Volunteering is great for boosting your wellbeing and being outside is proven to be good for both your mind and your body. It is a great way to connect with other likeminded people, can benefit your career, but most importantly it is fun and fulfilling.
Individual volunteers
We have a lovely community of volunteers, from students to retirees, helping us through a regular work party or on an ad hoc basis. We have centres across England, Wales and Scotland, with a variety of volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering is great for boosting your wellbeing and being outside has been proven to be good for both your mind and your body. It is a great way to connect with other likeminded people, and can benefit you in career advancement, but most importantly it is fun and fulfilling.
We offer:
- The opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing ones and meeting new people.
- Any training that is necessary for your role.
- Induction and on-going support from a nominated ‘mentor’ whilst you remain a volunteer.
- Reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst carrying out volunteering.
- Plenty of tea when you work with us.
Current Volunteering Opportunities
Practical conservation volunteer
Roll up your sleeves and make a real difference for nature. As a Practical Conservation Volunteer, you’ll help create and restore habitats, support biodiversity projects, plant native species and tackle invasive plants. Every task contributes directly to healthier landscapes and thriving wildlife.
Practical conservation opportunities at:
- Amersham, Bucks
- Bishops Wood, Worcestershire
- Epping Forest, Essex
- Flatford Mill, Suffolk
- Margam Discovery Centre, North Wales
- Rhyd-y-Creuau, North Wales
- Slapton Ley, Devon
Grounds and gardens volunteer
Help keep our centres looking their best while creating welcoming spaces for people and wildlife. From gardening and habitat management to outdoor maintenance and seasonal projects, you’ll play a hands-on role in caring for places that inspire thousands of visitors every year.
Grounds and gardens opportunities at:
- Amersham, Bucks
- Bishops Wood, Worcestershire
- Blencathra, Cumbria
- Epping Forest, Essex
- Flatford Mill, Suffolk
- Rhyd-y-Creuau, North Wales
- Slapton Ley, Devon
Wildlife monitoring and nature recorder volunteer
Turn your passion for wildlife into action. By monitoring species and recording sightings, you’ll contribute valuable data that helps us understand, protect and enhance the natural world. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply curious about nature, your observations can make a lasting impact.
Wildlife monitoring and nature recording opportunities at:
- Amersham, Bucks
- Bishops Wood, Worcestershire
- Flatford Mill, Suffolk
- Margam Discovery Centre, South Wales
- Slapton Ley, Devon
Education and engagement volunteer
Inspire the next generation of nature lovers. Support environmental learning activities, welcome visitors, and share your enthusiasm for the outdoors. Whether helping schools, families or community groups, you’ll play a key role in creating memorable experiences that connect people with nature.
Education and engagement opportunities at:
- Amersham, Bucks
- Bishops Wood, Worcestershire
- Epping Forest, Essex
- Flatford Mill, Suffolk
- London
- Slapton Ley, Devon
Corporate volunteering
Improve the health and wellbeing of your staff, while giving back to nature.
A corporate volunteering day at Field Studies Council not only builds team dynamics and staff morale, but it will also help your team learn new skills, connect with nature, and have fun outside of the usual work environment.
Your team can get out in the fresh air and put boots on the ground at our centres, guided by one of our knowledgeable and friendly members of staff who can teach them about nature, practical skills and about the work we do.
The kind of activities your team will be doing
Depending on the time of year and the centre where your team is volunteering, activities may include planting wildflower meadows, coppicing trees and shrubs, removing invasive plant species, repairing and refurbishing boardwalks and bridges, even donning waders and working from within our ponds and reed beds.
Activities reflect the time of year, the weather and changing centre priorities so cannot always be confirmed at the point of booking a volunteering day with us. However, an itinerary will be sent two weeks in advance of your volunteering day which will confirm the specific activities planned.
What you should bring
- Water
- Packed lunch (if not included)
- Personal medications, e.g., epi-pens, antihistamines, inhalers, etc.
- No valuables. There is no secure storage onsite.
What you should wear
- Outdoor clothes suitable for the weather and temperature
- Outdoor footwear that can get wet, muddy or paint splattered (walking boots, wellies or old trainers are all suitable unless otherwise advised)
- Waterproofs if it’s due to rain (we do not carry spare wet weather clothing)
- Sun protection, where appropriate
- Thick socks, as corporate volunteers may be asked to change into protective footwear, depending on the conservation activity
Let’s talk
Volunteering Enquiry
Enquiry form for anyone interested in volunteering with Field Studies Council