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 and to suit the time you have available. Reserve Work Parties and volunteering at our HQ or centres appear elsewhere on the site. The volunteer opportunities in the rest of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are included here - divided into the North of the county, the Itchen Navigation, the New Forest and elsewhere.
Full details of our programme of wildlife reserve work parties, guided walks and interesting talks are available from our Diary of Events. In addition various new volunteer projects and opportunities are arising all the time. We depend on volunteer effort to achieve our aims - join in and make it all happen.
Donna Birch, Volunteering Development Manager, DonnaB@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774442
North of Hampshire
LODDON AND EVERSLEY - No opportunities at present
Itchen Navigation Volunteer Opportunities
ARTS EVENT HELPERS - We are running arts workshops and public events to get local people involved in the Itchen Navigation project. A series of public events will take place until September 2010. For further details please contact Polly Whyte on 01489 774400 or pollyw@hwt.org.uk
New Forest
HIMALAYAN BALSAM PULLING - several work parties have been arranged in the summer. For details, contact Catherine Chatters, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, 023 8042 4205 (mobile 07770 923315) catherinec@hwt.org.uk
Tuesday 3rd August 2010 – Himalayan balsam pulling along the Beaulieu River. Meet at 10am in North Gate car park (grid reference SU 385 048). Bring picnic and plenty to drink. If it is a hot day it is advisable to use sun-protection cream. Wear wellingtons and long trousers. It is advisable to wear a long-sleeved shirt. Leader: Catherine Chatters (New Forest Non-Native Plants Officer) tel 023 8042 4205
Wednesday 4th August 2010 – Himalayan balsam pulling along the Lymington River. Meet at 10am in Ivy Wood car park (grid reference 315 025). Bring picnic and plenty to drink. If it is a hot day it is advisable to use sun-protection cream. Wear wellingtons (they are essential here) and long trousers. It is advisable to wear a long-sleeved shirt. Leader: Catherine Chatters (New Forest Non-Native Plants Officer) tel 023 8042 4205
Elsewhere in the two counties
HAYLING OYSTERBEDS WARDEN - Why not become a warden with The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust at Hayling Island Oysterbeds next summer? We are working together with Havant Borough Council to manage and warden the sea bird colony at this nature reserve. If you can spare some time, perhaps a couple of hours a week, or would like more information, please contact our seasonal warden Jason Crook. JasonC@hwt.org.uk.
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.
MARINE - Qualified scuba divers for underwater surveys required for Seasearch programme. Also, assistance with shoreline surveys (Shoresearch) required - some knowledge useful. Administrative support is also required - a general interest in marine issues in Hampshire and Isle of Wight is desirable.
SOUTH EAST OTTERS AND RIVERS PROJECT - Otter 'spraint' collection - early morning visits to pre-determined sites on Hampshire's chalk rivers to find and collect suitable ‘spraint' (Otter Droppings).
HISTORY PROJECTS - Dockens Water - help us plot the history of this Forest stream that runs through our Blashford Lakes Wildlife Site.
EVENT VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for volunteers to join our exciting new event team. The role will involve talking to the public about the work of the Wildlife Trust, answering questions about local wildlife and supervising a range of activities such as badge making, dragonfly making and a wildflower quiz. Full training will be given on each of the activities and the work of the Trust at an induction day planned in March 2010. For more information contact Donna Birch, Volunteering Development Manager, DonnaB@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774442
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
Volunteers 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.
