WWT is a conservation charity and volunteers help with many different aspects of the centre’s work. By providing information and assistance to our wide range of visitors or by working behind the scenes, volunteers help to ensure the smooth running of the centre. We try to make use of the skills and experience that volunteers bring with them, but much of the work does tend to be of a routine nature.
There are opportunities for both indoor and outdoor work, on weekdays or weekends and on a regular or occasional basis – the amount of time spent volunteering is very much up to the individual.
An induction pack, training sessions and working alongside staff or experienced volunteers are all used to help volunteers extend their knowledge and fulfil their duties. In addition, a volunteers’ newsletter is produced periodically and there is also a social events programme to help keep volunteers in touch and up to date with everything that’s going on.
Areas of Work
Information Desk
This is staffed by volunteers and it is usually visitors’ first point of contact after paying and is therefore vitally important. You do not need to be an expert or to be able to answer all questions, but you do need to be helpful and friendly and be able to inform people about events, activities, recent sightings and generally point them in the right direction.
Grounds & reserve
Work in the grounds is varied and allows people to work to their own abilities. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, just bags of energy and enthusiasm. Much of the work is routine maintenance, raking grass, weeding, planting, coppicing, fencing and painting. You do need to be reasonably fit as the nature of the work is physical and you will be outdoors in all weathers. It is very unlikely that volunteers will spend time in the duckery.
Canoe Safari and Bike Trail
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with these exciting new activities. British Canoe Union lifesaving and first aid qualifications would be an advantage but are not a requirement. Duties will include providing equipment such as buoyancy aids, paddles, trail guides and helmets, giving an induction, and coordinating condition of loan forms.
Education
Some volunteers help with school and educational visits, usually taking small groups around the grounds. The tours in the grounds are varied to link with our dedicated educational programmes delivered by our Learning Manager.
Guided walks & tours
Volunteers also help with guided tours for other visitors, including bird watching groups as well as those coming for a relaxing day out.
Other volunteers help in the creation of activities and props and we rely on volunteers to help with special events.
Restaurant
We also need occasional, additional help in the kitchen (though not with food preparation) especially at weekends or holiday time. As with all other areas of work, volunteers need to be helpful and friendly.
Visitors and staff benefit greatly from the help given by volunteers and we hope that volunteers gain as much in return.
Contact us
If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Eleanor Keatley, on 01554 741087.