Site Checks and Maintenance Volunteer (Sherwood Forest - Roving Patrol)

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Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest Reserve attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the year. A Forest that is famous from myth and legend throughout the ages, the present-day Sherwood Forest hosts the largest concentration of ancient oak trees in Northern Europe; a key feature of what makes this National Nature Reserve such a special place.

The reserve is over 1000 acres in size, approx 1.5miles long x 1 mile wide. We are looking to recruit active volunteers to join our team of Roving Patrollers, who patrol the reserve with a keen eye and report back to the Reserves team and Duty Manager. The reserve is split into 9 patrolling zones (A-I) for easy navigation.

As a roving patroller you will enjoy spending most of your time out walking the numerous trails of the wonderful forest and carrying out various tasks along the way, such as:

Checking for defects on site infrastructure such as benches, gates and fence lines

  • Identifying and reporting on potential site hazards
  • Observing the wildlife that inhabits the Forest and heathland
  • Engaging positively with visitors
  • Being an ambassador for the RSPB and the site
  • Removing/reporting site waste
  • Reporting back to the Reserves team/Duty Manager after each patrol

We will ensure you are set up with the right equipment and any training required to carry out your role as a Roving Patroller, however beneficial skills and attributes for this role include:

  • Enjoying being outdoors
  • An interest in conservation and the natural world
  • A reasonable level of fitness
  • Good communication skills
  • Basic IT skills
  • Ability to work independently

Becoming a Roving Patroller is a rewarding and enjoyable opportunity to make a real difference as part of a friendly team of staff and volunteers. This is a chance to use your skills and enjoyment of the outdoors for the benefit of the legendary Sherwood Forest, whilst also making a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation at Nottinghamshire's only National Nature Reserve.