Countryside Jobs Service: Voluntary opportunties

Being a volunteer is a good way to gain experience (often vital for that first paid post), acquire practical training and the skills necessary for your chosen career path. For more information about being a volunteer, from both employer and volunteer perspectives please read the Seasonal and Volunteering Special Edition Supplements but remember most of the adverts in the Specials will be out of date so please double check the closing dates. Helping with Surveys and Fieldwork is another way to gain experience.

PAY £80 per week living & travel allowance FOR GROUNDWORK SOUTH TYNESIDE & NEWCASTLE

DES 30 hpw for 6 months. Vol placements for young people with a passion for the env. Gain invaluable experience with an env charity. 1. Env Education Assistant, 2. Green Gym & Walking the Way to Health Project Assistant, 3. Sustainability Education Assistant (15 hrs) / Green Gym & Walking the Way to Health Project Assistant (15 hrs). You will also work towards the Platinum Level of the Youth Achievement Award. BUT Ages 16-25. Desirable: experience of working with young people & adults from a cross section of the community, passionate about the env with an interest in current env issues & healthy lifestyles, ability to work to a high standard; enthusiastic & amenable personality, computerate, good presentation skills, current driving licence & own transport desirable. ASK More info & app pack: Sarah Dinning, Education Co-ordinator, 0191 428 1144 www.groundwork-stan.org.uk

DES Come & join us for a coffee morning at the newly opened centre to chat about vol opportunities at Folly Farm on Thurs 12/6/08 between 10am-12pm. These incl Education Assts, Ground Maintenance Assts, Gardening Assts, Admin Assts & Conservation Assts. BUT Enthusiastic, hardworking, love of nature, good sense of humour, happy to have a CRB check. ASK Sarah van der Meer, Volunteering Officer, sarahvandermeer@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk 0117 9177270.

DES ABB events are about enthusing & inspiring members of the public by showing them brilliant birds. Many people’s first encounter with the RSPB is through ABBs & they are a perfect platform to talk about our work. Your role will involve teaching them about the birds they are looking at, answering questions, talking about the RSPB, asking them to sign the visitors book & enrolling new members. BUT Excellent face-to-face interpersonal skills; comfortable & confident speaking to members of the public & asking for monetary support. Approachable, friendly, able to enthuse about the work of the RSPB; genuine interest in birds, wildlife & conservation. You do not have to be a bird expert, as a fact sheet will be provided. Appropriate training provided prior to the start of the event. Ongoing support given by RSPB staff. ASK Info / chat: Kate Whitton, 07889615727 kate.whitton@rspb.org.uk

DES Leading Equestrian Charity in the UK & Ireland working in the crucial areas of equestrian Welfare, Safety, Access & Rights of Way, Training, Education, & Tourism. Fantastic network of over 2000 vols actively working specialist areas throughout UK & Ireland for the benefit of every horse & rider. Wide range of vacancies from Access Officers & Welfare Officers, to Press Officers & fence judges. BUT All ages. No previous experience required, simply a passion & enthusiasm to make a positive difference to equestrianism in your area. Vol quotes incl "I have had more fun & interest being a vol for the BHS than anything else I have tried", "The reason I vol is to give something back to equestrianism". Take a realistic approach to the time you can designate, training & good support will be provided. ASK Vacancies in your area http://www.bhs.org.uk/Content/Ods-More.asp?id=7267&pg=Information&spg=Home&area=9 Alison, volunteer co-coordinator 01926 707816.

DES Support the Devon Youth Project Officer in delivering several youth programmes (Positive Activities for Young People, Green Prints & V Groundwork). Help run outdoor activities such as orienteering, bushcraft / forest schools & conservation work. VOs will receive free training in all necessary skills (incl Forest Skills training), & will gain valuable experience in leading groups of young people. BUT Min commitment of 6 months, 3 days per wk. Ideally 21+ with clean driving licence for 2+ years & happy to drive our minibus (training provided) Enjoy working outdoors & happy to work with groups of young people. Enthusiastic, friendly & motivated. ASK Rob Byrnes, 11-15 Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1QA 01392 666460 07917 460463 r.byrnes@btcv.org.uk

DES / BUT Join our education team to gain experience in env education & community work. Work with school / out of school groups, assisting project officers in the development & delivery of env education projects. These may incl wildlife / heritage clubs, classroom sessions, practical conservation events with groups of teenagers & so on. Receive training in leadership, H&S, first aid & more. ASK Naomi Large, 01904 644300 n.large@btcv.org.uk

DES EGF is a waste education project providing outreach services to schools across the NW. We deliver a whole range of programmes for primary & secondary schools on reduce, re-use, recycle & composting. The project needs a vol who can spare a regular amount of time each week to assist with delivery in schools, admin & bookings. This is a great way to get experience in env education. BUT Interest in recycling & waste reduction. experience of working with children desirable but not essential. Enthusiasm & willingness to learn essential. Prepared to have full CRB check as post involves working with children & visiting schools. ASK Ref: EGFVOL08. Leanne Rimmer, 01772 759230.

DES Assist in delivery of vocational training in Environmental Conservation & developing basic skills in numeracy & literacy to learners from Wakefield College, 16 – 18 years old. Provide you with valuable experience nationally recognised by employers in the fields of conservation / env. Gain skills in practical conservation, develop capacity to lead tasks in this field & assist in training young learners for a career in this or related fields. Able to attend BTCV training courses. Work with young people, some with learning &/or behavioural difficulties. BUT 3+ dpw. CRB check will be required. Current driving licence desirable. ASK B.Minhinnick@btcv.org.uk

PAY wear & team allow + reasonable travel expenses FOR MOORS FOR THE FUTURE, PEAK DISTRICT NPA

DES Undertake botanical survey to monitor success of restoration works. Monitoring surveys undertaken late June to end August. Predominantly field based. BUT Fieldwork – use of GPS, basic survey equipment (quadrats, inclinometers) & recording sheets. Experience of field work &/or ecological surveys. ICT skills. Knowledge of moorland habitats, flora, management & issues. Experience of navigation & hillwalking in upland areas desirable. ASK (Quote ref: A7929-RMV08) Volunteers page on www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk Bruce Wilkinson 01629 816577

DES Work alongside the nature reserve management team & undertake a wide variety of practical conservation works. Incl: wide range of habitat management – grassland, wetland, woodland, scrub, livestock management, survey & monitoring, data handling plus opportunity to get involved in education/interpretation/events programme. In house training, limited funding for formal/certified training. ASK CV & letter to Gibraltar Point NNR, Gibraltar Road, Skegness, Lincs PE24 4SU Kevin Wilson 01754 898079 lincstrust@gibpoint.freeserve.co.uk

REF VOL-DIRECT-4/8 JOB AREN’T BIRDS BRILLIANT! ASSISTANT - Chough At Llechwedd Slate Caverns

DES Come cheer on the choughs! at one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wales. Show visitors live CCTV images if the red-billed choughs nesting in one of the slate caverns. Become part of a friendly team, working alongside like-minded people. Helping on this project will offer an opportunity to meet people & inspire them about birds & the work of RSPB. RSPB, the largest conservation charity in Europe can help you gain skills & give you a valuable insight into their work. Help recruit non-members to the RSPB. Commitment of 1 or more days. BUT Are you passionate about birds, enthusiastic, friendly & happy to chat to visitors? ASK Katie Gee 07525 67903 Kathryn.gee@rspb.org.uk

DES Lead & help run Wildlife Watch gps, Wildlife Watch is junior arm of Wildlife Trusts. It encourages 7 – 12 year olds to take an interest in wildlife & the world around them through activities on env & natural history topics in a fun & educational setting. Help inspire the next generation of environmentalists. Receive full training & support & guidance from WT staff. Info: www.wildlifewatch.org.uk BUT Don’t need to be an expert, just need to be enthusiastic, concerned about the env & enjoy working with young people. CRB check required. Informal interview. Leaders must be 18+ ASK App forms: Supply 2 referees Martha Rose mrose@lrwt.org.uk

DES St. George's Island is a small nature reserve off the coast of Looe. Ideally mid-June – Sept. Gain coaching & experience in practical estate management skills, survey work & help with visitors. BUT Be prepared for self-sufficiency & isolation from mainland during bad weather! Accom is shared bunk room or camping. ASK CV 7 covering letter to: stgeorgesisland@hotmail.co.uk Queries to: Jon Ross 07974293495

DES Full time placements of up to 6 months. Learn how to teach children about the world around them, try your hand at a variety of practical conservation skills & activities eg publicity, IT & Wildlife surveying. BUT Commitment & enthusiasm, 16-25. ASK http://www.skeltongrange.org.uk/V_placements.html skelton@btcv.org.uk or Liz, 0113 2430815

DES 6 months to 1 year, either full or P/T. Taking part in all activities, but also with special responsibilities within one of our operational areas. In particular: assist with delivery of the Wildlife WATCH programme & updating the WATCH website; monitoring vols leaders involvement incl organising & assisting with training sessions; co-ordinate local WATCH related media presence; assist WATCH groups with organisation & promotion of events programmes; research & manage reciprocal links between WATCH webpages & external sites. BUT Have or undertaking BA / BSc in related field (or equiv); willing to learn on the job; computerate, WP essential; experience of working with children; enthusiastic & flexible approach to work. Welsh language skills & experience with content management systems & / or website building desirable. Enhanced police disclosure. ASK ResiTomat@wildlifetrustswales.org Apply with CV, up to 2 A4 page letter & refs to: Resi Tomat, North Wales Wildlife Trust, 376 High Street, Bangor Gwynedd LL57 1YE or via email.

DES Working with the Avon BAP Co-ordinator to deliver the biodiversity conservation / enhancement targets found within the Avon BAP. Mainly office-based & encompassing range of work areas incl awareness raising events, attending partnership meetings, liaising with members of the Avon Biodiversity Partnership & updating the Biodiversity Action! Reporting System (BARS). BUT Reliable, computerate, good team skills, ability to work independently, good written & spoken communication skills. ASK Matt Hamilton (Avon Biodiversity Action Plan Co-ordinator) 0117 9177270 matthamilton@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

DES 1 year. Highly respected local authority residential centre for env & outdoor education, situated on a beautiful 56 acre site with own ancient woodland nature reserve, meadows, ponds & meandering streams. We provide training, coaching & further quals in a wide range of env education, adventurous & team building activities. Accom is in a private room in a block shared with up to 3 other staff. Opportunity for additional paid work after training & qual. Some evening & weekend working. BUT Would suit graduate or equiv who is interested in a career in env & / or outdoor education & wishes to gain practical experience. ASK www.sayers-croft.org.uk Simon Gould, 01483 275541 App pack: simon.gould@sayers-croft.org.uk

DES UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores & marine wildlife now & for future generations. We are looking for a vol to help with data input & other office duties for our Beachwatch & Adopt-a-Beach projects. Time flexible. BUT Computer literate & able to work without supervision. ASK www.adoptabeach.org.uk Sue Kinsey or Emma Snowden, 01989 567807.

PAY 0 + training FOR BTCV DES Covering Hollybush's env policy & procedures, gaining materials for reusing & recycling. Possibility of doing outside workshops with schools. BUT Reasonable expenses. Expected to comply with policies & procedures of BTCV & will be insured. References will be checked. CRB check. ASK Marie Shrewsbury or Jenny Twaddell 0113 274 2335 hollybush@btcv.org.uk

DES Support Friends of Hollybush / BTCV. Involves helping organising events & publicising & advertising BTCV projects. Able to work 1st Sunday of month & 1 full day + a month to plan sessions & admin essential. BUT Reasonable expenses. Expected to comply with policies & procedures of BTCV & will be insured. References will be checked. CRB check. ASK Marie Shrewsbury or Jenny Twaddell 0113 274 2335 hollybush@btcv.org.uk

DES British registered env charity with beautiful nature reserves in the UK & South Africa. Our work incl the conservation of endangered species & env education. BUT Individuals who genuinely care about conservation & want to really help make a difference. Prior knowledge & / or experience not important as all necessary training provided. ASK Jonathan, 01273 748405 or 07906 697226.

Director To determine the strategic direction of the project, decide what we should aim for & how to achieve it. Attend quarterly meetings that last a few hours. At these meetings you may take on some tasks to undertake between meetings. Some directors have a particular area of responsibility, for example, chairing meetings, funding or H&S. Some experience of volunteering or working in the third sector or of social enterprise desirable. Enthusiasm to be involved in a positive community project

Treasurer New director who can act as treasurer. Duties incl: helping with costing funding proposals; making financial reports to funders; overseeing book keeping & financial paperwork; liaising with accountant, IR etc. This role would require a commitment of approx 4 hpm. Reasonable competency with spreadsheets, budgeting & simple book keeping. Enthusiasm for contributing to a positive env project.

General Gardener Hands-on gardening at site. Attend monthly workdays (second Sunday of each month) or more frequently if you have the time. Produce from the garden is shared amongst group members. No experience necessary. Enthusiasm for env issues / permaculture / forest gardening. Keenness to develop skills & contribute to community project.

Volunteer Newsletter Officer Compile a periodic newsletter, giving project news, event info, photos, recipes, featured plant info etc… Collating information from group members, writing short articles, distributing newsletter via post & electronically. Some IT literacy. Enthusiasm for env issues / permaculture / forest gardening. Keenness to contribute to a community env project.

Publicity Officer Creating posters, flyers & press releases. Circulating publicity material after approval by the board of directors. Some IT literacy. Enthusiasm for communicating env issues to the public & developing skills. ASK Chat: Sarah, 01582 516477 www.thebfg.org.uk contact@thebfg.org.uk

REF        VOL-DIRECT-OK9                              JOB        VOLUNTEER OFFICER
BE4        ?                                                       LOC        LEEDS
PAY         0                                                     FOR        BTCV SKELTON PROJECT
DES / BUT Popular & busy project that depends on our Vol Officer team to help deliver our ed activities, manage our wildlife area & promote our work to others. We have regular vacancies, full and part time. Excellent choice for anyone contemplating a career working with children & / or the env. All vols will be involved in delivering env education activities for school & community groups & some site management. Specific duties depend on the current team. Please feel free to contact the project staff to discuss the current situation. Extensive training is provided to help you develop important skills and increase your employability. Gain experience in practical conservation, wildlife & cside skills, organisational & publicity skills, project liaison etc. You will get help with career choices & preparation of job applications. We have a particularly good record of seeing Volunteers into employment.    ASK Liz Wright, 0113 2430815 skelton@btcv.org.uk

DES Role involves helping people to use telescopes, teaching them about the birds they are looking at, answering questions, talking about the RSPB & asking them to sign the visitors book. Also help set up displays, tables, banners & equipment. ABB events are many peoples first encounter with the RSPB & are a perfect platform to tell them about our work. Occasional weekend may be required. BUT Excellent face-to-face interpersonal skills, comfortable & confident speaking to members of the public. Approachable, friendly, able to enthuse about the work of the RSPB & have a genuine interest in birds, wildlife & conservation. You do not have to be an expert, as fact sheet provided. Above all, able to inspire & enthuse people about the birds they see. ASK / Chat: Kate Whitton, 07889615727 kate.whitton@rspb.org.uk Kate Whitton, RSPB, South East regional Office, 2nd Floor, Frederick House, 42 Frederick Place, Brighton BN1 4AE

DES 6 mth placement, 30 hpw. Assisting centre manager in promoting high quality env ed to children. Learn habitat management as appropriate. BUT Passion for the env & ed, ability to work in a team, good IT, writing & listening skills. Aged 16 – 25. ASK Su Buck or Jenny Hall 01772 751110 education@lancswt.org.uk

DES Long term placements (4 weeks to 6 months) offering practical experience & training. Self-catering accom provided. BUT Ornithological skills pref but not essential. Will not need special skills for most of the vol opportunities, but must have a genuine interest in & enthusiasm for birds & wildlife conservation. ASK www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/residential 01767 680551 Volunteers@rspb.org.uk

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

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

DES Although the work is office based, it offers a practical way to contribute to Plantlife’s efforts in saving wild plants. For those wishing to pursue a career in conservation, it offers valuable work experience & a good insight into the UK & international conservation sectors. Duties are varied. BUT Dynamic, ideally Computerate with MS Office. Able to commit for 1 dpw. All reasonable travel expenses are paid. ASK enquiries@plantlife.org.uk 01722 342730 for a chat.

DES Vols needed for this grey partridge reintroduction project studying movements, behaviour & reproduction of captive-reared grey partridges released on bird-friendly managed farms in scenic cside. Vols needed continuously but mostly in March for radio-tracking released grey partridges on study farms, working full time for about 3 weeks. In other months the work would be part time. * Brief training & research expenses. BUT Experience in radio tracking & animal surveys desirable, but training given. Physically fit & experienced in independent field work. Own transport a plus. ASK elina.rantanen@zoo.ox.ac.uk

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

DES / BUT Practical conservation work weekdays & weekends available, variety of work, all help considered. Help improve your local env & learn new skills. It offers a practical way to contribute to BTCV’s efforts in South Yorkshire. For those wishing to pursue a career in conservation it offers valuable work experience. ASK / Chat: 0114 2901251 j.lewney@btcv.org.uk

DES Working alongside staff & existing vols in beautiful locations, assist the Community Team in talking to the public about our work & recruiting new members at events across the region. Gain an insight into our work, developing valuable experience & skills while being part of a fun, friendly team. Appropriate training provided & support given should you wish to pursue a career with us. 1-2 days per month, all year round, predominantly at weekends. BUT Genuine interest in wildlife essential. Excellent interpersonal skills & an infectious enthusiasm, confident speaking to the public. Smart appearance, approachable, friendly manner, & willingness to learn & follow guidelines when asked about controversial topics essential. Some experience in a public-facing role an advantage & some knowledge of conservation or wildlife pref, although full training provided. ASK / Chat: Cassie Glover, 01273 775333 cassie.glover@rspb.org.uk

DES Opportunity for less experienced individuals to gain overseas field experience of research, project & vol management & training. Self funded staff are also considered for paid posts at the end of their contracts. Primary Function: to assist with all aspects of the research programme involving daily supervision of the research team, data analysis & report writing. BUT Graduate in an env or biological science discipline & a commitment to conservation. Pref 3 months field experience. ASK www.frontier.ac.uk

DES Come & get conservation work experience on our network of wildlife reserves. You will undertake a wide variety of practical conservation tasks on a variety of sites incl woodland management, habitat creation, cside woodwork, fencing, footpath construction & maintenance & many others. *Up to 52 weeks of work experience & training together with travel payments. We can provide certified Lantra training for participants. BUT Must be willing to work outdoors & be prepared to work regardless of the season or weather. Prepared to work as part of a team. Under 26 & willing to volunteer for 30 hpw for 3+ months. ASK Peter Gilbert, 0131 312 4732 pgilbert@swt.org.uk

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 70 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 directly 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

DES/BUT Essex WT has 87 nature reserves, 1 nature park, 7 visitor centres, over 30,000 supporters, over 70 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 all training you need. Also provide travelling expenses. ASK www.essexwt.org.uk Rachel Marrow 01621 862977 for a chat

Volunteering Organisations

CSV

To volunteer on community-based environmental projects in Birmingham or Bristol, or to explore a wide range of other volunteering opportunities across the UK, please visit Community Service Volunteers.

Volunteering England is the national volunteering development agency for England, committed to supporting, enabling and celebrating volunteering in all its diversity.

Our work links research, policy, innovation, good practice and grant-making in the involvement of volunteers. Our members and partners range from national charities to voluntary agencies across the length and breadth of England; from NHS Trusts to arts organisations; from local community projects to government think-tanks.

Volunteering England is at the centre – bringing ideas and people together, developing better networks and structures, and initiating projects to support volunteering in a wide range of fields, such as health and social care, sport and employer supported volunteering.

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) needs your skills

VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. Volunteers can be aged between 20 and 75 years old and must have a formal qualification and some work experience in the areas of health, education and management.

For more information go to www.vso.org.uk/