Volunteer role description

Role title: PRACTICAL CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER

Team/Project: Estates Team

Supervisor: Area Reserve Officer

Based at: Various sites across the county

Why we need this role Do you have an interest in the natural environment, want to get out into the great outdoors and don’t mind getting your hands dirty? We need volunteers to join our conservation work groups across the county that offer you the chance to try your hand at a wide variety of seasonal conservation tasks and helping to maintain our reserves with activities such as scrub clearance, tree planting, bailing hay and much more.

What this role involves Practical conservation volunteers meet regularly to carry out a wide range of tasks on our reserves throughout Nottinghamshire. Volunteers help conserve, enhance and maintain the habitats of the reserves by assisting the Reserve Officers with the practical management of the reserves with varied tasks. Task days are led by a Reserve Officer/ Ranger or a volunteer group leader. You will be working as part of a fantastic team of volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds who come together to work towards improving the environment.

We ask everyone to dress for the weather, wearing layers is the best way to prepare for the good old British climate. Wear something you don’t mind getting messy and stout footwear or wellies. Please bring a cold drink and a packed lunch. We provide all tools, personal protection equipment such as gloves, materials and most importantly the tea and biscuits.

Experience and skills needed No specialist skills are required however you will need to have a moderate/good level of fitness, be able to work as part of a team working closely with others, working together to improve the environment. Having an interest in the natural environment and a willingness to learn new skills is important. Self-assured – able to take instruction to improve one’s own skills and ability to help others. If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health and safety.

Benefits and training opportunities

- Help protect your local environment

- Feel more connected to nature

- Gain valuable experience - Meet new people

- Learn new skills

- Keep fit without going to the gym

You will receive full relevant “on the job” instruction and demonstration of safe use of tools will be given for each task by experienced staff and volunteers who are qualified first aiders. As a registered volunteer you will be covered by employer’s liability insurance.

Commitment Task days take place most days of the week throughout the year. You can help each week or occasionally – it is up to you.

Duration of role Ongoing

References required?

NO

All volunteers are asked to agree to our volunteer charter.

2