Reserve Volunteer

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.

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

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 are practically minded and have a can-do attitude

You have a good level of physical fitness and are able to use/lift hand power tools

You are willing to get stuck in and are happy to work outdoors in all weather

You have a passion for nature and wildlife conservation

You can work independently using your own initiative and can keep self-motivated

You have experience in habitat management or want to develop these skills

You are confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public

You enjoy working as part of a close-knit team of staff and volunteers

We are looking for volunteers who are available to help out at our work parties every Thursday from 10am-4pm (3pm finish in winter months).

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?

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

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