Practical Reserve Work (Working Party Volunteer, RSPB Pagham Harbour, Medmerry and Eastern Solent Reserves)

We are looking for Work Party Volunteers to join us on our wetland and coastal reserves. RSPB nature reserves are special places for people and wildlife and we rely on volunteers to keeps these habitats thriving and in good shape. There are a host of practical tasks that need to be completed to allow nature to thrive.

We’re looking for people to help out on our group work parties as well as people who’re happy to crack on with tasks on their own around site as directed. The types of work you’re likely to get the chance to help with range from vital habitat management works in a variety of ecological niches (shingle, reedbed, grassland and woodland) as well as an extensive list of random ad-hoc jobs. This role is suitable for under-18s, but we will need signed consent form from a parent or guardian.

As a Reserve Work Party Volunteer you will be joining a regular practical work party team to undertake practical habitat management tasks:

Cutting and clearing vegetation. Maintaining and managing tools and equipment. Creating and maintaining visitor infrastructure, such as paths, benches, fencing and signposts. Following annual work plans. Following Health and Safety protocols. If you enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people and hands-on conservation work, then this role could be the perfect opportunity for you. You don't need any special practical skills just lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to muck in and have a go. However, if you do have any specific practical or DIY skills, let us know and there may be opportunities to use them.

This role does involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so you will need to be happy being on your feet and working outdoors for the day. The work will enable you to keep your fitness levels high, as well as helping your mental health and wellbeing. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, and you might find it rewarding to safeguard nature in the area you are working to protect.

We are a friendly and supportive team. If you are volunteering to learn new skills and gain knowledge about wildlife conservation work, you will find that our team will be more than happy to help you on that journey.