HOW TO GET INVOLVED AS A VOLUNTEER
Without the enthusiasm and dedication of people volunteering, environmental groups could not operate or achieve what they have managed to do.
Volunteering gives you the chance to socialise with like-minded people and enjoy yourself, as well as benefiting the environment. Volunteering offer you he chance to participate in the community and do yu bit. Volunteering with a practical group also gives the added benefit of getting fit while volunteering!
You can get involved as a volunteer in a variety of ways, both outdoors and indoors:
- Practical environmental volunteering involves working outdoors with tools to build or maintain habitats.
- Support with office work, fundraising, campaigning and lobbying are also vital for voluntary organisations.
All groups welcome new volunteers from any background and there is usually a range of tasks to suit all abilities and fitness levels. All of the groups appreciate any time commitment that you can make, whether that's an hour or two for one activity or each month or whole days at a time.
This Web site has an extensive Groups Database of local environmental groups and an Events Calendar showing the dates and times of practical conservation volunteering activities around the borough.
Practical projects: on the day
It is normally a good idea to contact the group in advance to double-check that the task is still going ahead as planned. The nature of working in the environment that volunteer workdays/projects often have to be changed at short notice.
If you are looking to volunteer, then the following advice is given by practical groups:
- Please wear sturdy footwear (walking boots if possible) or old shoes
- Please wear old and strong clothes that you don't mind getting dirty
- Bring a waterproof coat
- Bring food and drink with you if you intend to stay all day
- Apply sun protection if the weather looks to be sunny (or even if it is overcast during the summer, if you are particularly fair-skinned)
Please do tell the project organiser if you have enjoyed your day. We also welcome any feedback about the task or group here at REN, and you can send us your comments through our Contact Us page.
If you don't want to get muddy!
A number of groups rely on volunteers to play a greater role within the function of the group. A good example of this is BTCV and ourselves at REN, who have Volunteer Officers (or VOs) who undertake much of the day-to-day running of the organisation. This type of involvement offers an excellent way to get out of the house and gain valuable work experience. Some of the opportunities currently available with us and other organisations can be found on our "Getting More Involved" page. Alternatively, it is always worth contacting a local group that and asking what help they need. You can find contact details for the groups on our Groups Database, or you could go to one of their meetings (check the Events Calendar for dates and times). They will be able to let you know how you can get involved.
Further information
If you have any questions about environmental volunteering, then please Contact Us and we will answer as quickly as we can.
You can also sign up for e-mail updates to receive information on events and activities around the borough. Your e-mail address will not be passed to any other organisations and this service is fully compliant with data protection laws.
