Nature Reserve Management Volunteer

Volunteers are crucial to the work we do and we are looking for volunteers to help with various tasks on this fascinating and important reserve in West Thurrock.

Oliver Road Lagoons is one of the best sites in the country for invertebrates and is inhabited by some very rare species, including the distinguished jumping spider. This is due to the mosaic of habitats, including bare ground, flower rich grassland, woodland and wetlands.

Our volunteers carry out various jobs from vegetation clearance, surveying, reedbed cutting, litter picking to felling.

Role description:

• Working outdoors to assist management of Essex Wildlife reserves on a wide variety of conservation tasks.
• Following the annual site management plan.
• Utilising a variety of hand tools to help complete tasks.
• Ensure that the work carried out on reserves is efficient and the reserves are left safe and tidy for visitors.
• Following Essex Wildlife Trust Codes of Good Practice, and help promote the motivation and support of other volunteers.
• To uphold the values of Essex Wildlife Trust and to discuss the aims of the Trust with the aim to getting new members.
• Adhere to procedures relating to hygiene, health and safety, fire and security and any other relevant risk assessment information.

What skills do I need?

We are looking for volunteers of 18+ years. No experience necessary. PPE and training given.

Organisation Address

Oliver Road Lagoons

Oliver Road

Grays

RM20 3AL

Time commitment: The Essex Wildlife Trust work party at Oliver Road Lagoons takes place weekly, every Wednesday from

10:15am until 3:00pm. There will be a mid-morning tea beak and time to stop for lunch.

Tasks carried out on work parties derive from a pre agreed site management plan: 

• Willingness to be outdoors for a 2-4-hour period.
• Must have an adequate level of fitness to participate, this may include walking on uneven ground, assisting lifting heavy tools and using tools with a repetitive motion.
• Will usually require own transport to site, on some occasion’s volunteers may be willing to car- pool.
• Volunteers work at their own pace and be comfortable in taking breaks when needed.
• Some nature reserves will not have access to toilets and washing facilities.
• Sturdy steel-toe caps are required and clothes (long trousers) you don't mind getting muddy and dirty, plus water and food. Please note, there are no facilities onsite.

Interests

• Employment, Education and Training
• Environment
• Fitness and Sport
• Mental Health
• Wildlife and Animals

Activities

• General Helping
• Practical Skills
• Supporting Charities