Conservation Volunteers

What's great for health, happiness and habitat?

Conservation volunteering with the local Downlands Partnership team of course!

The Downlands Partnership, one of the three Surrey Countryside Partnerships, carries out practical, targeted habitat management work and access improvements on many glorious countryside sites, which includes, Banstead, Chipstead, Hooley and Caterham. 

We would greatly welcome some new volunteers to come and join our happy crew! There is no fixed commitment, you can join in on any of the local dates that you fancy, for a full (10-4) or half day (10-1).

We can accommodate and welcome larger corporate, community and school groups by special arrangement. Also voluntary work placements for people interested in a countryside management career. 

We recommend a scrub clearance (autumn/winter) or balsam/ragwort pulling task (spring/summer) as ideal to try if you are new to practical conservation volunteering.

What skills do I need?

You need to be reasonably fit. However, you can work at your own pace and take breaks as required.

You must not mind getting dirty and sometimes wet, as we work in all weathers!

Please wear old, comfortable, clothing (layers recommended and waterproofs if weather requires) plus sturdy footwear (steel toe-capped boots are best or wellies). Please bring your own gardening gloves if you have them and your own cup for hot drinks, also anything to sit on if preferred. Bring sunscreen and wear a hat in the hot summer weather too.

Please bring a packed lunch and water if staying all day.

We provide tea/coffee, biscuits, all tools and all necessary training/guidance and you will be covered under our Surrey County Council insurance.

There is no fixed commitment; you can join in as often as you like, it's a flexible role. 

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Our scheduled volunteering task days run from 10am to 4pm (we usually finish a bit earlier around 3-3.30pm during winter) on Tues, Weds and Thurs. You can join in all day or for a few hours/half day in the morning if preferred. We provide a full introduction to the task/site and a health & safety talk at the start of each session. Please note: we also run practical conservation volunteering sessions on Mondays (same timings) at the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area only, which is just outside the Reigate & Banstead area. New volunteers are always welcome on these task sessions as well, so please just get in touch if of interest.