Marine Conservation Volunteer

Join the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ Marine Conservation Team at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre! Gain valuable experience whilst helping us to collect research data on the marine mammals of Cardigan Bay and inspire and educate the public through our visitor centre and community engagement events.

What You Will Gain

This a fantastic opportunity for you to carry out marine research and become involved in environmental education and awareness raising work. You’ll learn about the marine species of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, processing data, environmental education, community engagement and more!

Past volunteers have gone on to further their academic careers, work as Marine Mammal Observers or to work for conservation or governmental organisations.

The Volunteering Role

Volunteers will assist with our vital marine megafauna research and community engagement work. Volunteer tasks include (but not limited too) –

• Land based marine mammal surveys (daily)
• Boat based marine megafauna surveys *
• Running our visitor centre and inspiring visitors
• Entering and checking research data
• Analysing bottlenose dolphin photo identification images
• Analysing bottlenose dolphin acoustic recordings
• Producing content for our social media
• Assisting with community engagement events
• Conducting beach cleans
• There will also be the opportunity to assist with other tasks e.g. fundraising, joining our Living Seas youth forum (ages 9-24).

* Time conducting boat surveys is subject to weather conditions and boat availability. Volunteers will take turns to be involved and during times when boat surveys aren’t scheduled you will spend more time carrying out shore-based activities.

Volunteer Training

Our team of experts will provide volunteers with the following training –

• Induction to CBMWC and The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
• Marine species identification
• Marine survey techniques
• Data processing
• Community engagement

Volunteer Qualities

• A passion for marine wildlife and the environment
• Enthusiastic and willing to communicate with the public and other volunteers
• A mature and responsible attitude
• Proactive with the ability to carry out tasks independently
• Flexible approach to volunteering as tasks are weather dependent and may occur outside of normal office hours

Please note that enthusiasm and passion for our work and the marine environment are as valued as experience, since full training is provided.

Volunteer Dates 2026

Volunteer positions are available on the dates below. You must be able to volunteer for an entire block.

• Block 1 – 23rd March-27th April (5 weeks) *
• Block 2 – 27th April-1st June (5 weeks) *
• Block 3 – 1st June-6th July (5 weeks)
• Block 4 – 6th July-7th September (9 weeks)
• Block 5 – 7th September-2nd November (8 weeks) *

* The volunteer accommodation for these blocks is subsidised through the Nature Networks Fund. The accommodation subsidy is intended to assist those facing financial barriers to taking part. The Nature Networks Fund is being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Deadline – 23:59pm Sunday 1st February. Please note places will be offered to suitable candidates on a first come first serve basis.