Managing a large wetland reserve requires a lot of practical, hands-on, physical tasks. We are looking for new volunteers to join our weekly Thursday Habitat Management group, supporting reserve habitat management across our beautiful 103-acre site at WWT Washington. You will be working outdoors alongside a team of 3 wardens and in a group of up to 10 fellow volunteers.
Our Reserve Volunteers assist the reserve team in completing big jobs across the reserve, including annual meadow cuts, tree planting plans, and installation of new features such as ponds and hides. You will also be helping to maintain and restore various habitats – supporting one of the largest inland Curlew roosts in the UK and providing foraging and breeding habitat for our population of red-listed Willow Tits.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get out in the fresh air and become involved in practical nature conservation, meet new like-minded people, 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.
Main tasks
- Assisting with practical reserves management, including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding, removal of invasive plant species
- Creating, restoring, and maintaining wildlife habitat, including meadows, woodland, and reedbeds
- Managing reserve water bodies such as ditches, reedbeds, channels, island scrapes, and ponds
- Maintaining access routes across the site, including fences, footpaths, benches, boardwalks, gates, signs, paths, and hides
- Operating hand tools and machinery safely & correctly
- Observing health & safety rules to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone on site