Specialist/Expert Volunteer (Celebration Wood Volunteer)

Our uplands need trees! Haweswater is a rugged Lake District upland site, where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people. A huge part of restoring this landscape is about putting back lost trees and wildflowers. We grow most of our trees we plant in Celebration Wood in our on-site plant and tree nursery. We started Celebration Wood project in 2022. It’s a great opportunity to engage with the public and raise much needed funds whilst creating new woodland. It’s a big job with big ambition that needs lots of help! Celebration Wood volunteers are essential part in this project and will be involved in performing following tasks:

• assisting in planting trees with supporters and unattended planting
• trees aftercare
• GPS'ing & assigning What3words to each tree
• liaising with Celebration Wood supporters
• keeping Celebration Wood records up to date
• building tree cages (desired skill)
• checking on tree health
• any other tasks which are necessary to insure smooth delivery of Celebration Wood experience.

What’s in it for you?

• The chance to use your passion for trees and wildflowers, to contribute to their restoration in the landscape at Haweswater. • The opportunity of helping in creation of much needed new woodland at Naddle, Lake District • Privilege of sharing special moments with families who plant trees with us • The opportunity to help the Lake District combat climate change, improve drinking water quality, reduce flooding and increase biodiversity. • Broadening your knowledge of trees and opportunity of getting involved in our tree nursery work • Being part of a friendly team of like-minded people • An introduction to Haweswater and the partnership work taking place here • Relevant H&S training in the safe use of all equipment and tools. • References if appropriate. • Flexible volunteering – hours and days.

The skills you need

• Genuine enthusiasm and passion for creation of new woodland whilst engaging with the public and raising funds for the reserve. • Sensitivity in liaising with families who chose to plant tree/s in our Celebration Wood • Good understanding of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) and confidentiality • Excellent people skills • An enthusiasm for native trees and plants and woodlands • Great attention to details • Gardening/tree/plant knowledge is advantageous but not essential as the training could be provided. • The ability to work as part of a team and get along with others from all walks of life. • Happy doing sometimes repetitive work • An enjoyment of being outdoors in all weathers and ability to spend 3 – 6 hours digging, planting and caring for trees. • Methodical mind (checking on trees, assigning GPS locations, logging trees conditions, etc.) • An awareness of Health and Safety

Notes Appropriate training and equipment will be provided, and expenses will be reimbursed where necessary.

Read more about our Celebration Wood: https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/support-the-rspb/plant-a-celebration-tree/haweswater-celebration-wood

For any additional information and questions please contact Bea Normington, Celebration Wood Officer by email: Bea.Normington@rspb.org.uk

Please note that this role is suitable for over 18 years only. Please note that Specialist/Expert Volunteer.pdf is not applicable to this role.