Volunteering out and about
There are so many ways to get involved by using your existing abilities and experience or learning new skills, at a variety of locations. Reserve Work Parties volunteering can be found here.
Donna Birch, Volunteering Development Manager, DonnaB@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774442
Elsewhere in the two counties
ISLE OF WIGHT - We work on the Island through Wight Wildlife, a partnership with the Isle of Wight Natural History Society and the Wight Nature Fund. The Trust manages 6 wildlife sites with a wide range of volunteer opportunities on them including survey work, estate work, practical habitat management and checking on livestock.
Contact: Chris Archbold, Countryside Officer, The Forest Office, Parkhurst Forest, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5UL.
Tel: 01983 533180, email: chrisa@hwt.org.uk.
CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MIDWEEK TEAM – BOULDDNER ESTATE - ISLE OF WIGHT - Enthusiastic people required to help with tasks at Bouldner Estate. Tasks will involve heathland restoration project, pond work, woodland management, estates and building maintenance and possibly surveys, livestock management and public work. No experience required but any skills in conservation tasks, DIY and natural history would be welcomed. The tasks are quite physically demanding so a decent level of fitness is required.
The group will be meeting each Wednesday at 9.30am. For non drivers, a pick-up from nearby Yarmouth may be possible although there is a bus stop nearby. If you are interested in taking part of more information, please contact Gareth Shelley, Assistant Reserves Officer on 01983 760018.
NEW FOREST NON-NATIVE PLANTS PROJECT - BALSAM PULLING TEAM - Volunteers are needed on a nearly daily basis from mid May to the end of July, to join Project Officers on balsam pulls in the New Forest and Avon Valley. Long sleeves, trousers and wellingtons or sturdy boots advisable. Please bring your own lunch and plenty to drink. For further details of the planned pulling sessions during 2012 or further details about the project please contact either Catherine Chatters or Jo Gore on 023 8042 4205 catherinec@hwt.org.uk joanneg@hwt.org.uk
CENTRE OPENERS - We are looking for volunteers to help out at each of our education centres over the weekend. The role will involve unlocking the gates, centre and bird hides; welcoming and talking to members of the public about The Trust and wildlife/ sustainability (no expertise required but interest in wildlife desirable); serving tea and coffee, handling small amounts of money. For more information, please contact Donna Birch, Volunteering Development Manager, DonnaB@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774442
WEEKEND VOLUNTEER WARDEN - EDUCATION CENTRES - SWANWICK, BLASHFORD and TESTWOOD - Volunteer Wardens needed at weekends for each of our Education Centres. The volunteer wardens role is to be a ‘visible presence' on site and provide a friendly, approachable point of contact for visitors. Also to increase visitors' understanding and appreciation of the work carried out by the Trust. Please contact Donna Birch on 01489 774442 for more details.
DOG WALKER AMBASSADOR - To assist the Wildlife Information Officer and Reserve Officers to ensure that dog walking visitors are using the site appropriately. To initiate contact with a member of staff if there are any conflicts or problems with dogs are witnessed. This is an education role aimed at improving the way that dog walkers use HIWWT nature reserves. For more information, please contact Donna Birch, Volunteering Development Manager, DonnaB@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774442 . Role outline here.
