Practical Conservation Volunteer (Idle Valley, Tuesdays)
Idle Valley,
North Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 8RQPosition details
Commitment:
TuesdayFrequency:
WeeklyThe Idle Valley Nature Reserve is Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s flagship site in the north of the county. With surfaced tracks, waymarked routes for exploring, play facilities for kids & families, and a café, it is ideally suited for regular visitors and first timers to experience nature.
All this wealth on offer needs maintenance, whether that’s trimming back vegetation, repairing fencing, litter picking, or a range of other tasks. You may or may not be familiar with the tools and techniques, but full training will be given.
Under the supervision of the site’s ranger team, we are developing a dedicated Tuesday Land Team to meet a couple of times a month, keeping the Idle Valley as a great place to visit, and to make it a more welcoming place than ever before. The Tuesday land team will eventually become more stand-alone, operating to a plan set by the Trust with their own leaders.
All volunteers are asked to agree to our Volunteer Code of Conduct.
To apply, complete an online application form.
Want to know more?
FAQs
What does this role involve?
The Tuesday Land Team will work specifically at the Idle Valley to carry out a range of tasks maintaining access routes, play facilities, erosion & access control features, along with other activities focused around the site café, Bellmoor Lake, and Bunker Wood. This will require following the direction of NWT rangers, following the site maintenance plans, using tools, and working to our H&S standards.
We request each volunteer 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. All activities are outdoors so please bring a drink and a packed lunch. We provide all tools, personal protection equipment such as gloves and hard hats.
Do I need experience?
No specialist conservation management skills are required however you will need to:
- Have a moderate/good level of fitness
- Be prepared to act as a delegated leader under the direction of our rangers.
- Follow instructions – for your safety and everyone else’s.
- Have an interest in the natural environment and wildlife
- A willingness to learn new skills and gain new experiences.
Please note - if you require assistance/support in your everyday life, you will need to attend with someone who can support you in order to join these practical volunteering sessions.
Why should I volunteer?
- Help protect your local environment
- Feel more connected to nature
- Gain valuable experience for future employment prospects
- Meet new people and work as part of a wider team
- Learn new skills and about habitat management
- Improved fitness, health and wellbeing
- A full induction and demonstration of safe use of tools and habitat care
- First aid training will be available for people willing to take on leadership responsibilities.
- Introduction to The Trust’s H&S and risk management procedures.
How much time do I need to commit?
We ask all volunteer to attend as regularly as they can for their chosen session(s) and let the ranger team know when they can and cannot attend. This helps with planning tasks and the tools & equipment need.
You will need to make your own way to the Idle Valley base.
Although the work is voluntary, it takes place under the Trust’s own Health & Safety system, just as employed staff do. Working to these expectations is a requirement.