Work Party Conservation Volunteer – Budby South Forest

Budby South Forest is an intrinsic part of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and the wider historic woodland and heathland landscape.

Budby is designated as a SSSI for its important invertebrate populations and special heathland qualities. Already an amazing place for wildlife, we are carrying out vital improvement work to further benefit the specialist heathland creatures here.

We’re looking for volunteers to help us with this essential habitat maintenance, involving tasks like scrub and bracken control, bare ground creation and furniture installation. Your work will be fundamental for the conservation of the site; giving rare and threatened wildlife a home on the heath again as well as bringing people closer to nature.

In addition to this role, we also have a Practical Work Party Volunteer role based at Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. For more information on the Sherwood Forest role, click here.

The skills you need

An enthusiasm for nature and a cheery disposition are always desirable qualities to bring along to work parties! Apart from that, no experience is necessary; all training will be given, and you can work at your own pace to your own ability.
However, work party volunteers will need to:

• Have a reasonable level of fitness (e.g. able to walk a mile easily; able to carry 5kg loads a short way)
• Follow instructions and work independently, without constant supervision from me and using your own initiative on occasion
• Be prepared to work outdoors in tough conditions (wet, windy, muddy, uphill etc.) and with limited facilities
• Work well alongside a range of people as part of a team – act professionally when ‘on duty’ for the RSPB
• Find your own method of transport to the reserve meeting point
• Potentially have supervision or permission if you are under 18

Your time

Work Parties currently run fortnightly on Tuesdays and the second Saturday of each month. Usually 10 am-3.30 pm, but half days can be accommodated.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll play a big part in the management of a special nature reserve, contributing to the conservation of rare wildlife and improving experiences for visitors. You’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, become a valued and supported team member, meet new people and get hands on in the great outdoors, involving a variety of tasks, from dead hedging to digging and everything in between.

This is your chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation and gain a valuable insight into the workings of Europe’s largest nature conservation charity, witnessing the day to day management of this fantastic heathland reserve.

How to apply

Email: Chloe.Ryder@rspb.org.uk