Volunteering opportunities - Leadership & Advocacy

This role involves being invited to visit gardens to give encouraging advice and guidance on how to create and improve spaces for wildlife. This is an advisory role; you will not be asked to complete practical gardening tasks. We are not currently recruiting for this role. 

Currently recruiting!

This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who wants to share their love of the nature world and help others to connect with nature. Whether you’re short on time or have lots to give, you can get involved. You don’t need to be an expert; we just need your enthusiasm! 

We know that for large scale societal change to take place, we need at least 1 in 4 people acting in support of nature.  To raise awareness and encourage more individuals to get involved, we will need to reach thousands of people every year, across Somerset, including through a series of engaging events. 

This could include guided walks around reserves, species ID and recording events, beach cleans or building homes for nature and talks focused on British nature recovery projects. 

As a volunteer it is up to you how much time you give, but we ask that for this role you lead or support with at least one event a year. 

Tasks involved in this will vary depending on the events you choose to hold but could include: 

• Contacting speakers or guided walk leaders 

• Booking a venue 

• Staying in touch with other local volunteers to coordinate plans 

• Local publicity i.e. putting up posters (template available) 

• Set-up and pack down of events 

• Taking admission fees, signing people in, talking to members of the public and being an ambassador for our work 

Please email volunteering@somersetwildlife.org. 

Currently recruiting!

From time-to-time Somerset Wildlife Trust receive requests to deliver talks or attend events across the county for organisations such as the WI, scouts and village environment groups. These are fantastic opportunities to engage with the community and involve people in creating a Wilder Somerset. Speaker fees from events go directly back into supporting our wider nature recovery work. 

We're looking for volunteers to help support us deliver this important engagement work. We receive requests from across the county, so you'll need to have access to your own transport and be comfortable travelling to attend events or talks. You will need to enjoy engaging with others and be a confident public speaker - happy talking to a wide range of audiences. And of course, you’ll be passionate about creating a Wilder Somerset! 

We will provide template presentations and some additional resources. You don't need to be a wildlife expert, but a good general knowledge of British wildlife and familiarity with the work of Somerset Wildlife Trust is essential. We will support you to promote and deliver talks, which typically last for 40 minutes with time after for questions. The presentations are delivered using a PowerPoint presentation (which we provide, along with a projector if required), along with accompanying notes.

Please email volunteering@somersetwildlife.org. 

Through our Youth Forum we support an amazing group of young people to have a voice within the charity and the environmental politics and policy of Somerset. 

Applications are now closed for our 24/25 cohort and will open again in Feb 2025. For any questions in the meantime, email our Wilder Youth Officer Siân on sian.bentley@somersetwildlife.org.  For updates on our youth work follow our youth Instagram, @wilderyouthswt. 

Closing date: Monday 27th January 2025

We are looking for a dynamic, passionate individual to join our group of Trustees who provide strategic leadership to achieve the strategic goals of Somerset Wildlife Trust. We require someone who has the relevant strategic knowledge gained from life, from working in land management or from the nature friendly farming sector.

You will need to bring a high level of personal integrity, have the time to commit, and heaps of energy and enthusiasm for the work of Somerset Wildlife Trust and a passion for wildlife.

If this appeals and you fit the role description, then we want to hear from you. You could be part of the team that steers our charity and its governance at a critical time.

We are currently seeking a new Trustee and would welcome expressions of interest if you feel you would be able to contribute to the strategic development of the charity.

We are an inclusive, diverse organisation and encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds with relevant skills and experience. We welcome the opportunity to discuss any access needs to ensure an equitable and supportive Trustee experience.

We are particularly interested in talking to people with specific expertise and skills in any of the following areas:

• Nature-friendly / regenerative farming practices as a land or estates manager

• Land agent

• Experience or knowledge of managing land for nature and working with other land managers.

Ideal person specification

• Committed to the mission and values of the Trust – potential Trustees must be members of the Trust at the time of seeking election at the AGM and throughout their term of office.

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be an effective Trustee.

• Ability to think logically and objectively in order to identify key issues, with the confidence to make balanced and independent judgements, which support robust decision-making.

• Up-to-date IT and digital skills to facilitate collaborative and remote working.

• Willing to voice your opinion in a board setting, to listen to others’ views and be flexible, constructive and open to challenge.

• Understanding and accepting of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a charity Trustee.

Trustee recruitment pack

How to apply:

Applications can be sent in any format providing they include information found in a CV, and with a covering statement setting out your skills and experience relevant to the role description and skills we are seeking.

Your application should be sent by email to governance@somersetwildlife.org by 27th January 2025.

If you wish to have an informal discussion with an existing Trustee before applying, please contact governance@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400.

Interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates in February to discuss your relevant skills and experience, and how you would complement the existing board of Trustees.