Heart of England Forest
Description of the role
We are always looking for volunteers to join our team here at the Heart of England Forest. We are planting and maintaining a 30,000 acre broadleaf forest, made up of woodland and other valuable habitats. We have volunteers supporting a wide range of activities across the forest, Monday to Saturday each week.
Our volunteers support a wide range of activities which can include the following:
- Tree planting
- Management of young, veteran and ancient woodlands
- Seed collection and tending to young trees at our tree nursery
- Wildlife surveys
- Pond, heathland and grassland management
- Event and education session support
- Micro volunteering and occasional administration opportunities
We are looking for:
- Enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy working outdoors as part of a team. An interest in nature or the outdoors can help, but isn’t necessary.
Practical Considerations
- Volunteers will need to make their own way to work sites across the forest, spread across Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Our sites are remote and have minimal public transport access. We do not currently provide expenses for travel.
- We provide tools and training to all of our volunteers, with prior notice we can provide wellies and waterproof coats. Volunteers will otherwise need to provide their own suitable outdoor clothing.
- Access to the forest can be rough underfoot, volunteers should consider their ability to navigate the outdoor landscape.
- Volunteers do not need to have any prior experience or qualifications to support our work. We are keen to teach and train volunteers. The skills and experience gained as a volunteer may support those looking for work in the outdoor sector.
Any specific requirements
- To be discussed with the organisation.
Where is the opportunity based?
Various locations across Worcestershire and Warwickshire:
We currently manage four main blocks of woodland:
- Spernal (Nearest to Redditch and Studley)
- Dorsington (Nearest to Stratford Upon Avon)
- Honeybourne (Nearest to Evesham)
- The Lenches (Nearest to Evesham)
When is the opportunity available?
The opportunity can take place Monday to Saturday, mornings and afternoons.
About the organisation
The Heart of England Forest is an exciting and ambitious charity. We want to help reverse centuries of woodland decline and create and conserve a magnificent 30,000 acre broadleaf forest for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people. A place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come.
The Forest is more than just trees; it is home to an incredible array of habitats, including new tree planting, mature and ancient woodland, grassland, heathland, farmland, and wetland, that enable animals, plants, and people to thrive.
Our amazing volunteers help us with all aspects of creating and managing the Forest:
Forestry and biodiversity – help to create and manage our woodlands across the Forest, as well as improve and maintain habitat for our wildlife.
Horticultural and gardening – volunteer in our tree nurseries, helping to grow future generations of Forest trees from seed, or help to maintain our beautiful Garden of Heroes and Villains.
People and learning – support our work to maintain the Forest for our visitors and to connect people with nature via our events and education programmes.
Bromsgrove and Redditch Network 