Conservation volunteers

Volunteers help the Heath conservation team, rangers and gardeners to control invasive species and to preserve the diverse and distinct wildlife habitats of the Heath such as grassland, ancient woodland, heather and marsh. Volunteers also use their horticultural skills to help maintain and renovate areas of formal garden in the Kenwood Estate, at Golders Hill Park and at the Hill Garden.

Volunteers use hand tools to get the job done rather than big machinery or pesticides. This allows a more sensitive approach to managing the Heath which benefits wildlife and encourages biodiversity. Volunteers also assist in marshalling and stewarding at public events on the Heath, litter picking, maintaining ditches and looking after paths.

We ask volunteers for a commitment of at least 18 hours work per year. Work sessions take place during the week, with limited places available on Saturdays and some Sundays. Please understand that demand for weekend places is high, so we must operate on a first come first serve basis when taking volunteer bookings. There is sometimes a waiting list for new volunteers to join, so you may not be able to begin volunteering straightaway.

All volunteers receive training as required for the task at hand, and are supplied with protective clothing including our bright green sweatshirts and t-shirts, sturdy steel-toed work boots, gloves, and hand tools. Volunteers usually work in groups of up to 15 people, under the supervision of professional Heath staff or trained, experienced volunteers.

Apply to volunteer (pdf 83kb)

Butterfly House volunteers

Butterfly House information poster (pdf 1158kb)

Apply to volunteer in the Butterfly House (pdf 118kb)

Education Centre volunteers

Next recruiting in May 2009