Volunteering

A volunteer of the Wildlife Trust gathers cut vegetation for disposal, helping to keep the footpaths open for the use by the many tourists, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, June - Ed Marshall

Join our volunteer team

Volunteers play a vital role in the work of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. With hundreds of committed volunteers we are achieving great things and with your help we can do so much more. Each volunteer brings with them knowledge and enthusiasm which really makes a difference to the work of the Trust. Protect threatened wildlife, have fun and meet people who share your interests - and benefit from feeling happier, healthier and more connected to nature!

Practical Volunteering

Roll up your sleeves, learn new skills and meet new people, by helping us to manage our nature reserves as part of our work parties!

Discover

Matthew Roberts

Educational Volunteering

Inspire the next generation of naturalists as a Wildlife Watch helper, assisting with our events or helping out with our education sessions

Explore

Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Other opportunities

Volunteer with a group of colleagues, take part in your Duke of Edinburgh Award, join in with our surveys and monitoring or get some valuable work experience

See more

Volunteer Wardens Ray Sykes and Mick Ward observing the Manton Bay osprey pair at night. Rutland Water. During the incubation period the osprey nest is watched 24/7. - Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Why volunteer for Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust?

Through volunteering for the Trust, you will:

  • Contribute to the conservation of threatened wildlife and habitats across Leicestershire and Rutland
  • Feel happier and healthier - research has shown that volunteering in wild spaces has a huge positive impact on mental and physical health
  • Learn how to carry out different tasks involved with the management of nature reserves, use different tools and improve your wildlife identification skills
  • Gain valuable experience - which is crucial if you are interested in a career in nature conservation
  • Meet new people and make friends who share your interests in wildlife
     

Who volunteers for Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust?

A wide range of people volunteer and make a real difference. In most cases, no previous experience is needed and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they wish. We try to cater for all abilities, too, so even if you're not too physically able, we can find a role to suit you.

Volunteer at Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Rutland Water Nature Reserve is one of the UK's leading nature reserves, and has one of the biggest conservation volunteer armies, too! Over 400 volunteers look after this beautiful site, help out in the visitor centres, assist with education and take part in monitoring.

Find out more

Ospreys Pandion Haliaetus nesting in Manton Bay Rutland Water July - David Tipling/2020VISION

What can you do as a Wildlife Trust volunteer?

Volunteering tasks are hugely varied, but here are a few examples:

Nature reserve management
Carry out vital reserve management work such as coppicing in ancient woodlands, clearing scrub to protect wildflower-rich meadows and cutting reedbeds to enhance this rare habitat.

Visitors centre assistant (Rutland Water Nature Reserve)
Welcome visitors and help run our shops in the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre and Lyndon Visitor Centre at Rutland Water nature reserve.

Wildlife Watch leader
Wildlife Watch is the junior wing of the Wildlife Trust. Help young people to explore their surroundings and get closer to the wildlife they share it with. You never know you might help foster the next David Attenborough!

Join a Local Group
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Local Groups organise fascinating talks and events throughout the year, which provide opportunities for people to enjoy and find out more about local wildlife and encourage support for the Trust.