Volunteer - Sussex Wildlife Trust

Gain new skills, make new friends and share or improve your knowledge of nature in Sussex. By volunteering, you can do all this while creating greener, wilder spaces for wildlife and people in your local community.

What our volunteers do

Practical conservation tasks like clearing pathways, building ponds or planting trees
Supporting educational groups, community projects or events
Monitoring changes in habitats and conducting surveys to understand how the number and kinds of species are changing

How to volunteer

Our volunteering opportunities are for people who can help out regularly. If that’s you, here’s what to do:

Browse our list of volunteering opportunities
Apply for the specific volunteer role or group you’re interested in

Age 12 to 25? Learn more

Corporate volunteering

From beach cleans and species surveys to learning bush craft skills, our Wild Work Days let teams connect with nature to improve productivity, creativity and wellbeing.

Besides the satisfaction of taking part in vital practical conservation work, the members of your team will also learn about local wildlife and habitats. We take care of the health and safety, all tools required as well as catering.

Find out more

Why volunteer with us?

Without our volunteers, a Sussex rich in wildlife would be just a dream. But together, we’re making it happen.

People of all ages volunteer with us for all kinds of reasons: to feel part of a group and a wider community, to make a difference, to learn about nature, gain new skills, spend time outdoors, meet new people, or to feel healthier, happier and more connected.

Whatever your reason, when you volunteer with the Trust, our team will make sure you’re supported, safe and learn the skills you need to enjoy your time contributing to a wilder Sussex.

See volunteer opportunities

Our cause

Current volunteering opportunities

Youth Rangers at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Youth Rangers at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Every other Saturday during term time, 10am – 2pm For 16-25year olds.

Deneway Hit Squad – Brighton

This is a new volunteer group that will carry out practical conservation work on the reserve as a part of Deneway’s Wild Future.

Beach Clean Volunteer – Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Join the beach clean at Rye Harbour on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

Conservation Volunteer as a part of a work party – Hastings Area

A conservation group that works at one of Marline Valley, Filsham Reedbed, Gilham Woods or Flatropers Wood twice a month on a Thursday

Volunteer with Nature Tots

Tilgate Park, Crawley Sessions take place on Thursdays 8:30am – 1pm during school term times

webwestfield primary in the education room w800h600

Education Volunteer – Rye

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Lime Kiln Cafe Volunteer – Rye

Rye Harbour Discovery Centre

Youth Rangers at Rye Harbour Alice Oakley 5

Nature Reserve Community Volunteer – Rye

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Living Seas Volunteering – Sussex coast

Beach litter surveys and Seasearch are ways in which you can volunteer with the Living Seas Team.

Deneway Youth Rangers (16 – 25 yrs old) – Brighton

Deneway’s Wild Future is a youth-led project that gives young people the opportunity to manage and maintain a nature reserve whilst working in partnership with staff and local groups.

Become a Youth Ranger (16 – 25 year olds) – Crawley

Gatwick Greenspace Partnership – Crawley

Brighton Hit Squad

Brighton – monthly on Saturday mornings + occasional other days. Currently full.

Conservation Volunteer – Crawley / Horsham/ Horley

Gatwick Greenspace Partnership – weekdays + monthly at weekends

Conservation Volunteer – as part of a Work Party – Ebernoe Common

Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve – monthly on Saturdays and Tuesdays Both groups are currently full.

Conservation Volunteer – as a part of a work party – various Nature Reserves

Different reserves across Sussex – weekday and weekend opportunities – depending upon the group. Capacity is limited in some groups.

Conservation Volunteer – as part of a Work Party – Horsham District

Wilder Horsham District – weekdays only

Join other Sussex youth volunteering for nature

Are you a young person interested in learning more about nature around you? Want to make a difference for local wildlife? You can join our Wildlife Ranger programmes from age 12. There are programmes for 12 to 16 year olds, and for 16 to 25 year olds.

Volunteering FAQs

If I work on my own (for example, surveying insects), where can I find guidance on how to do this safely?

You can find extra guidance in files on your MyImpact account. If you can’t find this information, please contact the volunteering team.

What about health and safety for volunteers?

We take the health and safety of everyone involved with the Trust very seriously and we’ll ensure that you are safe whilst volunteering. All our events follow health and safety procedures. We conduct risk assessments and make sure there’s first aid available. The member of staff running your group will go through health and safety before you start on any task.

When you register as a volunteer please take the time to read the Occupational Health and Safety Policy in your MyImpact portal.

How do I sign-up for opportunities once I’m a registered volunteer?

Once you’ve registered as a volunteer, you will be added to the group(s) or initiative(s) that you’re interested in on your MyImpact account.

Log into your MyImpact account
Click on Opportunities
Sign up to the volunteering dates that suit you.

Please remember to remove yourself from any dates if you can’t make it. This means someone from the waiting list can attend instead. To cancel:

Log into your MyImpact account
Click on Schedule
Select the event you can’t make
Click on the Remove button.

What’s a MyImpact account and how do I get one?

When you apply to volunteer at Sussex Wildlife Trust you’ll need to set up a MyImpact account. You can then use it to:

find guidance you might need
track how many hours you’ve volunteered
sign-up for new volunteering opportunities

MyImpact is software designed by Better Impact. If you are having issues with your account, please speak to your volunteer manager or email swtvolunteering@sussexwt.org

Access MyImpact now

Can I claim expenses?

Yes, as a volunteer you can get your travel expenses reimbursed. Speak to your volunteer manager about how to do this. Just remember that expense claims should be agreed with us in advance and you’ll need to keep and submit any receipts.

Will I receive training?

Yes, all of our volunteers get training for the tasks they’re involved in. For some roles we offer extra training courses for volunteers who make a regular commitment.

What should I bring and wear?

Most of our volunteering is outside, so best to be prepared for any weather. Occasionally tasks are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

For land-based conservation tasks throughout the year we suggest you wear:

Long trousers to protect against scratches and insect bites
Long-sleeved tops to protect against scratches, bites and the sun
Waterproof coat and warm layers for winter
Sun hat or warm hat
Gardening gloves if you have them

And remember to bring:

Plenty of water
Lunch

Most of our reserves don’t have shops or toilets.

What happens when I start volunteering?

You can expect a warm welcome at the Sussex Wildlife Trust when you start! You’ll be assigned a volunteer manager, who will:

introduce you to the other volunteers and staff
explain the role and let you know where everything is
arrange training and support until you’re confident in doing your role

If you have any specific training requests please discuss them with the volunteer team.

How often do I have to volunteer?

This depends on the role and when you’re available. Some of our volunteer groups meet weekly, some monthly. Some are seasonal and may not have a set pattern.

Our aim is to make volunteering as flexible and inclusive as possible. That said, we don’t provide one-off volunteering opportunities, because the best way to provide meaningful opportunities, training and support is if volunteers make a regular and ongoing commitment.

How old must I be to volunteer?

There are opportunities from age 12 all the way up to 85. Most of our work parties are open to over 18s, but if you’re 16 to 25, please take a look at our Youth Volunteering programmes for extra volunteering opportunities.

Do I have to know a lot about nature to be a volunteer?

No, not at all! Our volunteers range from complete beginners to experts. While you need specific knowledge and skills for some roles, for most you just need enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. There are lots of opportunities to learn more as you go.

Who can I contact about other volunteering questions?

If you can’t find the answers to your question please email swtvolunteering@sussexwt.org

For questions about volunteering at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve contact: ryeswtvolunteering@sussexwt.org.uk.

For corporate Wild Work Days, email: swtcorporatevolunteering@sussexwt.org.uk

Do you offer work placements?

No, unfortunately we don’t offer work placements.

Meet our volunteers

Dennis Harding: voluntary reserve manager at Selwyn Wood

“My interest in wildlife started when, as a child, my big brother kept bringing back to our kitchen, animals that were the overflow from a rescue centre. I never knew what I was going to share my cornflakes with; deer, ducks, rabbits. I moved on to do two degrees in conservation, but it is the practical experience which is most important.”

Read on

Meet other volunteers

Get involved in your regional Sussex Wildlife Trust community group

Our invaluable volunteers run Sussex Wildlife Trust’s local and regional groups. They organise local events (such as guided walks and talks), practical projects, and campaigns. They also raise awareness and valuable funds to help protect and restore nature locally.

Joining one of these groups is a great way to get involved, learn more about local wildlife and meet like-minded people.