Volunteering on our Reserves
Would you like to help with the management of our wildlife reserves? - Do you need to gain conservation experience to complement your college course?
- Would you like to learn wildlife identifications skills or take part in surveys?
- Or would like to have some fun at the weekends?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then find out more about our work parties below or you may prefer to visit our youth volunteering page if you're under 25.
Get in touch with us...
For more information contact the Volunteering Development Manager, Donna Birch on 01489 774442, email DonnaB@hwt.org.uk.
Practical conservation workparties
Help us to manage our wildlife reserves by joining one of the Trust's volunteer teams. The teams carry out practical work to conserve habitats, monitor species and maintain access for visitors. No previous experience is necessary and all training and tools are provided. You will learn more about wildlife, gain new skills, meet like-minded people and benefit from the exercise, fresh air and scenery.
Volunteering is a great way to help your local environment, meet new people, learn about a career in conservation, learn new skills, accumulate volunteer hours for Trident and Duke of Edinburgh award schemes, or simply to give something back to your local community.
You will need a packed lunch if you intend working all day,as well as stout shoes,Wellingtons or boots. You are welcome to join us for all or part of the day;except for the Area Wildlife Teams, when a whole day commitment is preferable. Children under 16 and dogs are not usually allowed.
Area Wildlife Teams
Beechcroft Team, work every Monday and Thursday on wildlife reserves in the Portsmouth and Winchester areas. Meet at 9 am at the Trust's head office, Beechcroft House (just 200m uphill of Botley train station) to catch the minibus, which usually returns on both days by 4.30pm. Please contact Nikki Magee on 07917 616697 for further details. See below for dates and more details.
Lower Test Team, work every Wednesday and Friday on wildlife reserves in the New Forest, Romsey and Winchester area. Please meet at 9am at the Lower Test Barn behind the Salmon Leap Pub, Testwood Lane, Totton (Map ref. SU 361 140). Please contact Simon King, West Team Estate Worker, on 023 8066 7919 or 07884 493715 for further details. See below for dates, locations, and more details.
North-East Hampshire Mid-Week Team. We meet every Wednesday and carry out practical conservation tasks on a variety of sites in the Fleet and Hook area. Tasks include; scrub management, tree felling and small construction projects. No experience is necessary, as full training and supervision is provided. See below for dates and more details. For more information and a full work programme please contact Mike Morton by calling 01256 381190 or by emailing mikem@hwt.org.uk
Wildlife Reserve Volunteer Teams
Blashford Lakes, near Ringwood. Come along and help out in a range of practical tasks around the reserve and centre. Two work parties meet regularly: 1. Meeting on the first Sunday of every month from 10am-1pm. 2. Meeting every Thursday from 10am-1pm. Meet and park at the Blashford Lakes Centre, Ellingham Drove, near Ringwood (Map ref. SU 151 079). Sorry, no dogs or children under the age of 16. For further details, please contact Bob Chapman, Reserves Officer, on 01425 476303 or e-mail robertc@hwt.org.uk.
Blashford lakes 'Hide with a Guide' - To promote and enhance visitors enjoyment and understanding of wildlife, Blashford Lakes and the work of the Wildlife Trust. The anticipated time contribution is 1-2 days per month at weekends on a regular basis and occasionally at other times, such as Bank Holidays, by arrangement. Out-of-pocket travel costs between home and Blashford Lakes, and other reasonable expenses agreed with HWT manager.
Broughton Down Warden - Stockbridge. We would appreciate help to keep an eye on our small flock of Shetland sheep at this scenic and tranquil chalk grassland reserve. If you live close by and can spare a few hours during the week, please contact Mike Allen by email michaela@hwt.org.uk or call 07831 692963. No previous experience is necessary and reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Broughton Down - Broughton. Help us clear scrub at Broughton Down, a flower rich downland with some of the finest views in Hampshire. Last Sunday of the month, except December. 10am-3pm. Meet at Broughton Reservoir (parking available) (Map ref. SU 297 325). For further details please contact Stuart Robertson on 07970 636860. Tea/coffee provided, (bacon/veg butties too, weather permitting).
Chappetts Copse and Shutt's Copse, West Meon. Help with conservation work is always welcomed at both wildlife reserves by our small and friendly group of volunteers. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and coffee. We meet at either Chappetts Copse, West Meon (Map ref. SU 653 234) or Shutt's Copse (Map ref. SU 638 262). 10am to 3.30pm every Thursday from 25th September 2008 to March 26th 2009, except December 25th 2008 and January 1st 2009. For more information and to confirm the next work party's location and date, please contact Richard Hedley on 023 9255 2869. Work will not take place in high winds and/or continuous heavy rain.
Coulters Dean, near Buriton. Join a friendly group and help clear scrub off this beautiful reserve. There is no need to commit to every week, just turn up on the day. Please wear warm clothing and suitable footwear. Please bring a warm drink for mid-morning and a pair of gardening gloves if you have them (spare pairs available). Work parties meet each Thursday 10am-12.30pm weather permitting, (phone to check if weather is doubtful). Please park near the forestry ride entrance without blocking access to the forest (Map ref. SU 749 193). For further details, please contact Dianne Mitchell on 01730 266064.
East Hampshire Grazing Project. Eagle-eyed volunteers needed to help us keep an eye on our growing herds of livestock grazing across the area. Do you walk, cycle or horseride regularly in the area? If so you could join our valuable team of ‘lookers' and ‘fence fixers' who act as the eyes and ears on the ground to keep track of the health and wellbeing of livestock grazing our important heathland. Full training is given to new recruits and all equipment is provided. Sites in and around Liphook, Longmoor, Greatham and Selborne including Longmoor Camp, Weavers Down Bog and Noar Hill. Please contact Grazing Project Team for further details or to get involved on 01256 381190 or email feedback@hwt.org.uk
Emer Bog, near North Baddesley (Map ref. SU 395 214). A few more volunteers are required for this long established friendly group - no regular commitment needed. Try conservation work on bog and heathland, which centres on scrub clearance. No experience needed, tools provided, wellies or heavy footwear vital, bonfire guaranteed. Stay as long as you like but bring a packed lunch if it's the full day. Why not come and help keep this quite wild place in the best condition? Work parties are held on the second Sunday of the month from September through to March, starting at 10am. Parking arrangements have changed so contact Geoff Rapley on 01794 518471 (weekdays) or 01794 516408 (evenings and weekends) for exact details of where to meet.
Farlington Marshes between Portsmouth and Havant (Map ref. SU 685 045). Help us manage one of the best bird watching sites on the South Coast. We meet every Tuesday from 10am-4pm to carry out practical work on the marshes. Tasks for this season will include installing gates and benches, weed control, path clearing and fence repairs. No previous experience is necessary. For further details, please contact Jamie Marsh on 01489 774400 or email jamiem@hwt.org.uk
Fleet (and around) Reserves Team. Would you like to lend a hand? Then why not join this friendly group and help us extend our regular volunteer team in the area. Regular work parties meet on the third Sunday of every month from 10.30am until about 3pm. We can offer a wide range of practical conservation tasks (including scrub clearance, cutting meadows, fencing, path and bridge building and livestock checking) on sites in Fleet, Cove, Church Crookham and Ewshot. Please contact Elliott Fairs, Grazing Project & Reserves Officer, for more information or to get involved on 01256 381190 or email elliottf@hwt.org.uk. Download the latest programme.
Flexford, Chandlers Ford. This winter's (2009) work parties will take place on Apr 19th. Tasks include scrub clearance, tree felling, fence and bridge repairs and path and step maintenance. Meet at 10am opposite the Scout Hut at the top of Ramalley Lane, off Hursley Road, Chandlers Ford (Map ref. SU 428 215). For further details, please contact Theo Jarman on 01794 514825.
Hook area Volunteer Crew. We meet on the last Sunday of the month between 10am and 1pm. Tools and training provided, no previous experience necessary. Wear stout shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or singed by the fire! Download our flyer (large file - 2MB). For further information contact work party coordinator, Tim Ransom, tel 01256 764541, email transom@btinternet.com. For full details of the locations and tasks, see work parties for 2008/2009.
Sunday 25th October - Bassetts Mead, scrub cutting
Sunday 29th November - Bartley Heath, Birch clearance
Sunday 3rd January 2010 - Bartley Heath, Birch cutting
Sunday 31st January - North Warnborough Greens, Scrub cutting
Sunday 28st February - Bartley Heath, Birch clearance
Noar Hill, near Selborne (Map ref. SU 737 324). This friendly group welcomes new members to help with scrub control work, fencing and more on this excellent chalk grassland site. Work parties meet regularly on the second Sunday of the month from 10am-3pm. Please ensure you call on the week leading up to the volunteer day to enable us to cater for the numbers expected. We're also looking for bright sparks to help move the fence on a monthly basis. It only takes 1 day a month but keeps the grazing running smoothly. Full training will be given. For further details of the work parties, please contact Mike Morton on 01256 381190.
Friday 13th November - scrub cutting
Sunday 15th November - scrub cutting
Friday 11th December - Scrub cutting
Sunday 13th December - Scrub cutting
Friday 8th January - Scrub cutting
Sunday 10th January - scrub cutting
Friday 12th February - Scrub cutting
Sunday 14th February - Scrub cutting
Noar Hill Warden, near Selborne (Map ref. SU 737 324). The Trust runs a ‘volunteer warden' scheme at Noar Hill at weekends and bank holidays from April to September. The wardens are there to present a friendly face to visitors, answer their questions and enrich their experience of the reserve by interpreting what can be seen around them. They are not expected to be experts, and will be provided with all the information and training they require prior to arriving on site. Wardening times can be flexible to fit in with your requirements. So if you want to learn more about this important chalk downland site, enjoy the beautiful views and meet like-minded people, why not consider becoming a warden? Please contact Mike Morton on 01256 381190.
North Hampshire Grazing Project. Eagle-eyed volunteers needed to help us keep an eye on our growing herds of livestock grazing across the area. Do you walk, cycle or horseride regularly in the area? If so you could join our valuable team of ‘lookers' and ‘fence fixers' who act as the eyes and ears on the ground to keep track of the health and wellbeing of livestock grazing our important heathlands. Full training is given to new recruits and all equipment is provided. Sites in Fleet, Cove, Church Crookham, Upper Hale, Ewshot, and Aldershot including Ancells Farm, Foxlease Meadows, Whitehouse Meadow, Pondtail, Velmead Common, Caesar's Camp and Long Valley. Please contact Elliott Fairs, Grazing Project & Reserves Officer, for further details or to get involved on 01256 381190 or email elliottf@hwt.org.uk
Old Burghclere Lime Quarry, west of Kingsclere - between Beacon Hill and Ladle Hill (Map ref. SU 472 574). Our autumn work party on the reserve was on Wednesday 19th November from 10am-3pm. The main task is scrub restriction but a variety of lighter tasks are also planned. Please bring your own work gloves and some lunch. Park and meet in the Burghclere old station farm yard (Map ref. SU 469 578). For further details please contact Mervyn Grist on 01264 358737.
Pamber Forest and Basingstoke Area Reserves. Basingstoke Conservation Volunteers meet on 15 Sundays each year at Pamber Forest or other reserves in the north west of Hampshire. Work parties run from 10am-4pm, but volunteers needn't stay all day. We are a friendly and relaxed group always looking out to welcome new members. No previous knowledge is required as each task is led by an experienced leader, who will explain how to carry out the work safely and effectively. Gloves, tools, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, but please bring strong footwear, old clothes and a packed lunch. The current task programme can be found at http://www.basingstokecv.org.uk/. Phone David Jewsbury on 01256 420818 (evenings) or 07836 493677 (days) if you want a paper copy of the programme or more information.
Roydon Woods - We are looking for volunteers who have woodwork skills and who would like to get involved in a variety of activities in Roydon Woods. Tasks include fence/gate making. Days and times are flexible so please call for more details.
St Catherine's Hill Warden - Winchester. We need help to keep an eye on our Shetland sheep flock and to assist visitors to this scenic chalk grassland reserve overlooking Winchester. If you live close by and can spare a few hours each week, please contact Mike Allen by email michaela@hwt.org.uk or call 07831 692963. No previous experience is necessary and reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Swanwick Lakes, near Bursledon. The team meets every Monday at 9.30am all year round. We carry out a range of practical tasks around the Wildlife Reserve and centre. Newcomers are always welcome and tea, coffee and biscuits are supplied. There's no need to commit to every week, just come along on the day and meet at the Swanwick Lakes Centre, Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, off Sopwith Way (Map ref. SU 505 098), where parking is available. All you need are bundles of enthusiasm, a packed lunch and suitable clothing and footwear. For further details, please contact the Centre on 01489 570240.
Winchester Reserves Team. Join the team carrying out practical work on St Catherine's Hill and Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserves. Our work over the autumn will include removal of hawthorn from open downland, removal of willow from fen. The team meets every Thursday at 9.30am to finish no later than 3pm. Main meeting points are: Winnall Moors - Durngate next to the Ship pub; St Catherine's Hill - Garnier Road car park. Please call to confirm arrangements. Contact - Mike Allen (St Caths) on 07831 692963 or email michaela@hwt.org.uk, or Rachel Remnant (Winnall Moors) on 07786 777498 or email rachelr@hwt.org.uk.
Winnal Moors. 68 hectares of wonderful wetland! Join our ambitious 5 year restoration project by becoming a warden, checking livestock, and helping at events. Alongside the Winchester Reserves Team, work parties are also held on the last Sunday of the month 10am - 2pm. This winter we will be cutting back willow from the fen, building warming fires and pulling out redundant fences. To get involved contact Reserve Officer Rachel Remnant 07786 777498 email rachelr@hwt.org.uk
Area Wildlife Team tasks
Beechcroft Area Team Programme
October 2009
Thurs 22nd Oct Winnall Moors, near Winchester Scrub clearance
Mon 266h Oct St Catherine's Hill, near Winchester Drove way clearance
Thurs 29th Oct Hookheath Meadows, near Southwick Tree removal
November 2009
Mon 2nd Nov Winnall Moors, near Winchester Scrub clearance
Thurs 5th Nov Southmoor, near Havant Scrub clearance
Mon 9th Nov Broughton Down, near Nether Wallop* Clearance of Sight lines
Thurs 12th Nov St Catherine's Hill, near Winchester Scrub clearance
Mon 16th Nov Ancells Farm, near Fleet* Willow and birch removal
Thurs 19th Nov Swanwick Lakes, near Swanwick Tree works
Mon 23rd Nov Farlington Marshes, near Portsmouth Scrub clearance
Thurs 28th Nov Broughton Down, near Nether Wallop* Scrub clearance
Mon 30th Nov Winnall Moors, near Winchester Scrub clearance
December 2009
Mon 7th Dec St Catherine's Hill, near Winchester Scrub clearance
Thurs 10th Dec Hookheath Meadows, near Southwick Blackthorn removal
Mon 14th Dec Broughton Down, near Nether Wallop* Scrub clearance
Thurs 17th Dec Hookheath Meadows, near Southwick Scrub clearance
Mon 21st Dec Farlington Marshes, near Portsmouth Christmas Scrub Do!! (hedge clearance)
Meet at Beechcroft 09.00hrs. We aim to be back for about 16.30hrs
For sites marked * there is a pick up from St. Catherine's park and ride (Winchester) at 09.30 hrs (please let me know in advance).
For further details please contact Assistant Reserves Officer Nikki Magee on 07917 616697 or by email NikkiM@hwt.org.uk.
Contacts
Assistant Reserves Officer, Nikki Magee: mobile - 07919 616697
Beechcroft reception: 01489 774400
Elliott Fairs: mobile - 07833 387319
Mike Allen: mobile - 07831 692963
Jamie Marsh: mobile - 07917 616696
Lower Test Area Team Programme
October 2009
Wed 21st Broughton Down, near Stockbridge Scrub Clearance
Fri 23rd Broughton Down, near Stockbridge Scrub Clearance
Wed 28th Flexford, near Chandler's Ford Scrub Clearance
Fri 30th Flexford, near Chandler's Ford Scrub Clearance
November 2009
Wed 4th Fletchwood Meadows, near Ashurst Scrub Clearance
Fri 6th Fletchwood Meadows, near Ashurst Scrub Clearance
Wed 11th Emer Bog and Baddesley Common Tree Felling
Fri 13th Emer Bog and Baddesley Common Tree Felling
Wed 18th Broughton Down, near Stockbridge Scrub Clearance
Fri 20th Broughton Down, near Stockbridge Scrub Clearance
Wed 25th Winnall Moors, Winchester Tree Felling
Fri 27th Winnall Moors, Winchester Tree Felling
December
Wed 2nd Blashford Lakes, near Ringwood TBC
Fri 4th Blashford Lakes, near Ringwood TBC
Wed 9th Lower Test, near Totton Tree Felling
Fri 11th Lower Test, near Totton Tree Felling
Wed 16th Emer Bog and Baddesley Common Tree Felling
Fri 18th Emer Bog and Baddesley Common Tree Felling
Wed 23rd Flexford, near Chandler's Ford Hedge Cutting
For further details please contact the West Team Estate Worker
Simon King, office: 02380 667919, mobile: 07884 495715, email simonk@hwt.org.uk
or
John O'Reilly, office: 02380 424206, mobile: 07990 895136, email: johnor@hwt.org.uk
North-East Hampshire Mid-Week Team
We meet on site at 10:00 and aim to leave at 16:00.
For more information please contact Assistant Reserves Officer Mike Morton on 07770 918372 or mikem@hwt.org.uk
