Peatland Residential Volunteer Placement, RSPB Lake Vyrnwy

Why we need you:

We are looking for an enthusiastic residential volunteer to help support the RSPB Wales Peatland Programme Team in carrying out our most ambitious year of peatland restoration yet. Much of our work is carried out at Lake Vyrnwy reserve, where the role will be based, but we are expanding into other areas of Wales, including Y Migneint and Gwenffrwdd Dinas. We are looking for someone to assist with every stage of the peatland restoration process across these varied sites, including surveying, mapping and project planning. We are hoping to share the experience of what it takes to deliver landscape scale restoration projects, as well as our passion for these beautiful and nationally important habitats.

What will you be doing:

The focus of this role is to work with the Wales Peatland Programme Team and help to deliver our peatland restoration goals for this year. The work over the summer will predominantly include peatland surveying (also known as ground truthing) across a range of sites in Mid / North and potentially further South Wales. The data collected during these surveys will be used to write restoration plans for work to be carried out in the coming winter. There will also be opportunities to help with desk-based work including; contributing to written reports, using ArcGIS to create maps for restoration plans, learning about the tendering and contract creation process, as well as potentially being involved in contractor bidder days depending on the timing of the placement.

Day to day tasks may include:

• Carrying out peatland erosion surveys (ground truthing)
• Report writing such as restoration plans and procurement documents
• Mapping
• Assisting with contractor supervision
• Assisting with contractor site visits
• Learning about forest to bog sites
• Peat depth surveys
• Water vole surveys

What's in it for you:

This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in peatland restoration across some of Wales’s most important and beautiful landscapes, including Lake Vyrnwy, Y Migneint and Gwenffrwd Dinas. You’ll develop practical conservation skills that are highly relevant for a career in the environmental sector, while working alongside experienced peatland and conservation professionals.

You’ll receive full training, equipment and support throughout the placement, including structured development, regular one-to-one catch‑ups and opportunities to learn from a wide range of teams. Skills gained include peatland surveying and restoration techniques, habitat and species surveys, data collection and analysis, digital mapping (GIS), report writing, and working with contractors and partners.

Beyond practical experience, there are strong wellbeing and lifestyle benefits. Much of the role is outdoors, spending time in remote upland landscapes, wetlands and woodland, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. You’ll be part of a small, friendly team and have opportunities to meet and work with volunteers, local communities and partner organisations — building confidence, networks and friendships along the way.

Reasonable travel expenses are available, and transport for work around the reserve will be provided. Free on-site accommodation is also included for residential volunteers.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Enthusiastic about peatlands, nature recovery and conservation
• Motivated, reliable and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers and across remote, challenging terrain
• Willing to learn new skills and take on a variety of tasks
• Confident with basic IT (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Physically able to walk long distances over uneven ground
• Holds a full UK driving licence (essential for accessing remote sites) and access to a car would be advantageous
• Keen to learn GIS & help map data

You don’t need extensive prior experience — an interest in peatlands and conservation, a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in are far more important. Any previous volunteering, ecological survey work, mapping/GIS experience or Welsh language skills would be an advantage but are not essential.

Location:

The placement is based at Lake Vyrnwy in mid‑Wales, with work also taking place across other RSPB sites including Y Migneint and Gwenffrwd Dinas. Due to the remote location, public transport is very limited. Some tasks may involve working across different sites rather than from home. Transport for work around the reserve will be provided, but you may need your own vehicle for access off reserve.

Time commitment:

This is a 6‑month placement (June/July–December/January). The role is largely full‑time, but there is flexibility around working hours where possible. The exact start and finish date can be flexible provided the placement begins in June or July and finishes 6 months later. The reserve is closed to volunteers over Christmas and New Year.