Our Biodiversity Action Team offers a programme of one day conservation volunteering opportunities. As well as tackling projects that help to protect and enhance our biodiversity, most of out activities also help to mitigate the effects of climate change or help to improve access or interpretation of green spaces, to enable people to enjoy them more. The team carries out a wide range of activities such as managing woodlands, restoring heath lands, hedge laying. improving public access (via path, step, fence, stile and boardwalk construction and maintenance) caring for community garden, planting hedges and trees; the list is nearly endless!

Where we do it:
The team works across Berkshire and sometimes neighbouring counties: on sites ranging from country parks to small pockets of woodland and local green spaces. Most sessions are carried out on behalf of county, district and parish councils, schools and other conservation or community organisations.

Do you need to be fit?
We only ask that you have a basic level of physical fitness. We try to provide a range of different actives to suit all sorts of people on our projects. In fact keeping fit is one of the main reasons people volunteers with us. If there’s anything especially difficult or unusual about the work we’re planning to do or the location where we’re doing it we mention it in the task description on our website. Let us know if you have any concerns before the event and we will try to help.

What to bring with you?
We’ll provide you with all the tools and equipment needed, including suitable work gloves. We also provide biscuits and refreshments for tea breaks etc. you will need to provide your own packed lunch; a lot of our work sites are not near any shops. Please do comes prepared for the likely weather conditions on the day and suitable clothes for out door work. We recommend sturdy boots, long sleeved tops and long trousers, with a sun hat if necessary. If you require them, bring along your own insect repellent, sun block, camera, money and personal medication.

Will I be safe?
All our projects are run by at least one, fully trained Project Leader and most are suitable for anyone over 16 to attend. Although if you are 16 or 17 you will need permission from a parent or guardian to attend. Our Leaders are first aid trained and are DBS checked. Al our activities are formally risk assessed and we provide the necessary insurance.

Do I need to know how to do anything?
You won’t need any special skills to join in, other than a willingness to get involved and have a go. There isn’t an interview process and we don’t ask for a commitment from anyone for more than a day at a time. We provide on-site, informal training and guidance.

We are always looking for new volunteers and to meet new people so why not give it a try?

Want to find out a little bit more? Read about Rosie and Jan’s Volunteering Experience