Horticulture Support Volunteer (Living Collections)

Closing Date: 21/08/2026
Apply
All Locations
Slimbridge
What type of role are you interested in
Volunteer
Animal care/living collections

About The Role

At WWT, we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. At WWT Slimbridge, visitors can explore our stunning wetland habitats and the amazing diversity of birds, mammals, amphibians, plants, and insects that inhabit them.

Our Living Collections Team play a huge role in educating our visitors and raising the profile of the importance of wetlands. We are looking for volunteers to assist the team by undertaking practical hands-on tasks to help maintain habitats for birds in our collection. These tasks will include strimming, clearing, pruning, lawn care, weeding and mowing. You will ensure that our collections are maintained to the highest standard for wildlife and that they look their best for visitors, encouraging their engagement and support for our vital work.

We are looking for people who enjoy being outdoors, are willing to get stuck in, and are enthusiastic about wetlands and wildlife. You will often have an avian audience – so if you are motivated to maintain a lawn or weed some gravel next to our naughty Nenes, then this one is for you! This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills and gain experience in horticulture, meet new like-minded people, become part of a dedicated team, and make a difference by helping to maintain our important wetlands.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

About You

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important.

This role would suit you if:

  • You have (or would like to gain) experience in horticulture
  • You are willing to get stuck into working outdoors and in all weathers
  • You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
  • You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
  • You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public
  • You can work independently using your own initiative and are self-motivated to see tasks through to the end
  • You are reasonably physically fit and practically minded

Additional notes

  • We are looking for volunteers who are available to help out at least once a week. Sessions normally start at 10:30 but can start at 08:00 depending on the intended nature of the work, and finish at 16:30
  • This role is not suitable for people under 18 years.

About Us

We are 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 you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or spend time in our wildlife-rich wetlands, there’s a volunteer role for you. Just a few hours spent volunteering can really make a world of difference to our wildlife, and to you.

So, come surround yourself with the wonder of wetlands, and the people who inject their energy and passion into them. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. The only question left is, what role will you play?

 

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT 

  • Make a real contribution to the conservation and engagement work of WWT
  • Work at one of our beautiful and internationally important wetland sites
  • Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded nature lovers who bring energy, passion, and expertise to their role
  • Make new friends and become part of a friendly and inclusive community
  • Gain volunteering experience and learn & develop new skills
  • Get volunteer discounts for WWT shops, café, and membership
  • Get free entry to all our UK wetland centres, including for your family
  • Receive access to wildlife talks, webinars, and practical information to help you manage your volunteer role & daily life
  • Be kept informed about what’s happening in our organisation and the positive change you are helping to make happen

Other jobs like this

Preferred Closing Date for Advert
21 Aug 2026
All Locations
Slimbridge
What type of role are you interested in
Volunteer
Animal care/living collections
Preferred Closing Date for Advert
21 Aug 2026
All Locations
Slimbridge
What type of role are you interested in
Volunteer
Animal care/living collections
Preferred Closing Date for Advert
07 Dec 2026
All Locations
Martin Mere
What type of role are you interested in
Volunteer
Engaging visitors and communities with wetlands