Reserve Support volunteer

Volunteers are integral to the running of our London reserve and without their help we wouldn’t be able to maintain this amazing 105 acre wetland of international importance, with views across to the City. Our volunteer team are friendly, motivated and hard-working and say they benefit by gaining new experiences, meeting new people and most importantly making a difference by helping maintain important wetland habitat.
Onsite Volunteer Role
Apply by: 29 Jun 2025

Opportunity Snapshot

Commitment

Weekdays, Flexible

Format

Onsite

Eligibility

Age 18-

Your Role in Creating Change

About The Role
Maintaining and managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical, hands on physical tasks. With first-class training and guidance, you’ll be part of a small and dedicated Tuesday Reserve Support team that cares for a variety of breeds in all weathers, to help tell our conservation story. Your role will be to provide regular support to the reserves team in all practical reserve management, to maintain habitats, increase species biodiversity and ensure the reserve and grounds areas are functioning at their best for our visitors.

You'll be an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 
 
Due to the nature of and training for this role, we ask for a commitment of a minimum of 6 months volunteering. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a taster session alongside the team on Tuesday 8th July. Those selected will ideally join the team on Tuesday 22nd July, or soon afterwards.
 
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email [email protected] or leave a message at 01453 891 231 with your name and number. 
About You

This an ideal role for someone who has a can-do attitude and are happy to help us in all weathers, being both a practical person and physically fit. Having experience in some habitat management would be helpful, but a keenness to learn is more important. It’s a closely-working team, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated is also needed. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors with the work of WWT is also a key part of this role. Main tasks include:
  • assisting with all practical reserve management activities including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding and fencing
  • supporting staff and other volunteers with the construction and maintenance of island scrapes, ditches and reed beds, ensuring that reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately (boat use may be needed)
  • operating agreed machinery safely in order to carry out management activities
  • assisting with the construction and maintenance of access routes to the bird hides including the maintenance of fences, footpaths and hides
  • working with a variety of hand tools safely and correctly, observing and applying health and safety regulations at all times
  • taking due care for the safety, welfare and enjoyment of the visiting public
  • you may be asked to undertake related ad hoc tasks

About Us

We’re 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 they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

  • - Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
  • - Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
  • - Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
  • - Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
  • - Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
  • - Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life


Practicalities
Where will you be based?                           London Wetland Centre

Who will you volunteer with?                         Reserve Support Team – led by Reserve Manager

Time commitment?                                             We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to Tuesday and/or Wednesday on a regular basis. Shifts days are 9.00am and finish at c4.30pm. However, we will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute. 

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need.  This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need.

Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing. If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website. We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

About WWT London Wetland Centre

For Wetlands. For Life.

We’re 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 they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

WWT London Wetland Centre 
WWT London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people. The Centre holds the Gold Award for Green Business Tourism, and in 2012 was voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.

Volunteering at WWT London Wetland Centre
Volunteers play a very important role in the life of the WWT. They do not take the place of paid staff, but they contribute to the success of WWT by assisting staff in nearly every department, so there are a wide range of opportunities available.

These include welcoming our visitors, providing guided tours, maintaining and improving the grounds, recruiting new WWT members, gardening and horticulture, providing office support, getting creative with the Education team, and supporting our pioneering work on the Reserve.  There is something for everyone!

Although volunteers work without financial reward there are many other ways that they benefit from becoming a WWT volunteer. learning new skills, meeting new people, keeping fit and gaining experience in wildlife conservation are just a few. 

We provide volunteers with a WWT uniform, a discount in our café and shop, regular volunteer newsletters and support through inductions and training.

All our current volunteer opportunities are advertised on our website and we recruit volunteers to specific roles. For each role we provide you with an indication of the activities and tasks involved, along with an outline of the skills you will need to carry it out in a role description.

We ask prospective volunteers to specify which role they are applying for and how they match the requirements for the role when submitting an application. We do not accept speculative applications. 

Discover Our Mission

Where You'll Be

What to Expect After Applying

Interested? Full details of this and other roles can be found at www.wwt.org.uk/volunteer. We celebrate inclusivity and diversity amongst our volunteering community and encourage applicants to state any disabilities they have for provided support. Please state any disabilities in your application form, or contact us at [email protected] to state what support you need either in locating the information or filling out the application process so we can cater for your additional needs.

Ready to Make a Difference?

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