Practical Conservation Volunteer – St Catherine’s Hill, Winchester

Location: St Catherine's Hill, Winchester 

Times/days we'd like you to be available: Work parties every other Wednesday and every other Thursday (alternate weeks). 

Purpose of role: This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in practical nature conservation alongside our friendly reserves team, whilst meeting new like-minded people and making a difference by helping to maintain our important nature reserves. Volunteers are an essential part of the HIWWT team, and we simply wouldn't be able to maintain some of these incredibly important sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction, and be provided with all equipment, uniforms and anything else required to thrive in this role. We also offer additional formal training certifications to aid those looking to start a career in conservation - or for those simply looking to amplify their impact on the reserves.

Tasks involved in this role: 

• Carrying out practical work to maintain and/or improve habitats on our reserves e.g. Tree felling, scrub control and removal of weeds.
• Carrying out practical estate work to maintain and/or improve public access, facilities and the estate fabric e.g. installing/repairing fences, installing gates.
• Occasionally assist in the husbandry of livestock on Trust reserves. E.g. moving cattle or sheep on reserves under the supervision of staff member.
• Working in compliance with the Trust’s Health and Safety policy at all times, taking appropriate action and reporting back on potential hazards, accidents and other issues, such as evacuation and emergency procedures. 

Skills and abilities needed: 

Essential:

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Have good attention to detail
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills
• Have an interest in the natural world
• Physically fit enough to complete tasks required (Site is typically quite steep).

Desirable:

• Practical skills
• Experience of using power tools
• Previous experience in the nature conservation sector.

What's in it for you...!

• Gain new skills.
• Learn about the wildlife found in and around Winchester.
• Get to visit and explore new wildlife sites in your area.
• Make new friends.
• A different way of keeping fit and active