programme offers a variety of Volunteer Roles such as Conservation, Events, User and Wildlife Surveys or Photography. Come and join the team of Volunteers! To find out more contact Zoe Morris, Volunteer Development Officer, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, 01389 722600 or email zoe.morris@lochlomond-trossachs.org

BRISC offers free practical workshops and fieldwork experience throughout the year to further support Biological Recording in Falkirk, Stirling and North Lanarkshire. The free workshops provide support and expert advice to novice and experienced recorders to maintain their interest in taking biological records. Contact John for further information (01786474061).

John Muir Trust Activities Programme

Environmental / Conservation Residentials – a diverse range of activity trips for young people and adults to engage in environmental education, conservation and adventure in wild places. The John Muir Trust is a leading wild land conservation organisation.

visit: www.jmt.org/programmes / contact: programmes@jmt.org / 0845 456 1783

BTCV Scotland is committed to the training and development of individuals working and volunteering on community and environmental projects. By supporting the development of community groups, volunteers and practitioners working in the community environmental sector we hope to increase capacity to enable community projects to be planned and delivered in a safe and sustainable way. To view courses and book online go to www.btcv.org/shop or contact Helen on 01786 479697 or email Scotland-Training@btcv.org.uk.

When is most seasonal work carried out (which season or month)? April-September

Can you give us some examples of what seasonal work entails and if it differs through the year what are the different tasks? A mixture of: Education and Interpretation: schools groups predominate in May, June and September, guided walks and the like from May through to August. Practical maintenance work, eg path repair, litter picking, signs maintenance, invasive control; volunteer group supervision is part of this. Biological survey and monitoring, throughout the summer but dependent on which groups or species are being monitored

What sort of people apply for seasonal work, do people move house for the work and do many go on to become full time employees? These days mostly recent graduates who are prepared to travel for work – we generally offer accommodation. Most hope to go onto full time work and see seasonal contracts as a stepping stone up the career ladder – many have started as long term volunteers

What do the applicants get out of the short term placement – we’re thinking training / certification etc? We give them a two day induction and on the job support/training. We also offer one or two in-house courses, usually around wildlife ID and survey, during the season. We offer no certification but, more importantly, they can expect a good reference at the end of the season. We like to think that most potential employers recognise that a season or two with the National Trust for Scotland is a good grounding for a career in countryside management/rangering

From: Paul Johnson, Head of Countryside Management at National Trust for Scotland

For enquiries: Rachel Furlong, NTS, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4ET www.nts.org.uk

DES Urgently required from April to August inclusive. At West Lighthouse viewpoint we welcome 10,000 visitors during the summer, work with a small team to show the puffins & cliffs packed with guillemots, enthusing an interest in birds, wildlife & the work of RSPB, incl recruiting & retail work. Accom provided in cottage hostel 1 mile from Viewpoint.

BUT Good people skills & approachable personality & ability to work as part of a team essential. Specialist knowledge not necessary, but enthusiasm for wildlife & an interest in conservation is. May take part in island community activities & local events. 18+ 2 week minimum stay. ASK www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/residential volunteers@rspb.org.uk giving name & address

DES Conwy Cside Services manage 23 sites ranging from woodlands to sand dunes, quiet secluded sites to well visited ones. What you will gain: working understanding of Conwy’s LBAP; great deal of cside management experience; knowledge of different habitats; opportunity to practice & learn many practical tasks; chance to take your First Aid Cert, PA1 or PA2 pesticide course or other quals; experience leading guided walks fir adult * school gps; chance to make contacts within local cside orgs. Placements are up to 10 mths (November to August) aimed at someone on a sandwich year out. Work with a friendly team BUT Commitment, enthusiasm & a full driving licence. Accom is not included but help is given to find suitable accom in the locality. ASK CV to Countryside Section, Planning Dept, Conwy County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL29 8AR 01492 575205 or 575310 helen.jowett@conwy.gov.uk www.conwy.gov.uk/countryside

DES 2 wks to 6 mths. From April to October every year. Assist with CBMWC’s ongoing research & education programmes concerning marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. Main focus of current research is the photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins. Learn about the marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay, educate & interact with the public & gain valuable skills used in env & conservation fields. The Centre works with various orgs around the Welsh coast. BUT No experience necessary but interest in marine wildlife, enthusiasm, willingness to work hard & team player advantage.

ASK www.cbmwc.org Apply volunteer@cbmwc.org incl CV & cover letter detailing experience & availability.

DES Lead practical projects in NE Wales. Lead a team of up to 12 vols. BUT Driving licence required & leadership experience. Interest in conservation environmental issues, reliable & sociable, IT skills required. ASK Lisa Williams, 01978 290866 l.williams@btcv.org.uk

DES Required May to October, 4 dpw with weekend rota. Be part of a team managing busy reserve & Welsh Wildlife Centre. Suit recent graduates seeking experience. Assist with practical work, visitor & school gps, surveys & more.

BUT Rel experience & qual desirable, but full training given. ASK CV & covering letter to Phil Ward, Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran, Cardigan SA43 2TB p.ward@welshwildlife.org 07989 346562

DES Great opportunity to live & work on an Island Nature Reserve (SSSI & LNR) in the Bristol Channel. The post is a demanding yet rewarding position. Gain experience in practical habitat work; livestock husbandry; leading guided tours for visitors; leading vol work parties; wildlife monitoring; env education; building maintenance & more. Rota: vols work 10 days on island followe by 4 days leave (all weather dependent) BUT Need enthusiasm, flexibility, 6+ mths commitment with strong social skills. ASK Send CV & covering letter to Flat Holm Project, Pierhead, Barry Docks, Barry CF62 5QS flatholmproject@cardiff.gov.uk www.cardiff.gov.uk/flatholm

I studied Mathematical Engineering at The University of Leeds leaving in 2001 with a Masters Degree. I returned home to Birmingham in 2001 & started a job for a consultant Engineering firm, working as a mechanical engineer designing heating, ventilation & water services for the construction industry.

I left that firm in 2003 & started working for Atkins in Birmingham, who are the largest engineering consultancy in Europe; there I was designed & managing energy, gas, water & heating projects for a variety of clients including the Houses of Parliament.

In 2005, my wife was applied for & was offered a job as a HR manager in Inverness, & we both decided to take the plunge & move to the Highlands.

Both my wife & I had volunteered for the RSPB over the past few years on Ramsay Island in Wales, & having enjoyed it so much I decided that my move to the Highlands would coincide with a career change, & started to look for a route into conservation. I started by volunteering at RSPB’s Forsinard reserve, then followed that up by volunteering at RSPB’s Abernethy Reserve in late 2005. Luckily a short while after I completed my placement, a job opportunity as assistant warden at Abernethy arose, which I applied for & thankfully got.

The change from my previous career couldn’t be more stark! Whereas in my previous job I was spending most days in the office at a desk designing engineering systems, or in London attending site & client meetings, most of my time now is spent outdoors. A typical day here in some ways doesn’t exist as I can be doing a number of different things from day to day. Currently I am involved in a major deadwood project, which involves felling some 800 trees. We burn heather, weather permitting, during the winter months for Capercaillie & forest regeneration. I help out with deer control most of the year & there is always vehicle or building maintenance to keep us going! The spring months herald a busy time of year as we start to survey some of the important birds on the reserve such as Black Grouse & Capercaillie. During the summer I also help out at the Osprey Centre, which deals with huge numbers of the public visiting our facilities to view these magnificent birds. I have also been conducting guided walks around the forest. The RSPB have been an excellent employer, training me to ride Quad Bikes, Argo’s & to drive a tractor.

I suppose a number of things prompted the change from being an engineer to the countryside / conservation sector. The drag of the 9-5 & working in a very confrontational industry drove me to want to change the way I worked, & to be outside more. In addition, the realisation of what is happening to the planet, & wanting to do something to try to help. Maybe the biggest reason was the thrill & enjoyment I got from volunteering for the RSPB & seeing how wild places & the wildlife in them can affect people & their lives. I am a keen birdwatcher & being able to pass on the thrill of seeing wild birds, particularly in a place as special as the Scottish Highlands is reward enough.

What made you want to volunteer? To be honest I was a little reluctant to start with! My wife convinced me to do it & we went to Ramsay Island. I didn’t really know what to expect, but spending a week there completely changed my outlook on a lot of things, & made me see that the RSPB was a organisation that I felt attached to. After that I was hooked, & my wife & I returned to Ramsay the next year.

At what point did you decide to leave your previous career & commit full time to your new life? The point of no return was when my wife & I sat down to discuss moving to the Highlands & decided to give it a go. We decided that I would give it two years of commitment, & to see where I was after that. I suppose I was lucky in having my wife to support me through the volunteering, & having my engineering as a fall-back if it all went wrong.

The best bits of being a volunteer, particularly on Ramsay, were waking up to the sound of Chough outside the volunteer’s accommodation, meeting the public & seeing how enthusiastic they were about the places they were visiting & just feeling like I was helping a cause that I felt passionate about. It was especially gratifying to be able to see the effects of the work being done by just watching a flock of chough swooping across the open fields. I think this connection with a special & rare bird was the most satisfying.

I honestly enjoyed every bit, there weren't any lows except maybe dropping my transistor radio down the toilet when the fourth ashes test was reaching a climax in 2005!

All my volunteering was via the RSPB’s residential voluntary scheme. To begin with, I was fitting it in with work, so it was a week or two a year, but when I moved up to Scotland it became more long term, with 2-3 week block placements. I was booked in to volunteer for the entire summer of 2006 on Ramsay Island, but I was lucky enough to get the job at Abernethy after volunteering for only 2-3 months. It was more a case of right place right time for me & I think my volunteering was essential for me to get the job. Volunteering was the only way of getting my face known & letting people know what I had to offer. I may not have been volunteering for long, but without it, I wouldn’t of known about the job, nor would I have been able to prove to the members of staff here that I could rise to the challenge.

I readily accept that I was just in the right place to get paid work so quickly after starting volunteering, but it is also true to say that without the volunteering I definitely wouldn’t have got the job. I think you can make your own luck by getting out there & getting involved.

Did any funny or memorable incidents happen to you when you were volunteering? A carrier pigeon landing exhausted outside the bungalow on Ramsay then proceeding to fly desperately at the window when it realised that there was a Peregrine Falcon’s nest about 400 meters away. The bird then tried to stay in the accommodation before regaining strength & leaving safely. Having a helicopter ride across the Cairngorms to help count deer – pretty spectacular!

DES / BUT The RSPB was founded by vols & they are still a very important part of the Society. Vols give their skills & time: in offices, visitor centres, fundraising, working on reserves, carrying out bird surveys, showing people birds & recruiting members. You can vol: at weekends or during the week; to boost skills for a career change; as work experience towards a career in conservation; as a means of keeping fit & active; as part of a corporate team building day. Fancy a conservation holiday? We have 38 reserves, from Devon to the Shetlands, looking for residential vols. 1 week to 4 weeks (longer term by arrangement) with free accom. Living on the reserve, you will really feel part of the team. ASK 01767 680551 volunteers@rspb.org.uk

PAY 0 FOR RSPB DES Long term placements. These opportunities offer practical experience & training & are ideal for anyone planning a career in conservation, during or following an academic qual. Training provided as appropriate & may incl First Aid, ATV, 4x4 driving, brushcutter & chainsaw. Practical experience would be gained in variety of aspects of reserve management. Self catering accom provided free of charge at each reserve. BUT Ideally require good knowledge of birds or a keenness to learn & enthusiasm for wildlife conservation. Abel to commit for 6+ mths. Min age is 18. Full driving licence essential. ASK CV & covering letter to Kate Tycer, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1EP

DES Join a small team managing a range of important habitats & provided with necessary training, e.g. first aid, brushcutter operation & bird surveying techniques. 6 mth placements. Gain important skills & experience in nature reserve management. Many previous trainee wardens have gone on to employment with RSPB or other conservation organisations. Free accom provided half mile from reserve BUT Volunteers who are physically fit, enjoy working outdoors & have: good knowledge of bird identification. Bird surveying experience advantage; enthusiasm & sense of humour; range of practical skills; keen desire for a career within conservation. ASK Paul Eele, Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve, Main Road, Titchwell, Norfolk PE31 8BB 01485 210432 paul.eele~rspb.org.uk

From April to October, the Ecological Assistant will be working on a broad variety of projects, including ecological field work and assessment, and surveying the many Norfolk habitats such as fens, heaths, marshes and woodlands. These surveys, which use Phase 1 and NVC survey methods, can involve searches for protected species such as great crested newts, water voles, and schedule 1 birds, bats and badgers.

The ecological assistant is also expected to offer IT and GIS skills, creating databases, spreadsheets and maps in order to support consultants working on larger, more complex projects.

As a subsidiary of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, all profits made by NWS are gift aided back to the Trust. In 2005 the consultancy gift aided £36,000 to the Trust, contributing a significant amount to the charity’s funds each year. The ecological assistant is therefore making a significant contribution to the Trust’s work all over the county. The profits help to fund vital management work on the Trust’s nature reserves; contribute to the education of thousands of school children about Norfolk’s wildlife and wild places; and support the provision of free nature conservation advice to county wildlife site owners.

Seasonal posts, such as NWS’s Summer Ecological Assistant, offer a brilliant opportunity to gain vital experience in a wide range of fields, from survey techniques and report writing to providing guidance to land owners and developers. Such positions can often be the gateway from volunteer work to that goal of permanent employment.

Please contact: Norfolk Wildlife Service, Bewick House, 22 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1RY T: 01603 625540 www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/nws

DES Involved in wide variety of practical conservation tasks & will work with other staff to organise, promote & run 2 midweek vol days. Responsibilities incl: practical conservation skills & leadership, as well as learning through experience. BUT Must be over 21 & pref able to commit to 3+ dpw over 6 – 12 mths. Full driving licence (for 2+ years), good team member, genuine interest in the env & conservation work, good communication skills. ASK

DES Temp seasonal contract from early Spring to late Autumn 07. Incl bank holidays & some evening / weekend (on rota) working. Much of the estate is SSSI & incl attractive unspoilt cside, herds of deer, ancient woodland. Working within a team of experienced staff, assist in the running & maintenance of Leicestershire’s premier country park (510ha & some 900,000 visitors a year) incl providing a welcoming visitor service, patrolling, security, managing visitors, interpretation, assisting with pay & display car parks, shops, cafes, visitor centre & other duties; wide range of site maintenance work. BUT Experience in some aspects of the work. Experience with mowers & strimmers & interest in natural history & history an advantage. Full driving licence & access to a car essential. ASK SAE to: M H Harrison FRICS IRRV, Land Agent & Surveyor, Bradgate Park Trust, Estate Office, Deer Barn Buildings, Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HE

DES For 3 to 6 mths up to 3 dpw. Assist with range of cside work. Site & rights of way estate management, habitat management, interpretative design, surveying or other projects. BUT Ideally recent graduate in cside management looking for post qual experience or student on a cside management course. ASK Mark Preece, Parks & Countryside Service, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Stockwell Street, Leek ST13 6HQ 01538 483580 mark.preece@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk

Living Wood assistantships. Each year there is a limited number of places for longer term training (3 weeks to 6 months) for those with some experience who might be interested in following a career in green woodwork. For more details see www.living-wood.co.uk or phone 01531 640005.

Each summer we build and run Europe's only environmentally-sound outdoor conference centre in Worcestershire. In return for your enthusiasm, goodwill and hard work, live in beautiful countryside among friendly people, eating excellent vegetarian food, and making an important contribution to the environmental and social change sector. More at www.greenandaway.org

Back in 1967, a small group of volunteers went on the first National Trust working holiday in Warwickshire. This year, as the Trust prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of working holidays, over 100,000 volunteers have taken part across the country, assisting wardens, gardeners and property managers with vital conservation work that simply could not get done without their help.

The National Trust is one of Europe's leading conservation bodies and is responsible for the protection and promotion of over 700 miles of British coastline and more than 600,000 acres of land of outstanding natural beauty. The buildings in its care date from the Middle Ages to modern times and include monuments, gardens and landscaped parks. As a charity, the Trust greatly values its volunteers who share its passion for preserving the nation’s heritage.

People choose a working holiday for different reasons, whether to meet new friends, learn new skills – or just to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air and exercise, but increasingly they want a holiday that enables them to give something back. They have helped with everything from dry-stone walling in the Lake District and planting borders in Buckinghamshire, to mapping flower-rich hay meadows in Yorkshire and harvesting apples in Devon. The growing concern for wildlife - and the effects of climate change on the environment - also attract many volunteers who want to help preserve and protect the many important habitats for insects, birds and animals.

The first working holiday volunteers spent a week restoring the tow path on the canal at Stratford-upon-Avon. In the forty years since then, a huge portfolio of projects has been completed thanks to the help of volunteers: the construction of five miles of footpaths at Cragside in Northumberland, the discovery of the existence of several nationally-scarce species of wildlife at Orford Ness, the complete re-cobbling of Gunby Hall's courtyard, the unearthing of Roman remains in Carmarthenshire...these are just a few of their achievements.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Working Holiday programme, the National Trust will be organising a series of events around the country during 2007. These will include an anniversary launch party in Warwickshire, site of the first working holiday; a giant 'Megabash' weekend to help preserve natural habitats for wildlife; and an exhibition celebrating the highlights of the last four decades of working holidays, that will tour various National Trust properties during the year

There is something for everyone on a working holiday, and people of all ages and abilities get involved. Some volunteers have been so inspired by their rhododendron-bashing or hedge-laying that they have left their jobs and changed careers. Or they have met their future partners, made lasting friendships, discovered new hobbies. Whatever their reasons for taking a working holiday, they are all helping to look after special places – for ever, for everyone.

For a brochure and more information on Working Holidays please call 0870 4 29 24 29 or see the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteering

DES Help to run the conservation holidays programme that covers North Yorkshire area. Also opportunities to help with community projects, day tasks & publicity work. Combine office based admin with site visits & meeting clients. Work on & lead some practical projects. BUT Interest in conservation & willingness to learn essential. Suites anyone trying to gain experience following completing a rel degree or someone looking for a career change. Computerate essential. 21+ with clean driving licence held for 2+ years’. Friendly manner with good sense of humour. ASK Anne Lawrence 01677 470821 a.lawrence@btcv.org.uk

DES Looking for students to join the small team. The Centre delivers National Curriculum subjects to primary schools & teambuilding courses across the full school & community age range. BUT Demonstrate an interest in working with visiting gps to deliver outdoor education activities on a residential & day visit basis. ASK ruth.welchr@bradford.gov.uk 01943 602032 Nell Bank Education Centre, Denton Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 0DE

BTCV Education Voluntary Officer

Join our education team in York, North Yorkshire, gain experience in environmental education and community work. Develop skills for managing projects, fundraising and community support. Receive training in leadership, health and safety, first aid and more. Please call to find out more. Rachel Earnshaw 01904 644300, r.earnshaw@btcv.org.uk

Volunteers Wanted: Urban and rural practical conservation tasks across West Yorkshire; gardening and basic skills training for adults with learning difficulties; wildlife gardening and conservation with Friends of Hollybush; healthy walking projects. BTCV, Hollybush Conservation Centre, Broads Lane, Leeds, LS5 3BP 0113 2742335 leeds@btcv.org.uk www.hollybush.org.uk

Passionate about wildlife and wetlands? Want to help create and maintain habitats such as ponds, lakes, reedbeds, wildflower meadows and woodlands? Or breed and care for rare and endangered wildfowl? Washington Wetland Centre is always looking for dedicated volunteers. Contact 0191 416 5454 to arrange an interview

Volunteer on a working farm, Sheffield. Various positions including animal care, office work & gardening. We are a 130 acre educational charity in a beautiful setting. Contact Anna Cowling, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, Sheffield, S11 9QF 0114 2360096 email: annac@whirlowhallfarm.co.uk

Conservation Holidays Volunteer Officer posts available throughout the year. Residential posts with subsidised rent at a rural office of BTCV. Helping to organise all the N.Yorks conservation holidays. Training provided. Must be over 21 with clean driving licence. Willingness to learn and interest in conservation essential. Email: a.lawrence@btcv.org.uk.

DES The Residential Wardening Scheme has four 12 month vol placements at reserves starting in April 2007 which will give you the experience & training you need to get your career in reserve management off the ground. Work alongside RSPB staff & gain formal quals in use of chainsaws, driving 4x4’s, surveying & monitoring, through to event management on reserves. Spend 6 mths each on two different reserves with different habitats. Travel expenses available for interview at RSPB Old Moor. BUT Need knowledge of natural history & ornithology in particular or willingness to learn. Need to be motivated self starters, physically fit, team workers & good communicators. ASK For a copy of the role description Kirsten.whittaker@rspb.org.uk 01484 868415

DES Assist with great crested newt licence work, incl trapping, translocation & survey for great crested newts. Full training provided. Commence April 2007 on temp basis. BUT Would suit graduate in ecology or similar &/or person with ecological / conservation knowledge & experience. Must be happy to work outside in wet weather. Flexible approach to work & need to be able to work evenings & early mornings. Own transport required (remuneration for mileage when working) ASK CV & email to neillg@dsl.pipex.com

This post will also involve a mixture of duties that can be tailored to individual interest alongside the day to day park management. All training, tools and equipment provided. A training course in First Aid and two other courses related to individual interest in conservation or site management would also be provided (this could include Dragonfly or Otter Survey). Enthusiasm for outdoor working is key! Flexibility along with the ability to work in a small team and alone is essential.

For any questions or for a more detailed job description call Alexis Pym on 01234 767037. CV and covering letter should outline any previous experience and specific interests.

Email or post to; Alexis.Pym@marstonvale.org or Forest of Marston Vale, Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, MK43 0PR. Closing dates for applications Wednesday 7^th March 2007

BE4 ? LOC HQ, Henfield, Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford & outreach – all over Sussex

DES Regular commitment appreciated, as little as 1 day a fortnight or as often as 4 dpw between March & Aug. (However, any vol help is always welcomed). Training given (end of Feb). Support trained staff with gps of school children who visit Woods Mill, Seven Sisters Country Park & outreach service which works in schools & their grounds around the county. You will be trained to assist, and if you wish, eventually lead a school gp with their env activities. BUT Enjoy working with children, able to communicate with all ages, but mainly primary age gp, enthusiasm & sense of humour; enjoy working in a team; some knowledge of, or interest in wildlife (You do not have to be an expert1), enjoy working out of doors with some degree of physical fitness; reliable & dependable. CRB Disclosure. ASK Anna-Marie Kyriacou, People & Wildlife Officer, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woods Mill, Henfield BN5 9SD anna-mariekyriacou@sussexwt.org.uk 01273 497562.

REF        VOL-DIRECT-12/3                               JOB        MIDWEEK VOLUNTEERS
BE4        ?                                                              LOC        GLOUCESTERSHIRE
PAY         0                                                              FOR        BTCV GLOUCESTERSHIRE
DES        Various practical conservation tasks around the county from dry stone walling to hedge laying & coppicing. Volunteer on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, learn new skills, make new friends & get fit. All you need to bring is yourself, suitable clothing & a packed lunch. NVQ's in environmental conservation (level 2 & 3) available; learn more about your env & how to look after it. Sign up & get free training & out of pocket expenses.   ASK    01452 864805 glos@btcv.org.uk

DES Part time vols required to assist with research on the ecology & conservation of Dragonflies (Odonata) on farmland ponds. Research tasks involve: capturing, marking & identifying damselflies, surveying for dragonflies on the wing (depending on experience); collection of exuviae, water samples & pond parameters, assisting with identification of macrophytes. BUT Able to work 9 – 5 for 2+ dpw for 2+ months during June to August 2007, but alternate arrangements may be considered. Enthusiastic, physically fit & prepared to undertake occasional long hrs of fieldwork. No previous experience is necessary but an interest in freshwater ecology & Odonates desirable. Must have own transport, but can arrange for pick up from Bicester/Aylesbury areas. ASK eva.raebel@zoo.ox.ac.uk http://www.wildcru.org/

BE4 ONGOING LOC Langdon Nature Reserve near Basildon, Bedfords Park near Romford or Chafford Gorges in Thurrock. Essex WT has 87 nature reserves, 1 nature park, 7 visitor centres, over 30,000 supporters, over 700 staff & 1500 vols.

Centre Volunteers You could make a real difference by helping to run one of the popular visitor centres. Sociable role where you’ll get involved with all aspects of making the centre a welcoming env for visitors. Incl serving customers in the shop, enrolling new members, welcoming visitors & generally helping out. Various opportunities at weekends and weekdays. Don’t need any experience, all training you need is given. Normally ask for 2 days per mth, but also happy to hear from people with less regular availability.

Education Volunteers Help the wildlife teams with their events. Fun & inspiring role which directlu impacts on people of all ages. Need people orientated vols with lots of enthusiasm, will be given all training you need, so no specialist knowledge is required. Opportunities to assist with family nature days, wildlife discovery days & school gps, as well as other events based around the centres, reserves & in the community. Also lots of things to do to assist in planning for the events & you may work up to leading gps. Events take place throughout the year, during week & at weekends. Would ask vols to help out as often as possible, but not usually min commitment. Reimburse travel expenses.

BOTH PAY: 0 ASK Rachel Marrow, Volunteer & Staff Officer 01621 862977 volunteering@essexwt.org.uk

PAY £30 per week expenses & basic on site accom* FOR BERKS, BUCKS & OXON WILDLIFE TRUST

DES Enthusiastic volunteer to help with wardening, practical conservation, species monitoring & helping visitors enjoy the site. Woodland / chalk grassland reserve with visitor centre. Ideally looking for someone to start from early April for 6 mths. Great chance to gain valuable practical conservation experience. * May be eligible for millennium volunteer award. Some in-house training available in survey techniques & env education. BUT Full drivers licence, enthusiasm for conservation & wildlife, ability to work some weekends & bank holidays. ASK Chat: Jenni Hignett 01491 642001 Apply: Letter & Cv to Jenni Hignett, Warburg Nature Reserve, Bix Bottom, Henley on Thames RG9 6BL traineewarburg@bbowt.org.uk

DES/BUT Essex WT has 87 nature reserves, 1 nature park, 7 visitor centres, over 30,000 supporters, over 700 staff & 1500 vols. Vols are at the centre of the Trust’s work & there are many opportunities across Essex for all manner of volunteering. Whatever you want to get out of volunteering we will do our best to make it happen. You could help with finance, assist with the organisation of local events, join a work party, help with a school group, carry out research, become a reserve warden or be based at one of the visitor centres. You might even like to get a gp together & join the Trust for a day on a reserve. Opportunities at weekends and weekdays, & would like to hear from you regardless of the amount of time you have. Trust provides nearly all training you need. Also provide travelling expenses. ASK www.essexwt.org.uk Rachel Marrow 01621 862977 for a chat