Practical Conservation Group Volunteer (Bentley Station Meadow, Hampshire)

Practical Conservation Group Volunteer (Bentley Station Meadow, Hampshire)

Our Practical Conservation Group Volunteers make a real difference to their local environment. Without them, many threatened butterflies and moths could be lost forever.

At Butterfly Conservation, we want to create a world where butterflies and moths are enjoyed by everyone forever. Group Volunteers help ensure that their local site is a haven for wildlife and the people who enjoy it. Working with other volunteers doing hands on, practical work, they make sure the site is right for butterflies by cutting, raking, or digging.

There's often a bonfire and refreshments, too!

You will enjoy physical work and have the chance to see the results of your efforts both on the day and in the following spring and summer when the butterflies and moths return. You don't need to know anything about butterflies or moths to get started, but will have the chance to learn about them and other wildlife.

Volunteer role

Practical Conservation Group Volunteer

Volunteer manager

Practical Conservation Group Leader

Where you will be based

Outdoors

Why we want you

To take part in practical conservation tasks on key sites for the benefit of moths and butterflies.

What you will be doing

• Carry out practical conservation tasks (cutting scrub, raking, uprooting invasive species, clearing felling, etc.) as directed by the group leader.
• Ensure that you understand the work which needs to be carried out on site, why, where and how.

The skills you need

• An understanding of safe tool use, or a willingness to learn.
• Capability to work outside for several hours, sometimes on uneven or steep ground.
• Having your own transport is useful due to rural sites with poor transport links; car sharing will be encouraged-please inform the Group Leader if this would be helpful.
• Behave in line with Butterfly Conservation's values.

What's in it for you

• Job satisfaction: you can see the impact of your work both on the day and in the following spring/summer.
• Learn more about the site and the butterflies and moths which use it.
• Increase your social circle with like minded people, boosting wellbeing.

Disclaimer

This role is active year round. Practical conservation days ("work parties") are arranged at intervals during the season, but usually take place between 10 am and 4 pm on the chosen day. We ask for a minimum commitment to attend 1 work party over the course of one season. We will also ask you to complete health and safety training for the role. The work may involve accessing steep slopes, uneven ground, or remote sites. Please check with the named contact for this opportunity. Children aged 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 without adult supervision.

Photo credit: Beth Harper