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Lead By Example Volunteer

Multiple locations:

Skylarks,

Adbolton lane, Holme Pierrepont , Nottinghamshire, NG12 2LU
Apply online
We’re setting up a new volunteer team at Attenborough and Skylarks Nature Reserves to be the friendly face of responsible dog walking.

Position details

Commitment:

Any Day

Frequency:

Weekly

We’re setting up a new volunteer team at Attenborough and Skylarks nature reserves to be the friendly face of responsible dog walking! We love dogs, and we know lots of people enjoy our reserves while walking with their furry friends. While most visitors are paw-some at being respectful, sadly there are some bad habits which make life difficult for the very wildlife we are working so hard to protect. 

Attenborough and Skylarks are first and foremost nature reserves and much-needed homes to hundreds of species, including birds who migrate here to breed. We balance their needs, with the desire to welcome human (and canine!) visitors to enjoy this piece of wilderness. Now we are looking for a team of volunteers to model excellent dog ownership while out on the reserve and encourage others to act responsibly.

What does this role involve?

This is an opportunity to give extra purpose to your regular dog walk. Your well-behaved pups will become one of our Ambassadogs. Picking up after your dog and making sure they stay on leads so they can’t disturb ground-nesting birds, aquatic life and other species is basic good manners, and we’re glad to say most people already do this. For the few who don’t, our hope is that a bit of paw-sitive role modelling and a friendly chatwith a fellow dog-lover could be the nudge they need.

If you can commit to regular walkies around Attenborough and / or Skylarks with your dog and are willing to chat to other dog walkers about why you are there, this could be the role for you. We’ll encourage you to go in pairs and be part of a pack of like-minded dog lovers. We’ll train you in ways to keep interactions friendly and avoid confrontations; we won’t ask you to do anything that feels unsafe or uncomfortable. 

This positive behaviour change approach is aimed at building a culture of responsible dog walking and an appreciation of what it means to visit a nature reserve. You’ll be visible with branded gear for you and your pup, leaflets to share, and even some extra treats for your loyal companion.

What experience and skills do I need?

No special experience is needed but the following will be helpful in this role:

  • A friendly and approachable manner
  • Confident and responsible dog-owner
  • A well-behaved and friendly furry companion
  • Commitment to regular walkies on the reserve
  • Enjoy engaging with people and the wider community in a positive way
  • Interested in wildlife and conservation 
  • Good communication skills and keen to share knowledge

What are the benefits of volunteering?

  • Full training and ongoing support while you volunteer
  • An introduction to the reserve and the special wildlife that lives there
  • Branded uniform for yourself and a branded bandana for your Ambassadog
  • Meet new people and make new friends
  • Have fun and be part of a team that makes a real difference 
  • Encouraging more people to care about wildlife in the future
  • Feel more connected to nature, the community and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
  • Opportunity to join further volunteer roles and be part of the wider team

How much time am I expected to commit?

Ideally at least one walk each week.
We will coordinate within the volunteer team to try to have a presence on the reserve as often as possible.

Is a reference required?

No references or DBS checks required.

Contact details

volunteering@nottswt.co.uk

Apply online