Work Party Volunteers (Basildon)
Langdon Nature Discovery Park,
Langdon Nature Discovery ParkLower Dunton Road, Basildon, SS16 6EJ
Position details
Commitment:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, SaturdayFrequency:
WeeklyRole purpose
To participate in organised outdoor activities to help manage Essex Wildlife Trusts nature reserves for the benefits of wildlife.
Background detail
Essex Wildlife Trust has 87 Nature Reserves, two Nature Parks and manage 8,400 acres of land. Work Party Volunteers manage our nature reserves alongside the Volunteer Wardens and Essex Wildlife Trust Conservation team.
In the summer months volunteers help with tasks such as fencing, path maintenance, litter picking. Winter tasks involve coppicing, hedge laying, scrub management, and invasive species removal.
Location
Langdon Nature Discovery Park, Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, SS16 6EJ
Langdon and Lake Meadows is set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises of woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. Langdon nature reserve is the largest inland reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. The nature reserve occupies some of the highest land in the county, has some commanding views and offers miles of excellent walks, where an abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed.
Time commitment
Langdon Reserve: Wed-Friday from 9:30am until 1pm or 3pm.
Lake Meadows Reserve: Friday and Saturday 09:30am until 1pm.
We take a morning tea beak and stop for lunch. You are not required to stay for the whole session if you need to leave early.
Tasks carried out on work parties derive from a pre agreed site management plan.
- Willingness to be outdoors for a 2-4-hour period.
- Must have an adequate level of fitness to participate, this may include walking on uneven ground, assisting lifting heavy tools and using tools with a repetitive motion.
- Will usually require own transport to site, on some occasion’s volunteers may be willing to car- pool.
- Volunteers work at their own pace and be comfortable in taking breaks when needed.
- Some nature reserves will not have access to toilets and washing facilities.
Sturdy work boots or wellies is required and clothes you don't mind getting muddy and dirty, plus water and food.
Role description
- Working outdoors to assist management of Essex Wildlife reserves on a wide variety of conservation tasks.
- Following the annual site management plan.
- Utilising a variety of hand tools to help complete tasks.
- Ensure that the work carried out on reserves is efficient and the reserves are left safe and tidy for visitors.
- Following Essex Wildlife Trust Codes of Good Practice, and help promote these motivating and supporting other volunteers.
- To uphold the values of Essex Wildlife Trust and to discuss the aims of the Trust with the aim to getting new members.
- Adhere to procedures relating to hygiene, health and safety, fire and security and any other relevant risk assessment information.
Specialist knowledge and experience
- Listen to their work party leader and carefully following instructions and adhering to health and safety advice.
- Enthusiasm, a positive attitude and an ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds is essential.
Why volunteer and why this opportunity?
If you enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people and hands on conservation work, then this role could be the perfect opportunity for you. This role does involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so will enable you to keep your fitness levels high, as well as helping your mental health and wellbeing.
You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, and you might find it rewarding to safeguard nature in the area you are working to protect.
As well as the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a local wildlife charity, the role provides opportunities to develop skills and knowledge. It is also an opportunity to become part of a thriving community of committed volunteers. This opportunity will allow you to get to know your local community well and connect with other Essex Wildlife Trust members and volunteers in your area.
The work party is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and learn new skills whilst helping nature flourish.
Special conditions
- Work Party Volunteers must be aged 18 or over.
- All Essex Wildlife Trust volunteers are required to complete any essential training.
EDI Statement
Essex Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we know how important diversity is, both in our natural world and amongst the people who choose to volunteer with us. We want everyone to feel valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A county rich in wildlife with people connected to nature”.