Inspire the next generation to connect with nature

Share your enthusiasm for the natural world and help others discover Wilder Doddington. By supporting our learning visits, you will play an important part in inspiring curiosity, building confidence outdoors and encouraging people of all ages to care for nature.

Volunteer Manager
Education Delivery Lead

Where you will be based
Across the estate, supporting learning visits

Why we need you

The Wilder Doddington learning delivery team is becoming increasingly busy as primary and secondary schools discover the range of learning opportunities we offer. It is fantastic to have volunteer support during these programmes to help encourage engagement and enthusiasm as well as support group safety.

Work to restore nature through the Wilder Doddington project is gathering pace and we want to use this opportunity to engage with visitors, connect them with nature and tell them about our groundbreaking rewilding work.

At the same time, our wildlife and habitats are both vulnerable and precious, so we need to make sure that people visit responsibly. It is particularly important that groups of young people gain an understanding of the environment and nature so that they develop an appreciation of its importance and a passion for protecting it, both at Wilder Doddington and in their own local spaces.

What you will be doing

As a Learning & Engagement Volunteer, you will support the learning delivery team in facilitating group visits to Wilder Doddington.

You will be a welcoming face of the Wilder Doddington team, helping groups to enjoy their visit while encouraging them to respect the environment. You may support groups during activities, act as a back marker and help with safety on walks and while moving around the site.

School sessions predominantly take place during term time and within the working week.

Community, family and adult visits vary and take place during school holidays and at weekends.

When applying, please state which groups you would be interested in supporting.

Primary and secondary schools

Throughout this role, you will chat to teachers, staff, visitors and parents, as appropriate, about the work of Wilder Doddington. You will support with logistics, including access to toilets and safety, guide students to follow activity instructions from the delivery team, answer questions and promote activities and events.

Alternative provision

As well as mainstream school visits, we also work with individuals and small groups with social, emotional and mental health needs and other additional needs.

If you are interested in supporting these groups, additional training will be provided to help you understand how we support individuals and manage behaviour to keep everyone safe and engaged in activities.

Community, family and adult groups

Throughout the year, we run activities for families, adult community groups and adults with an interest in nature. It is valuable to have volunteers supporting these sessions by encouraging groups to continue along the route, supporting engagement with activities and helping to close gates and secure fences.

What skills do you need?

• Good communication skills

• Enjoyment of talking to new people

• Patience and the ability to work with children and people of all ages

• Resilience to work outside in all weathers and the ability to motivate others to do so

• The ability to work as part of a team

• The physical ability to walk on uneven terrain

• Flexibility to take on a variety of tasks

What’s in it for you?

Volunteering is fun, rewarding and good for your wellbeing.

You will be making a difference to the experiences of schoolchildren, young people and family groups, helping them to connect with nature. You will have the chance to inspire people and instil a love of wildlife that will hopefully encourage them to act on nature’s behalf.

By helping to ensure that people use the site responsibly, you will directly support nature by giving wildlife and livestock the space they need to thrive.

You will learn new skills and gain knowledge about rewilding and nature. This is a physically active role and, as we explore the variety of environments across the estate, you will also be able to enjoy your own connection with nature and the outdoors.

Our volunteers are a friendly bunch and you will meet new people with similar interests, with the opportunity to make new friends.

Other information

Due to the nature of the groups we work with, all Learning & Engagement Volunteers must complete safeguarding training and undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

We will provide an opportunity to take part in a taster volunteering session. This will help to ensure that you are comfortable with the set-up, give you a fuller understanding of what is expected and allow you to ask any questions.

Our volunteering programme is open to all, although we regret that we are unable to accept volunteers under the age of 18.

We will provide relevant training, equipment and branded clothing and will try to accommodate any specific needs you may have.

Our volunteers are a friendly bunch and organise regular social activities for the volunteer team. These can range from an evening in the pub to a visit to a relevant nature project or an informal walk and catch-up.

We would love to meet you and talk more about what we can offer each other. First, we would like to learn a little more about you. Please complete the application form and we will be in touch to arrange an informal chat about volunteering with us.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Corporate and team volunteering

For enquiries about volunteering as a business, team or other group, please email wilder@doddingtonhall.com.