Over the last 12 months alone our Volunteers have made a demonstrable impact on the Kent landscape and beyond. Examples of how they have supported staff and stakeholders include natural erosion management at Sevenoaks, back garden development at Heather Corrie Ranger Station, pond creation at Polhill, the completion of Plant Sow Grow and the first year of vegetable produce from a growing space at Tyland Barn, surveying priority species & habitat restoration maintaining our status as a Conservation Evidence Champion, engaged with the public and shared knowledge and skills through Wild About Gardens and our many Livestock Checkers that support Wilder Grazing through vital health checks of our grazing animals.
These examples are by no means exhaustive and so during national ‘Volunteers Week’ we would like to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers. Their dedication and hard work are essential to our mission, and we couldn't achieve our goals without them. Each action they take supports the vital work of conservation, helping to create a Wilder Kent.
Group of volunteers at Queendown Warren
People volunteer for many different reasons including to help people, to improve things, to use their skills, meet people and to support a cause that’s important to them. With many charities and not-for profit organisations needing volunteer support, why choose Kent Wildlife Trust?
Our mission is simple yet ambitious:
To increase wildlife abundance and climate resilience across 30% of Kent's land and sea.Kent Wildlife Trust Mission
Wildlife must be restored to support key natural processes like pollination, we can no longer allow common things to become rare. By working with communities and partners, we believe that we can save and restore our natural world.
By volunteering at Kent Wildlife Trust, you will take an active role in protecting the environment, learn new skills, and build lasting relationships. It's not only a fulfilling way to spend time, but you also know that each action taken supports the vital work of conservation. But volunteering at Kent Wildlife Trust is more than giving back to nature; it's also about personal growth and fulfilment.
Learning and Development: Volunteering provides hands-on experience in conservation practices. Our Volunteers learn about wildlife identification, habitat management, and ecological principles, gaining valuable skills that can be useful in various career paths or for personal enrichment. Access to discounts on study days, qualifications in aspects of health and safety and learn directly from our incredibly experienced and knowledgeable conservationists across the Trust.
Community Engagement: Volunteering can be a wonderful social activity. It offers a chance to meet people who share a passion for nature and conservation, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
‘From home’ and seasonal roles: There are many volunteer roles at Kent Wildlife Trust where your time is on your terms! Data, livestock checking, species monitoring, water health checks and much more can be done on your own schedule and some from the comfort of your home.
Health and Wellbeing: It’s well documented that spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity is beneficial for both mental and physical health, and we have that in abundance. Our Volunteers often report feeling more connected to nature and experience reduced stress levels.
What our volunteers say:
It’s absolutely easy to join in, friendly and you’ll always be welcomed because we always want more people.Volunteer quote
I’m learning more about wildlife and how the countryside actually works in terms of its natural habitats and flora and fauna.Volunteer quote
I’ve found this a very good way of keeping active and gaining fresh interest in nature and the countryside around me.Volunteer quote
My job was nothing like this, it wasn’t outside and it did nothing for the environment or for nature and part of it was to compensate for that.Volunteer quote
It’s absolutely easy to join in, friendly and you’ll always be welcomed because we always want more people.Volunteer quote
Kent Wildlife Trust offers a wide range of volunteering roles to suit different interests and availability:
Darent Valley Volunteers rescued and re-installed the box on a nearby tree by Jennie Showers
Getting started as a volunteer at Kent Wildlife Trust is really straightforward. Visit the Trust’s website to view current volunteering opportunities and fill out an application form. There is an induction and safeguarding process, which includes training and an introduction to the Trust’s work and policies.
No specific qualifications are required to volunteer, but enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a passion for conservation are highly valued. The Trust also ensures that volunteers are well-supported, recognised and offers ongoing training and development opportunities.
Over to our wonderful Volunteers:
“It’s absolutely easy to join in, friendly and you’ll always be welcomed because we always want more people.”
“Most people do it for the social aspect as well as the work aspect!”
“I wanted to meet other people.”
“What I’d like to see is more young people coming in. Those who want to get out and about and mix up the demographic.”
“I joined encouraged by a couple of friends. I found it easy to join and was encouraged to just give it a go.”
Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or can commit to regular involvement, there’s a place for everyone in the effort to create a Wilder Kent!
At Kent Wildlife Trust, our volunteers are one of our most precious resources in the journey to create a #WilderKent. Without their passion, dedication, and tireless efforts, so much of what we achieve wouldn’t be possible.
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