South West voluntary vacancies: Avon, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

JOB: Brushcutter Operator, Cornwall Reserves
BE4: N/A
IV: --
LOC: Marazion Marshes, Hayle Estuary - Cornwall
PAY: Full training given, travel expenses reimbursed.
FOR: RSPB

We are looking for skilled Brushcutter Operator volunteers to join us on our reserves at Marazion Marsh and Hayle Estuary. RSPB nature reserves are special places for people and wildlife and we rely on volunteers to keep these habitats thriving and in good shape. As a Brushcutter Operator Volunteer you will be joining a small team of operators and occasionally the larger Work Party team to undertake practical reserve management tasks: cutting access routes for Work Parties; habitat management; creating & maintaining footpaths, viewing areas and infrastructure; maintaining and managing tools and equipment; following annual work plans; following Health and Safety protocols. One day a week or fortnight ideally. Please visit the link below for more information and to apply: https://c-js.uk/3XPuNBt

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: Choose Nature CIC Volunteer
BE4: N / A
IV: --
LOC: Mid-Cornwall
PAY:
FOR: Choose Nature CIC

Choose Nature CIC is located in mid-Cornwall and comprises of developing gardening areas, orchard, woodland space, poly tunnels and wildlife ponds. Aim for site to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Weekly volunteering sessions on Thursdays, 9am-12pm. Variety of gardening tasks, site maintenance and projects. All welcome. No previous experience necessary. Website: www.choose-nature.co.uk Contact: choosenaturevolunteering@gmail.com

JOB: Residential Volunteer (Trainee Warden 6 months)
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: RSPB Exe Exstuary, Exminster, Devon
PAY: Accommodation and professional training
FOR: RSPB

We are looking for an enthusiastic residential volunteer to join our small, friendly Exe Estuary Reserves Team, based at the Exminster Marshes. This is a great opportunity to learn about wetland management and gain countryside management skills needed to pursue a career in conservation. There is no charge to take part in this scheme. To apply please contact Rob Johns rob.johns@rspb.org.uk

JOB: Marine Assistant Voluntary Placement
BE4: 30-04-2024
IV:
LOC: Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge, Dorset
PAY: Work experience in marine engagement and running a visitor centre. In-house training in health and safety, marine species identification, marine education and awareness, leading and delivering school and public talks and events.
FOR: Dorset Wildlife Trust

We are seeking an enthusiastic student or young person to join the Wild Seas Centre team for our marine conservation, education and awareness programme. You must have an interest in marine conservation, the marine environment and/or environmental education. The placement is available from April, throughout the summer, is unpaid and involves working up to 2 weekends per month. Own transport and accommodation are essential. Type of work and training includes day-to-day running of the centre and aquarium; visitor engagement; leading school groups, public events and activities; assisting with shore-based surveys, publicity and promotion. Minimum 6 weeks/2 days per week up to 3 months. To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Julie Hatcher, Wild Seas Centre Officer, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Wareham, Dorset. BH20 5PE. Tel: 01929 481044 Email: kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

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: Outdoor Engagement Assistant
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Stover Country Park
PAY: Relevant training, on-going support and out of pocket expenses.
FOR: Stover Country Park, Devon County Council

Support the Community Engagement Officer in the preparation and delivery of outdoor hands-on environmental activities across Stover Country Park and in the community as part of the Restoring Stover Park Project. Time Commitment: 1 day a week dependent on activity programme. For more information: volunteer or contact us at restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk or 07971797658. Made possible with Heritage Lottery Fund.

JOB: Micro Tree Nursery Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Stover Country Park and at local micro tree nursery sites
PAY: Relevant training, out of pocket expenses
FOR: Stover Country Park, Devon County Council

Help preserve Stover’s heritage tree stock; native tree seeds and saplings are being collected from the park and grown on at micro tree nurseries for replanting within Stover Country Park to enhance the heritage parkland. 1-2 hours a week dependent on the time of year. For more information: volunteer or contact us at restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk or 07971797658. Made possible with Heritage Lottery Fund and support of Saving Devon Treescapes.

JOB: British Dragonfly Monitoring Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Stover Country Park
PAY: Training from a Dragonfly expert, BDS membership, out of pocket expenses.
FOR: Stover Country Park, Devon County Council

Are you aged 16-25 years old and living near to Stover Country Park? Gain more knowledge and experience in identification and monitoring skills in the field with an expert and help us survey our Dragonfly population. One Sunday a month between May-September. For more information: volunteer or contact us at restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk or 07971797658. Made possible with Heritage Lottery Fund and support of British Dragonfly Society.

JOB: Monkey Sanctuary Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: Looe, Cornwall
PAY: Accommodation / Food
FOR: Wild Futures

Wild Futures (Registered Charity 1102532) rescues and rehabilitates primates from the UK pet trade at our flagship project, The Monkey Sanctuary, in Looe, Cornwall. The Monkey Sanctuary is currently home to over thirty-five monkeys from five different species. Whilst our specialist primate caregivers are responsible for directly caring for the monkeys, we are looking for residential volunteers to come and help support us provide the very highest standards of care we take pride in. Tasks include enclosure cleaning; food prep; making enrichment items; gardening; and maintaining and cleaning the Sanctuary site. We are looking for short-term volunteers to join us for between 2 and 8 weeks throughout 2024. If you are interested in volunteering with us, or have any questions, please contact us via email: volunteer@wildfutures.org  We look forward to hearing from you!

JOB: Residential Volunteer - West Sedgemoor, Somerset
BE4: ASAP
IV: --
LOC: West Sedgemoor, Near Taunton, Somerset
PAY: Accommodation (including bills), appropriate training will be provided
FOR: RSPB

6 months - 1 Year. RSPB Sedgemoor Reserves in Somerset are special places with important habitats, including flower rich grassland and woodland. One priority habitat is lowland wet grassland which provides a home for a range of wetland species including lapwing, redshank, curlew, snipe and many other species declining outside reserves. We are looking for an enthusiastic residential volunteer to join the team for a minimum of 6 months, managing the internationally important reserves. You will play an essential part delivering the reserve work programme and implementing the reserve management plan so that the reserve is managed to its full potential. You will undertake habitat management work on lowland wet-grassland and deciduous woodland. Full training will be provided as appropriate. Depending on the season it may include work with, ATV, 4WD, tractors and livestock handling. This is an excellent chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation and get on the ladder towards a career. Apply: https://c-js.co.uk/3vjKibR

JOB: Volunteer Bird of Prey Care Assistant
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: The Devon Bird of Prey Centre
PAY: Training
FOR: The Devon Bird of Prey Centre

This position will offer you the chance to work with Birds of Prey and learn all aspects of general care. This rewarding experience will give you all the training needed for their welfare and to confidently handle and fly a selection of birds to the glove. At the centre I have a large collection of birds of different species to learn about, which makes the work even more interesting. What I would need from you: To be able to commit to 1 or 2 days a week. To have a genuine interest in Birds of Prey. To have a positive outlook and be able to work as part of a team. To have social skills. To be physically fit. For more details or to apply contact Karen by email on karen@devonbirdofprey.co.uk

JOB: Volunteer Assistant Ranger
BE4: 31-05-2024
IV: --
LOC: Slapton Ley Field Centre
PAY: Accomodation and some food
FOR: Field Studies Council

You will be asked to assist with a range of tasks on Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, and in the Grounds of the Field Centre, which may include: Clearing vegetation with hand tools. Strimming and hedge trimming (in house training will be provided). Constructing or maintenance of paths, steps, rails or platforms. Invasive species removal (by hand only). Scrub clearance and coppicing. Tree planting and habitat creation. Monitoring. Tool and machinery maintenance. Working with volunteers. Ideally you will need to be physically fit and happy to work out in all weathers. Some experience of using hand tools would be helpful. This voluntary role offers the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in practical conservation and nature reserve management. This is a stepping stone for those seeking a career in conservation. A room in shared accommodation and access to a shared kitchen will be provided for the duration of the volunteer placement. Another benefit of volunteering is the fabulous cake that is always on offer. Time: 30 hours a week mid-November until mid-February. For more information and an application form, please email Alice at volunteer.sl@field-studies-council.org We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

JOB: Volunteer Assistant Ranger
BE4: 19-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Lundy Island
PAY: Accommodation and all meals provided
FOR: The Landmark Trust / The Lundy Co.

Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world, it is a place apart, peaceful, unspoiled and teeming with wildlife. We are inviting volunteers to join the island's ranger team to support our important conservation programme throughout the sailing season. Help us deliver practical habitat management and estate maintenance while living on the unique island. The role is highly varied, with tasks spanning dry stone walling, rhododendron eradication, bracken management, stock fencing, footpath maintenance, supervision of conservation work parties and tree maintenance. LANTRA ATV training will be provided along with one other practical ticket upon completion of the season. Accommodation and all meals are provided. Time: 6 months, however dates can be flexible. Full details and how to apply can be found on the Landmark Trust website here.

JOB: Summer Camp Assistant
BE4: 01-07-24
IV: --
LOC: Near Bristol
PAY:
FOR: Wildwise

Are you interested in outdoor education, nature awareness, and bushcraft? Joining our team for these annual summer camps can be a very valuable experience, especially if you want to take your nature awareness facilitation to a greater level. These camps use the Hunger Games franchise as a trojan horse to teach the kids about nature awareness and loads of useful bushcraft skills. This year's camps will be running from August 8th-12th and 15th-19th in a beautiful area of woods and meadows nestled in the deep Somerset countryside yet only 6 miles from Bristol. We will be camping for the duration (tents and sleeping equipment can be provided if you don't have any) and all food is provided free of charge. Please email us at wildingtheworld@gmail.com for any more information or to apply. We look forward to hearing from you.

JOB: Volunteer Lundy Bird Observatory Assistant Warden
BE4: 26-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Lundy Island
PAY: Accommodation and all meals provided
FOR: Lundy Bird Observatory

Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. Regarded as one of Britian's top migration hotspots, it is a place apart, peaceful, unspoiled and teeming with birdlife. We are inviting volunteers to join the island's Bird Observatory team in October to support our daily bird census, bird ringing activities and migration monitoring. Essential: Excellent identification skills of migrant birds. Desirable: Ideal candidates will hold a C-permit bird ringing licence, or higher. Accommodation and all meals are provided. Time: October (1 month), however dates are flexible. Full details and how to apply can be found on the Landmark Trust website here.

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.

JOB: Reserves Team Volunteer
BE4: 29-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Woodah Farm, Doddiscombleigh
PAY: Accommodation and training provided
FOR: Devon Wildlife Trust

Are you passionate about conservation, but can’t find the opportunity to help? Do you want to make a difference but feel you lack some of the key skills to get involved? This could be your chance to gain the skills and experience you need to start working in the conservation sector, whilst helping to maintain our wonderful reserves. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Nature Reserves Team at Woodah Farm. You will receive accommodation and training, which includes formal training course such as a chainsaw licence, and informal training in things like leading a volunteer work party and working with the public. For enquiries, or to apply please follow this link.