Events Volunteer (Leeds Wild Spaces)

Wild Spaces is a UK-wide programme run by Butterfly Conservation. The aim is to provide a simple and easy way for everyone to get involved in helping butterflies and moths.

A Wild Space is any space enhanced to help butterflies and moths thrive - including window boxes, pots on patios, wilder areas in gardens and wildflower meadows in churchyards and parks. They provide space for nature and places for people to access and enjoy.

This role is part of the Leeds Wild Spaces project, which is being run in partnership with Leeds City Council, Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire Branch and is funded from the Hiscox Foundation, Leeds Community Climate Grant, Peter Sowerby Foundation and a contribution from the Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire Branch.

The project will create eight new Wild Spaces across council owned parks and amenity areas across Leeds, with a focus on areas of green space deprivation and meadow creation and care. It will also focus on providing opportunities to connect people with the new Wild Spaces, learn more, experience butterflies and moths and receive training.

We are looking for a team of volunteers to support the Project Officer to deliver events across the city to help connect people to their local wildlife, learn about the meadows created and encourage people to take action for butterflies and moths.

At Butterfly Conservation, we want to create a world where butterflies and moths are enjoyed by everyone, forever. Volunteers will help run events to get more people involved in our work. You might help at public events, learn how to do a moth trap, or help with guided walks. You can choose how and when you volunteer.

You will be volunteering with a wide range of people, so that must appeal to you. This role would also suit you if you're interested in helping us to connect people to nature.

Responsibilities

• Speak to members of the public and local branch members about Butterfly Conservation's work.
• Assist with running events such as moth trapping, field trips, guided walks and Wild Space events.
• Promote our membership or volunteering opportunities.
• Encourage participation in national citizen science schemes such as the Big Butterfly Count.
• Support local people and communities to create 'Wild Spaces' that provide food and shelter for butterflies and moths.
• Assist with identification of butterflies and moths, if you are able.

Skills

• Enjoy speaking to a wide range of people about butterflies, moths and the environment.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Some butterfly and/or moth identification skills are useful but not essential; training can be provided.
• Confidence in speaking to or running activities for children when volunteering at family events.

Benefits

• Develop your knowledge of plants, butterflies, moths and other fauna, plus key skills for life and work.
• Expand your social circle with like minded people, boosting your wellbeing.

Where you will be based

Outdoors

Disclaimer

This role may be active year round, though most events take place between March and October. Timings of individual events vary but you can choose which ones you help with. We ask for a minimum commitment to assist with one event per year. Events can range from 2 hours to a full day. A DBS check is required for volunteers working regularly with children. May involve accessing steep slopes, uneven ground or remote sites. Please check with the named contact for this opportunity. Children aged 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult whilst volunteering. If you are aged 16 or 17, your parent may give written permission for you to volunteer unaccompanied. Photo Credit: Sylvie Belbouab for all images (except child colouring on tarpaulin).