
Volunteering to help the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ and the environment
Volunteers play a significant part in our work; we would not be 23% of the way towards our ambitious vision of creating and conserving a 30,000 acre forest without them. While our volunteers play a critical role in planting our ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÊ– planting a whopping 55,000 trees in the recent winter season - they also help us grow the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ in a wide variety of other ways. This Volunteers’ Week, discover six ways that our volunteers are supporting our work and tackling climate change.
Six ways to volunteer and take practical action on climate changeÌý
Practical forestry and biodiversity
Many of our regular volunteers join us on the ground to support our forestry and biodiversity work. With tasks such as removing tree guards, planting trees, maintaining our footpaths, building and removing fence lines, and creating and enhancing habitat, there is always work to do and always new areas of the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ to manage. We are grateful that we have such a merry band of volunteers happy to get their hands dirty and help get these important jobs completed.Ìý
Surveying and monitoring
We are creating a ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ for wildlife and as woodlands grow they will of course have a significant impact on the species and habitat found within the local area. Monitoring and surveying are vital to help inform our work improving and preserving habitats for wildlife, and we rely on volunteers to undertake much of this work, recording different species of wildlife found in the local landscape and in what numbers. There is so much the humble butterfly can tell us about the health of our woodlands and meadows, and our volunteers are helping us manage the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ so wildlife can thrive.

Inspiring others to support our workÌý
One of the greatest ways to engage the public with our work is to run events in the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ to educate and inspire visitors. Through large events like our Bluebell Walk, to small, guided walks of the woodlands, our volunteers support our extensive event programme by providing information, managing people and traffic, serving refreshments, and being fantastic ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ ambassadors.
Growing the trees of the futureÌý
To achieve our goal of a 30,000 acre ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ, we will plant 13 million trees – that is a lot of saplings! Fortunately, we have a team of volunteers who give their time to help support our tree nursery. From constructing raised planting beds to watering our saplings over the hot summer, there is always plenty to do to nurture the trees of the future. This coming planting season we are looking forward to our volunteer-grown saplings being planted to create our newest areas of woodland.

Micro volunteering
Did you know that can support our work and the fight against climate change from home? There are always smaller jobs which our volunteers can help with from home in your own time, or through a small, self-guided visit to the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ. Processing data, writing small articles and social media posts, or even taking photos of plants and animals in the woodlands, our micro volunteers help us with little jobs which have a big impact, allowing them to contribute in ways which fit their time available.
Creating future ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ GuardiansÌý
Creating a meaningful connection with nature is one of the charity’s key aims, and we want to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ and its benefits to the environment, wildlife, and people. A group of specially trained volunteers support our learning and skills team as they deliver ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ Learning Programme sessions across the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ in partnership with local schools, helping to instil a love and respect for the natural world in our younger generations.

Volunteer with us
There are so many ways to give your time and support the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ, and the opportunities are growing along with the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ. With friendly teams of volunteers and staff, plenty of opportunities to learn and develop, and the chance to help fight climate change, why not join us? No experience is necessary, so this is a chance to learn new skills and develop your areas of interest in ways and at times to suit you.
Find out about volunteering in the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ here.
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