As a Wildlife garden volunteer with Natural England your role will be to support the development, maintenance and enhancement of a wildlife garden based behind the café at the main entrance to Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve.
The wildlife garden has been designed to attract and sustain wildlife, while providing opportunities for education and community engagement.
As a wildlife garden volunteer, you will:
- Maintain and develop our wildlife garden.
- Plant and care for native plant species in our tree nursery for planting to maintain our magnificent ancient woodland.
- Build and Maintain habitats such as bird boxes, insect hotels, and ponds for wildlife.
- Monitor and record the variety of species visiting the garden.
- Estate maintenance, ensuring walkways, courtyard and paths are kept safe, accessible and clear of vegetation.
- Infrastructure repairs and upkeep of fencing, benches and other structures.
Skills and Experience:
- No previous training is required, all training will be provided.
- A love for nature and the outdoors.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
When
- Flexible Commitment
- Volunteer as much or as little as you can.
- Our gardening group meet weekly on a Monday morning with opportunities to volunteer throughout the week to suit your schedule.
Where
Volunteer in our Wildlife garden and around the lodge at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve in Peterlee
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
- Gains hands on experience in wildlife garden and conservation.
- Learn about native plants and local wildlife.
- Meet like-minded people and make new friends.
- Enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come from working outdoors.
Volunteers should be 18 and over.
