Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve is an ancient woodland located in the centre of Peterlee.
Castle Eden Dene, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR), making it an important natural corridor for biodiversity conservation. As an NNR, it provides a sanctuary for many species that are rare or declining elsewhere, ensuring their survival and offering visitors a glimpse into an ancient and biodiverse ecosystem. Notable wildlife includes various bird species, mammals like badgers and deer, and a rich variety of plant life, including some local scarcities.
As a Practical Conservation Volunteer you will be contributing a hands on effort towards preserving, protecting, and restoring natural environments. This role is vital for maintaining biodiversity, improving ecosystems and preserving access to allow members of to public to safely.
As a practical conservation volunteer, you will:
- Participate in habitat restoration projects, including tree planting, scrub clearence and habitat creation.
- Assist in the maintenance of Castle Eden Dene as a community green space helping to maintain and improve public access through maintaining and improving, paths, steps and bridges.
- Remove non-native invasive species to help native plants and animals to thrive.
Skills and Experience:
- A passion for nature and conservation.
- A willingness to undertake physical outdoor work in various weather conditions.
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
- No prior experience required – training and tools will be provided.
- Variety of tasks available each week to suit all ability levels.
When
- Flexible Commitment
- Volunteer as much or as little as you can.
- Tasks vary each week with sessions running regularly each week predominantly Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Where
- Predominantly tasks will be under taken at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve located in Peterlee but there will be opportunities to volunteer on our other sites including our coastal site Teesmouth National Nature Reserve near Hartlepool, as well as out Magnesium limestone Grassland sites Cassop National Nature Reserve and Thrislington National Nature Reserve.
- Transport will be provided from Castle Eden Dene NNR when working on other sites.
As a new volunteer you will undertake an induction process where we will introduce you to the site and answer any questions you may have.
Full training will be provided when you begin volunteering with us, we also provide refresher training and invest in training and development for existing volunteers where appropriate.
As part of our volunteer team you will also be included in wider volunteer training, celebration and gratitude events.
Benefits
- Learn new practical conservation skills and techniques.
- Make a positive impact to wildlife in your local area.
- Improve your physical fitness and enjoy the mental health benefits of outdoor work.
- Meet new people and become part of a friendly, supportive community of volunteers.
- Opportunities for personal development and gaining experience in the environmental sector.
Volunteers should be 18 and over.
If you have any questions about any voluntary positions at Castle Eden Dene please don't hesitate to contact us through email at samantha.turnbull@durham.gov.uk
