Reserve Support Volunteer - London

About The Role

Volunteers are integral to the running of our London reserve and without their help we wouldn’t be able to maintain this amazing 105 acre wetland of international importance, with views across to the City. Our volunteer team are friendly, motivated and hard-working and say they benefit by gaining new experiences, meeting new people and most importantly making a difference by helping maintain important wetland habitat. Maintaining and managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical, hands on physical tasks. With first-class training and guidance, you’ll be part of a small and dedicated Tuesday Reserve Support team that cares for a variety of breeds in all weathers, to help tell our conservation story. Your role will be to provide regular support to the reserves team in all practical reserve management, to maintain habitats, increase species biodiversity and ensure the reserve and grounds areas are functioning at their best for our visitors. You'll be an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Due to the nature of and training for this role, we ask for a commitment of a minimum of 6 months volunteering. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email [email protected] or leave a message at 01453 891 231 with your name and number. 

About You

This an ideal role for someone who has a can-do attitude and are happy to help us in all weathers, being both a practical person and physically fit. Having experience in some habitat management would be helpful, but a keenness to learn is more important. It’s a closely-working team, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated is also needed. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors with the work of WWT is also a key part of this role. Main tasks include:

• Assisting with all practical reserve management activities including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding and fencing
• Supporting staff and other volunteers with the construction and maintenance of island scrapes, ditches and reed beds, ensuring that reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately (boat use may be needed)
• Operating agreed machinery safely in order to carry out management activities
• Assisting with the construction and maintenance of access routes to the bird hides including the maintenance of fences, footpaths and hides
• Working with a variety of hand tools safely and correctly, observing and applying health and safety regulations at all times
• Taking due care for the safety, welfare and enjoyment of the visiting public
• You may be asked to undertake related ad hoc tasks

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

For more information on this wonderful opportunity, and others, and to apply, please visit our website.