Our WWT Llanelli site consists of 450 acres of saltmarsh, lakes, scrapes, pools, streams, and lagoons - providing refuge for a huge diversity of plants and animals. Managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical hands-on tasks. With training and guidance, you will become part of our friendly and dedicated Wednesday Reserve Volunteering Team.
Your role will be to provide regular support in all practical management of our amazing reserve - including maintaining habitats, increasing species biodiversity, and ensuring the reserve and grounds look their best. This is a fantastic opportunity to get stuck in with some practical nature conservation as part of a friendly team, and could be a stepping stone for anyone wanting to gain further experience to help gain a career in conservation.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with the necessary equipment, uniform, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.
Main tasks
- Assisting with practical reserve management including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding, fencing, removal of invasive plant species
- Ensuring reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately, including ditches, channels, and ponds
- Constructing and maintaining access routes to the bird hides, including maintenance of fences, footpaths, benches, and hides
- Creating and maintaining wildlife habitat including ponds, woodland, and meadows
- Operating machinery and hand tools safely & correctly to carry out habitat management
- Observing health & safety regulations at all times to ensure the safety, welfare, and enjoyment of everyone on site
- Supporting research and monitoring activities, including wildlife surveys for otter, mink, breeding birds, reptiles, water voles, butterflies, and dragonflies
No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important.
However, this role would suit you if:
- You are practically minded and have a can-do attitude
- You are reasonably physically fit and able to lift/use power tools
- You have a passion for nature and wildlife conservation
- You are willing to get stuck into working outdoors and are happy to work in all weathers
- You can work independently using your own initiative and keep self-motivated
- You have experience of habitat management or are willing to develop these skills
- You are confident in talking to and engaging with visitors, and can adapt your communication style to suit your audience
- You enjoy working as part of a small close-working team of staff and volunteers
- You will need to be available to volunteer on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm
- This role is suitable for people under 18 years
We are WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or spend time in our wildlife-rich wetlands, there’s a volunteer role for you. Just a few hours spent volunteering can really make a world of difference to our wildlife, and to you.
So, come surround yourself with the wonder of wetlands, and the people who inject their energy and passion into them. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. The only question left is, what role will you play?
- Make a real contribution to the conservation and engagement work of WWT
- Work at one of our beautiful and internationally important wetland sites
- Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded nature lovers who bring energy, passion, and expertise to their roles
- Make new friends and become part of an inspiring and inclusive community
- Gain volunteering experience and learn & develop new skills
- Get volunteer discount for WWT shops, café, and membership
- Get free entry to all our UK wetland centres, including for your family
- Receive access to wildlife talks, webinars, and practical information to help you manage your volunteer role as well as daily life
- Be kept informed on what’s happening across the WWT and the positive change you are helping to make happen