Commitment: Any day of the week
Frequency: At least two shifts per month, preferably on a regular day and time
Location: Wilder Blean project, based at West Blean & Thornden Woods Reserve
Project Background
In 2019 Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust launched a flagship wilding project, ‘Wilder Blean’, funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The project will restore natural processes to the woodland through the introduction of European Bison, Long Horn Cattle, Exmoor Ponies and Iron Age Pigs. This will ensure the woods are able to withstand the current environmental crisis and species decline, and in the long run, reverse it. One of the key aims of the project is that people are advocates of the project, to ensure that wilding is a success for years to come we need people from all walks of life to support this project. More information about the project can be found on our webpage - https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/wilderblean
Why Do We Need You?
The Wilder Blean project is a huge, groundbreaking project and we can’t do it alone! With the UKs only Bison Bridges due to open in 2025 we anticipate the woods to become busier and we need volunteers to help us share information with visitors, provide directions, and share information about the wildlife in the woodland.
We also need volunteers to help us make sure that we’re all looking after the wildlife in the woodland by ensuring visitors abide by the code of conduct, such as ensuring responsible dog behaviour, preventing littering and keeping a distance from livestock.
What Will You Be Doing?
- Greeting visitors to the woodland
- Providing information such as: directions, wildlife facts, works updates
- Encouraging visitors to abide by the site code of conduct
- No previous experience required
- This role requires training prior to starting.
- You should be happy to work outdoors in all weathers
- Willing to work as part of a team
- Willing to work alone
- Be personable, chatty and not afraid to strike up a conversation.
- You’ll need to enjoy meeting new people
- Comfortable working around large livestock including: Long horn cattle, Exmoor ponies and Iron Age pigs
- Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
- A passion for nature and wildlife
- A want to share the message of wilding
- Happy to be part of a Whatsapp group with other greeter volunteers and KWT staff
What's In It For The Volunteer?
- Volunteers will receive training in how to behave around large livestock
- Volunteers may receive training in managing difficult situations/conflict management
Aspects To Consider Before Applying
- Reasonable expenses can be paid
- Full training is given and you’ll only be asked to do work you are comfortable with
- The volunteer role is open to applicants over the age of 18
- This role is subject to a DBS check
- You need to be able to get to West Blean and Thornden Woods regularly