Coronavirus and volunteers

Our response to our volunteers about the Coronavirus...

Our Response

As reports of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continue to develop, Kent Wildlife Trust assures you that we are committed to our mission to restore, save and enhance our natural heritage and have been working hard to minimise disruption and promote the safety and good health of all of our staff, supporters and volunteers.

Our members, supporters, and volunteers

We are thinking of all our wonderful members, supporters and volunteers at this time, and hope you each stay safe and well. We remain incredibly grateful for all that you allow us to do and we will continue to work for wildlife both during this period and beyond. We recognise how important nature is for our wellbeing so we encourage you to follow us on social media and check our website for updates on things you can do from home, or in your garden.

Our Volunteers

We have taken the decision, after the recent Government announcement, to suspend practical volunteering until further notice. We will review the situation again once the Government has updated the restrictions in regards to COVID-19. Volunteers who are able to work from home can continue as normal and should liaise with your line manager. We understand that you may be disappointed with this decision, however, staff and volunteer safety is our priority. 

We will be continuing with livestock checker duties for volunteers as this is an individual activity and can be part of the daily exercise allowed, however, we will continue to review the situation each week. 

If you require further information or support, please email volunteering@kentwildlife.org.uk. We have qualified mental health first aiders who would be happy to support you during this difficult time.

If you have any further questions regarding your volunteer task, please contact the relevant person below:

Group tasks

Cancelled until further notice, if you require any more information please contact Keeley.atkinson@kentwildlife.org.uk

Corporate task days

Cancelled until further notice, if you require any more information please contact Keeley.atkinson@kentwildlife.org.uk

Livestock Checkers

Please continue to check the livestock as normal as livestock checking is working outside in a low-risk environment with minimal public contact, however, if you fall into the high-risk category please contact your warden so we can discuss continued working arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your warden. New offers of help during this time should contact Alison.ruyter@kentwildlife.org.uk

Office based and visitor centre based Volunteers

Given the current Government advice, we are asking volunteers not to come in to the office. If you would like more information please contact your supervisor or email Keeley.atkinson@kentwildlife.org.uk,
Visitor Centre volunteers should contact your Visitor Centre Manager.

Hide and Trail/ honorary wardens / any other Independent Outdoor Volunteers

If you are independently working outside in a low-risk environment and don’t fall into the high-risk category please continue with your role whilst you are willing or able to do so. Please keep in regular contact with your Kent Wildlife Trust contact. If you require more information please contact  Keeley.atkinson@kentwildlife.org.uk

Education and Forest School Volunteers

Many schools are cancelling their visits so please keep in contact with Anna so we can keep you up to date education@kentwildlife.org.uk

Ecology Group Volunteers

Please contact Lucy Lucy.carden@kentwildlife.org.uk

Nature’s Sure Connected volunteers

We appreciate your continued support and patience in this very difficult time, please stay safe and if you require any information or help please contact Keeley.atkinson@kentwildlife.org.uk

We will continue to keep you updated through our e-newsletter, website and our social media channels so please subscribe and follow us to keep up-to-date.

To read the government guidelines and response to Coronavirus, click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

What you can do at home