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
| Role | Location | Hours required |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer Gardener Team Member | FSC Slapton Ley | Part time – one day per week |
| Nature Reserve Project Assistants | FSC Slapton Ley | Part time – ad hoc |
| Volunteer Drivers | FSC Slapton Ley | Part time – ad hoc |
| Visitor Engagement Assistant | FSC Slapton Ley | Part time – one day per week in summer |
| Grounds and Gardens | FSC Rhyd-y-creuau | Part time – flexible one day per week |
| Outdoor Education Volunteer | FSC Rhyd-y-creuau | Full time residential – end March to end August |
| Education Support | FSC Epping Forest | 12 days per year |
| Grounds and Garden | FSC Epping Forest | Wednesday between 10 am and 4 pm |
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.
Where you can volunteer
- Bishops Wood
- Epping Forest
- Slapton Ley
- Rhyd-y-Creuau
Costs
- Minimum £600 + VAT for up to 12, excluding lunch. £48pp if over 12. 10am – 3pm.
- Minimum £780 + VAT for up to 12, including a light lunch. £62pp if over 12. 10am – 3pm.
As a charity, we need to ensure that we are always working in a way which is sustainable and cost-effective.
The fee for corporate volunteering days covers the cost of staff time, from the administrators who facilitate the bookings, to our centre staff who coordinate volunteering teams on the ground and ensure you are well looked after.
PPE for volunteering teams is included, to ensure that teams can carry out activities safely and comfortably.
Additional meeting space, team building, adventure activities and overnight stays can be included.
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