North West voluntary vacancies: Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

JOB: Conservation Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing dates
IV: --
LOC: Cumbria
PAY:
FOR: Restoring Hardknott Forest

Restoring Hardknott Forest is a partnership between the University of Leeds and Forestry England. We are restoring a 630 hectare former conifer plantation to native woodland, bog, heathland and other habitats. Tasks include removal of non-native trees, tree planting, monitoring and seed collection. Volunteer days are open to all. Volunteer day sign up page: https://c-js.co.uk/3HsPJGd. Restoring Hardknott Forest website: https://c-js.co.uk/3gluni7.

JOB: Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: UK
PAY: Training
FOR: Butterfly Conservation

Walk pre-selected survey sites in your area and record butterflies twice between July and August. You will need to survey independently and have butterfly identification skills. An information pack and support is provided. Time: 2 days per year. For info visit the scheme website or contact Rachael Conway at rconway@butterfly-conservation.org

JOB: Community Advocate
BE4: 01-11-2024
IV: --
LOC: UK Wide
PAY: Expenses are paid. Full training provided.
FOR: The Vegan Society

Are you a passionate vegan, over 18 and UK based? We have an ever-growing Community Network of vegans just like you, who have a passion to volunteer and promote veganism where they live. Every month, our Network choose from a range of outreach tasks. These could include town centre stalls, writing to a councillor or MP, sharing our campaigns on social media or contacting local businesses. You're in control of how much or how little you do. We also provide our volunteers with leaflets, banners and workshops so that they are equipped to make the biggest impact possible. Time: Around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. Apply: https://c-js.co.uk/3ur7wvz

JOB: Retail Volunteer
BE4: 19-05-2024
IV: --
LOC: WWT Martin Mere
PAY: Discount at café and shop, free entry to WWT sites
FOR: WWT

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home a such an assortment of wildlife. We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in our Café and shop to ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors. What will you be doing? Provide warm, friendly welcome to visitors; merchandising and sales; promote memberships; cleaning and tidying shop floor. Who are we looking for? Enthusiastic and friendly; excellent communication and customer service; interest in birding and optics (optional). Benefits? Support internationally important wetland; friendly and dedicated team, meet new people and new friends; free entry to all WWT sites and shop discount; relevant training. *Unfortunately we cannot reimburse travel. Time: Hours to be agreed upon. To find out more and apply, click here!

JOB: Guide in the Hide
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

We want everyone in the UK to be able to access wetlands that provide amazing experiences and inspire support for conservation. It is a great feeling showing a visitor a bird they’ve not seen before or helping them to tell the difference between 2 species they’ve been struggling on for ages. That spark of enthusiasm can make such a difference. Volunteers play a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people. Time: One day per week. More information https://c-js.co.uk/3yjO2Xg

JOB: WWT Face Painter
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: WWT Martin mere
PAY: Training, access to all WWT sites, discount in the shop
FOR: WWT

As a face painter you will be out and about in the grounds, engaging with visitors to create memories, helping them and you to have a great day out! We believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we awe-inspiring nature up close at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, visitors can explore unique wetland habitats and the amazing array of birds and mammals that inhabit them. Our volunteers help to welcome and inspire visitors. To apply, please follow this link: https://c-js.co.uk/48ZcK17

JOB: WWT Story teller
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: WWT Martin Mere
PAY: Training, access to all WWT sites, discount in the shop
FOR: WWT

As a story teller you will be engaging our younger visitors by reading stories about fictional versions of the various wetland characters they may encounter at the centre in an engaging and entertaining way, which could include undertaking puppet shows or book readings. We believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we awe-inspiring nature up close at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, visitors can explore unique wetland habitats and the amazing array of birds and mammals that inhabit them. Our volunteers help to welcome and inspire visitors. Please follow this link to learn more and apply: https://c-js.co.uk/3w0CP1c

JOB: WWT Martin Mere Welcome Host
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power - and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish. We lead the way, bring life and inspire connection. Welcome Hosts help us create a great first impression. They’re on hand to provide a warm welcome and help visitors make the most of their day at Martin Mere. You will engage with our visitors and meet people from all walks of life by getting a chance to show off your skills in customer service. You will help every visitor leave the centre with a deeper understanding of WWT and the work we do to save wetlands for wildlife and people. Time: One day per week - 10am to 4pm. We currently have opportunities available on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information click here.

JOB: Volunteers
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Various
PAY:
FOR: Sustrans

Volunteers are what makes Sustrans special. They help look after their local communities by engaging with schools, supporting wildlife conservation, caring for the National Cycle Network and much more. Sustrans volunteers are helping create happier and healthier lives for everyone. We'd love your help too. Take a look at our website for current opportunities - Volunteer - Sustrans.org.uk Can’t find a volunteering opportunity in your area? Take a look at our quick ways to volunteer and ways to get involved pages.

JOB: Wigan Conservation Volunteer
BE4: 05-08-2024
IV:
LOC: Lancashire
PAY: Training, travel expenses
FOR: The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Our conservation volunteers get stuck in with a variety of practical conservation tasks such as path work, fencing, coppicing and wetland work on sites in the Wigan area. Volunteers need to be enthusiastic with a reasonable level of physical fitness. Work parties run Tuesday-Friday, everyone is welcome and full training and supervision are given by LWT staff. Time, 1 day per week. To find out more please e-mail volunteer@lancswt.org.uk 01772 318374.

JOB: Conservation Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: South Cumbria
PAY: Training, some travel expenses
FOR: Restoring Hardknott Forest

Restoring Hardknott Forest is a partnership between the University of Leeds and Forestry England. We are restoring a 630 hectare former conifer plantation to native woodland, bog, heathland and other habitats. Tasks include removal of non-native trees, tree planting, monitoring and seed collection. Volunteer days are open to all. Contact: j.h.hodgson@leeds.ac.uk.

JOB: Playground Kiosk Support
BE4: 19-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: WWT Martin Mere
PAY: Training, access to all WWT sites, discount in the shop
FOR: WWT

Our playground kiosk is an essential part of the trading team at WWT and provides a much-needed break space for our visitors during a fun day out. By being the friendly face behind the kiosk and providing excellent customer service, you can help make a family’s day go from good to brilliant. Not only will you helping families, by making the kiosk to run as smoothly and as safely as possible, you will be creating an area where visitors can spend money. Every ice-cream or drink sold generates much needed income for WWT that goes straight into our world leading wetland conservation. Time: 5hr/week. Please go to https://c-js.co.uk/43mJcbJ for more information and to apply, or email volunteering@wwt.org.uk for any questions.

JOB: WWT Martin Mere Weekend Family Actives Assistant
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power - and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish. We lead the way, bring life and inspire connection. At WWT we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. You will be directly involved in shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences through your warm welcome, your interaction with them and the information that you provide. We need enthusiastic people to engage with our visitors and to help them to make a connection with wetlands through our activities. Time: We will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute. For more information click here.

JOB: WWT Martin Mere Maintenance Volunteer
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. At our wetland centres we shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors to engage with wetland wildlife and learn more about our pioneering work to conserve wetlands and save species around the world. Maintaining and developing an award-winning wetland centre requires a lot of practical physical work to keep the centre looking in excellent condition, so we can continue to provide our visitors with a great day out and showcase our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people. In this role you will be providing regular support to the facilities team undertaking a range of hands-on practical tasks, playing a vital part in managing the site. Time: Hours to be agreed mutually. For more information click here.

JOB: WWT Martin Mere Membership and Retail Support
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home a such an assortment of wildlife. We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in our Café and shop to ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors. By providing excellent customer care in our shop, you will be encouraging our visitors to support the wider conservation work of WWT. The money that is taken in retail is instrumental to the conservation work that WWT can afford to carry. Volunteers play a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people. Time: We will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute. For more information click here.

JOB: WWT Martin Mere Grounds & Gardening Voulnteer
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

At WWT, we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. At our wetland centres, we shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors to engage with wetland wildlife and learn more about our pioneering work to conserve wetlands and save species around the world. This role as a Grounds-Gardening volunteer, you will undertake a range of practical tasks, playing a vital part in managing the site and being a visible and a key point of contact for visitors. This requires a lot of practical physical work to keep the grounds looking in excellent condition so we can continue to provide our visitors with a great day out and showcase our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people. Volunteers play a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to regular days a week, ideally over Mondays and Tuesdays. We will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute. For more information click here.

JOB: Education - Formal Learning Session Assitant
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

At WWT, we believe that the best way for people to understand and ‘connect’ with wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. You will be directly involved in shaping children’s unforgettable experiences through the warm welcome you give them, your interactions with them and the information that you provide. We need enthusiastic people to help deliver our education programmes to school groups and in doing so ensuring that they feel part of something amazing. What will you be doing? Helping out with school groups as appropriate. Leading selected guided learning sessions (session plans provided)/supporting education lead. Who are we looking for? You have experience in an educational setting. You are confident or experienced in delivering enquiry-based learning to school groups. Time: One or two days each week, 9.30am - 2pm. For more information click here.

JOB: WWT Martin Mere Canoe Safari
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Martin Mere, L40 0TA
PAY: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid.
FOR: WWT Martin Mere

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power - and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish! On the canoe safari, visitors can take to the water to see the wetlands and wildlife from a new perspective. Looking for valuable work experience to gain relevant skills or wanting to spend more time outdoors? Or both? You will assist with greeting our visitors with a warm welcome to canoe safari and assisting with the day-to-day operations you will be helping visitors enjoy a memorable experience every time they visit. Time: We will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute. For more information click here.

JOB: Nature and Wellbeing Volunteers
BE4: 13-09-2024
IV: --
LOC: Barrow area, Barrow in Furness
PAY: Training, hot brews, travel expenses, DBS check
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Do you love wildlife? Are you a people person? Interested in learning new conservation and life skills, volunteering with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust? We are seeking volunteers to support Nature and Well-being Officer, Jessica Mordain, to run group nature and well-being sessions with The Bay team. The Bay project run weekly two-hour long sessions using the coastal environment and natural world to positively impact people’s health and mental well-being. Group activities range from conservation, growing, arts and crafts, mindfulness and nature walks. The group participants will be working towards a John Muir Award, you could get yours too! Your role will involve helping to set up, support the running of the activities and packing up of the event. Time: Weekly 2 hour sessions. More role details and requirements can be found via bit.ly/3Qey8Jb If this role is for you, then we’d love to hear from you. Contact Jessica Mordain, via volunteering@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

JOB: The Bay - Community Events Volunteer
BE4: 13-09-2024
IV: --
LOC: Barrow area, Barrow in Furness
PAY: Training, hot brews, travel expenses and lift sharing available
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Do you love wildlife? Are you a people person? Interested in volunteering at one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s coastal events and learn new conservation skills? Volunteer on one of The Bay’s community engagement events. The Bay: A blueprint for recovery, offers wellbeing events around Morecambe Bay. Community event volunteers help to connect people to nature and also help people take action to protect wildlife. Events vary, and include story-telling, coastal stargazing, UV rock pooling, guided walks, beach cleans, egg case hunts, creating marine sand sculptures and other craft activities. Take a look at The Bay events programme you’d like to help with, https://c-js.co.uk/494WYB9. No specific skills or experience are needed. Volunteer indoors or outdoors. If this role is for you, then we’d love to hear from you. https://c-js.co.uk/48ZftqB

JOB: Event Support Volunteers - Staveley Woodlands & Brown Robin
BE4: 13-09-2024
IV: --
LOC: South Cumbria
PAY: Travel costs will be reimbursed and lift sharing can often be arranged on request.
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

The role will be based at our Staveley Woodlands & Brown Robin nature reserves and predominantly outdoors. Our events at both locations are varied, so your duties will differ from event to event. Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers often run events at nearby reserves and sometimes need an extra pair of hands. We need someone who can help with fetching and carrying, supporting attendees, act as a backmarker on walks and generally help the event run smoothly. Although no experience is necessary, being able to get along with people from all walks of life is essential, as is an ability to deal with uneven ground. The benefits are great company and feeling that you’re helping people discover the natural world. This is a very flexible role. Choose which events you’d like to help with. Time: Sessions will be ad hoc but will be planned well in advance, giving you plenty of notice, and may last from two hours to a full day. Want to learn more about this role? Apply here

JOB: Marine Champion - Survey Leader
BE4: 13-09-2024
IV: --
LOC: Cumbria coast
PAY: Training, equipment and of pocket travel costs between home and volunteering place will be paid up to a set amount
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Help to take action for our coasts by helping to lead marine wildlife surveys on the North West Coast! No previous experience needed, other than a passion for the marine environment and a keenness to get involved in assisting or leading surveys! The training day will take you through how to set up, run and record a Shoresearch survey. We will also focus on coastal awareness and species ID, as well as group management, communication and leadership skills. After training day, you can choose to attend surveys. You can find out more about our upcoming survey days here This role is available for those aged 16 years or above. We hope to run another training day at a future date - so contact us if you would be interested. To confirm your interest in this role please email Amber Gould Amberg@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

JOB: Meadow Survey Volunteers
BE4: 13/09/24
IV: --
LOC: Cumbria wide
PAY: Materials, training and support will be provided
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Would you like to help us monitor our restored hay meadows? Do you have some plant ID skills or are keen to develop your skills? Then join our team of meadow surveyors. Surveying grassland hay meadows that Cumbria Wildlife Trust has restored, or has the potential to restore. This involves counting the cover of wildflower species and grass species within celled quadrats at random locations across the site. Previous botanical ID skills would be ideal but not essential if the participant is happy to learn. Survey skills using quadrats will be required to carry out the task but these skills can be taught too. A willingness to work with other volunteers as a pair to carry out the survey. We would like to ask for a minimum of one botanical survey (2 full days of surveying) per year. Interested? then find more details and sign up here

JOB: NBPT Conservation Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: North Blackpool Pond Trail
PAY: Training given and some expenses too.
FOR: Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside

We are helping to make North Blackpool Pond Trail better for wildlife and a more enjoyable place for us all to visit. If you’d like to join us and help improve the Pond Trail we would value your support. The work is all outdoors - involving the conservation and maintenance of some wonderful wildlife areas. You will also get the chance to enjoy like-minded company and learn new skills too. Time: From a couple of hours to a day a week, every Wednesday and Thursday. Please contact Pauline Taylor 07810123988 pauline.taylor@groundwork.org.uk

JOB: Voluntary Survey Assistant (Casual), Bats
BE4: 03-05-2024
IV: --
LOC: Manchester / Lancashire Area
PAY:
FOR: Angela Graham Bat Consultancy Service Ltd

With 37 years' licenced experience of working with these amazing animals, I need limited assistance with dusk and dawn surveys around the Manchester/Lancashire areas, from May to September inclusive. Travelling expenses are paid. Applications accepted throughout. This casual work provides a valuable learning opportunity for budding-ecologists. It can be done around your other commitments, possibly including weekends. Limited and short-term availability is acceptable. Dawn availability is particularly useful. Punctuality, reliability, good concentration skills and a professional approach are vital. Because of the unsocial hours, access to a vehicle is usually necessary. Existing experience of watching bats in flight and/or using a heterodyne detector is useful but not imperative. There may be an opportunity to gain experience of other aspects of survey work. Please supply your name, summer location and e-mail address for an application pack bat.consultancy@talktalk.net 07710 184142.

JOB: BDS Youth Panel
BE4: 05-05-2024
IV: --
LOC: Britain
PAY: BDS membership, mentoring, expenses and more
FOR: British Dragonfly Society

We are excited to be launching our first Youth Panel and applications are now open. We hope to inspire young people to join the team and help influence our work. We want to connect these young people with our dragonfly hotspots so they may have the opportunity to volunteer and connect with their local wetlands. We are looking for young people who are passionate about insects (especially dragonflies!) and wetlands, who want to join a small charity and have a big impact for dragonfly conservation! You should apply if you: Are between 16 and 24; Are passionate about nature (don’t worry you don’t need to know everything about dragonflies!); Enjoy being a part of a team; Can commit to attending online meetings; Want to inspire other young people to connect with dragonflies. Full details can be found here.