Would you like to get involved in amphibian and reptile conservation?

Volunteering for The HCT

10 frequently asked questions about volunteering…

1 Q. What skills do I need?

A. No specific skills are needed to be a volunteer for the Trust, just a desire to help wildlife.

2 Q. How long do I need to volunteer for?

A. For as long as you see fit. You are under no obligation to turn up if you are unable to.

3. Q. Who can volunteer?

A. Anyone can, whatever their background; whether you are in full time employment, at school, retired or unemployed.

4 Q. What age limits are there?

A. None. It doesn’t matter what age you are, although under 18’s must have written permission from their parents or guardian and under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

5 Q. Do I need any specialist training before I can volunteer?

A. No. All training will be provided as and when necessary.

6 Q. What can I do to help?

A. The list continues to grow, but probably practical conservation work, surveying and monitoring animals, site wardening, helping at shows and events and talking to members of the public on our reserves.

7 Q. Why should I help?

A. You get to meet new, like-minded people, develop new interests and gain knowledge, experience, qualifications and help secure and maintain some of Britain’s rarest habitats and wildlife.

8 Q. How much support will the Trust give me?

A. As much or as little as you need; we will never ask you to do anything we won’t do ourselves.

9 Q. Will it help further my career in conservation?

A. Almost definitely. Virtually all conservation organisations are unlikely to offer you a full time post without having experience, such as volunteer hours under your belt.

10 Q. How do I find out more?

A. Download the enrolment form (link at bottom of page) and email or post it back to us at The HCT, or give us a call.

Volunteer Charter - your rights and responsibilities

As a volunteer, you are incredibly valuable to The HCT, its staff, trustees and the general public. By working alongside our full time staff you can help the Trust achieve so much for conservation.
To this end, as a volunteer you can expect:
• A clear volunteer support framework and a nominated member of staff as point of contact for the task in hand
• To be given tasks that you are capable of and that are of benefit to the Trust
• To have pre-agreed expenses reimbursed at appropriate rates
• Safe working conditions
• To be kept informed of changes and developments that affect your role as a volunteer
• To feel that your contribution is valued and appreciated by full time staff who are aware of the nature and purpose of volunteering
• To have access to complaints procedures via an independent member of staff
• To be able to see how your contribution fits into the broader objectives of the Trust
• Not to be used in a role to displace a paid employee
• To have the option to stop your volunteering contribution at any time

In return we ask that our volunteers:
• Work with us to achieve our aims and objectives
• Be reliable
• Give a certain level of commitment
• Air any problems/grievances immediately to the appropriate person
• Respect confidentiality, equal opportunities and health and safety policies
• Attend and use appropriate training
• Uphold the name of The HCT
• Provide notice of your intention to stop volunteering for us where possible
• Enjoy yourself!!
 

The primary responsibility for volunteers within the Dorset area, the single largest area which attracts most of our work rests with Graham Stanley, the Dorset Reserves Community Officer. The following describes his duties and gives an idea of how needs and will support you, the volunteer:-

The Dorset Reserves Community Officer (DRCO) post is a 5 year project for The HCT supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The purpose of the job is:
• To encourage community participation in the wardening and management of HCT’s nature reserves
• To encourage interest, understanding and responsible use of sites by local people and visitors
• To encourage involvement and support from local communities (e.g. by increased awareness of heathland issues and establish and support volunteer schemes)
• To improve the condition of the sites and the perception of such sites by the public
• To develop strategies to sustain community involvement into the future
The DRCO will be appealing to local people to get involved with our nature reserves and forging close links with local groups such as direct neighbours, schools, youth groups, Parish Council’s and residents associations primarily on the 10 sites identified as a priority within the project. Together, we will develop opportunities for active involvement with voluntary wardening and conservation habitat management to benefit the local biodiversity and landscape. This will be achieved through guided walks, talks, newsletters, formal and informal events and by providing a friendly point of contact. A key element of the post is to establish site focussed “Friends of…” / volunteer groups. (We want you to help with all of the above!!)

Please click here for a printable Volunteers Enrolment Form