Volunteers

Working indoors or outdoors, day-time or night-time, on the reserve or elsewhere, there are literally hundreds of people who contribute to the running of the nature reserve – and derive enormous pleasure, satisfaction and fulfilment from what they do.

It's all go at the Reception Desk in the Visitor Centre

The outdoor volunteer team in the summer of 2010

Volunteers using the reserve's tractor for hedging

Volunteering at Rutland Water is suitable for all age groups and abilities – from students undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh Award or looking for work experience to retired people developing a new interest or indulging a passion for wildlife.

Every year tens of thousands of hours of volunteer time are recorded on the reserve.

Why volunteer with us?

By volunteering to help the Trust you are also joining an army of volunteers committed to promoting and protecting wildlife throughout Leicestershire andRutland.

Help us to raise awareness of conservation issues by educating the public about the habitats and wildlife we are trying to conserve. Volunteering provides a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Our voluntary opportunities offer the chance to get hands-on experience of environmental and conservation work as well as visitor services, events and tourism. This is a good chance to add to your skills and develop your C.V.
Being close to nature is a good way to reduce your stress levels, volunteering gives a sense of achievement and contentment.
Getting out and about is a good way to lead a healthier lifestyle. Our outdoor work provides a fantastic way to get fit that’s cheap and easy to find the motivation to do.

Voluntary Opportunities

Volunteer in our visitor centres

Come and volunteer in either one of our two visitor centres. We count very much on our volunteers to keep the Visitor Centres running, to greet visitors, sell permits, answer queries and sell goods for the Trust. Volunteers carry out a vital job. They are also “ambassadors” for Rutland Water Nature Reserve in their day-to-day contact with visitors. You would be working a 3 ½ to 4 hour morning or afternoon shift at either our Egleton or Lyndon visitor centre.

Conservation work parties

Our outdoor work parties carry out conservation work on the both the Egleton and Lyndon reserves on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The group meets at 8:45am and finishes at approximately 4:00pm. The type of work undertaken depends on the time of year, but may include coppicing, hedge-laying, building hides, dry stone walling, fencing, reed bed management, path construction and much more!

Weekend work groups

One Sunday a month from October through to March the Osprey project staff run an outdoor work party on the Lyndon Nature Reserve. The group meets at the Lyndon Centre at 10am. The group then work until around 3pm with a break for a hot lunch – which is provided. Work planned for this year includes gorse management, coppicing, hedge-laying, willow fencing and reed clearance. It’s a chance to meet up with other volunteers, have a bit of fun and get some conservation work done at the same time! (Limited number of places)

The Osprey Project

The Osprey Project is a partnership between Anglian Water and The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. This opportunity will provide you with valuable practical experience in a high profile and successful conservation project. Volunteers are essential in monitoring the movement and events of Ospreys throughout the season.

You would also be helping to raise awareness of by talking with the hundreds of visitors who flock to the reserve every year to see this amazing bird. From April through to September the volunteer team assists the project staff to record the Ospreys eating habits, movements, behaviour and general wellbeing.

Wildlife recording and surveying

Wildlife is being surveyed and recorded every day here at Rutland Water. If you are a good naturalist or are keen to learn and would like to get involved please let us know.

Wildlife gardening

We have a wildlife garden right next to the Anglian Water Birdwatching centre and we’re always in need of extra pairs of hands to help with its upkeep. Our gardeners visit once a week for a couple of hours to keep it looking tidy. If you are a keen gardener please get in touch for more details.

Birdfair

Held at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, the Birdfair is the biggest event of its kind in the world. The dates for the 2012 Birdfair are the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th August. As well as indulging your passion for wildlife, you’ll be helping to raise funds for our adopted BirdLife International conservation project. In 2011 over 200 volunteers from all over the country gave their time to help with the running of the fair, but despite having so many people on the team we still need more help! Birdfair provides an opportunity to do your bit for conservation and to be a part of a huge family and a fantastic atmosphere. If you are interested in offering your services, whether it be for a few hours or for 3 days, we would love to hear from you. There are a number of duties you can get involved in, doing as much or as little as you want. Please see the Birdfair website www.birdfair.org.uk for more details.

Duke of Edinburgh Groups

On the first Sunday of every month from October through to April we run a work group for students wishing to complete the service section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. The group undertake conservation tasks on the reserve such as coppicing, hedge-laying and cutting back. We consider the work done by our D of E volunteers to be extremely valuable in the maintenance and improvement of the habitat for wildlife and hope that the students enjoy the chance to be part of such an important team. Students will be asked to submit an application form to attend these sessions. We are looking for students who have a keen interest in nature conservation.

Who can volunteer?

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and provide opportunities for a whole range of abilities. There is no need for particular skills or experience. You train as you work, and the Trust will be happy to help to further your skills if that seems appropriate.

In general (there are a few exceptions) volunteers must be 16 or over. If you are under 18 your parent or guardian must give their consent and you must be supervised by a CRB checked adult at all times. We cannot guarantee that supervision will always be available so this may restrict younger people to joining in with specific work groups. There is no upper age limit; volunteers are welcome to join in as long as they can carry out their work effectively and providing their own or others health and safety is not put in danger.

You don’t have to be a member of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust to volunteer with us, but as a member you will receive regular newsletters from the Trust and the national network.

How much time must I give?

There is no obligation to commit to a minimum amount of time. We ask that if you wish to volunteer for a particular shift or work party that you try to commit to the whole of that shift or the duration of an outdoor task. In circumstances where others depend on you being there we ask that you give us reasonable warning if you are unable to come in.

How do I become a volunteer?

To volunteer with us please get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator, Becky Corby. Becky will invite you to one of our monthly “New Volunteer Information Sessions” which are designed to give you an idea of what volunteering at Rutland Water involves in more detail.

Click here to book a place on the next session!

This is a chance to ask any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend one of these meetings an individual session can be arranged. Before you can begin volunteering you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and a registration form. The registration form is an important part of the Trust’s ongoing obligation to meet the requirements of health and safety legislation. This form also asks for contact details and information which will help us ensure your safety and also to find the best type of volunteering work for you. This information will be kept confidential and not used for any other purpose. You will then be given a copy of the Trust’s Volunteer Guidelines and Rutland Water Volunteer Handbook. These contain important information about your relationship with the Trust and on keeping safe while carrying out your duties.

If you are interested in joining the team then please contact Becky Corby or another member of staff. You can be sure of a very warm welcome.