More than 300 people regularly volunteer their time for the South Downs National Park.

Our South Downs National Park Volunteers look after and help to conserve the special qualities of the South Downs, assisting the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and its partners in improving and promoting the landscape, wildlife, public access and heritage of the National Park.

Our Volunteers come from all walks of life, from young people and students looking to gain experience for employment or take environmental action, to retired people looking for a new challenge or an opportunity to socialise.

Some come as individuals who can give their time regularly, or flexibly around work, others as families, or as part of a community group or corporate experience.

We deeply value and appreciate the skills, passion, time and enthusiasm our volunteers share with us and the vital role they play in helping us achieve our National park purposes, much of what we do simply wouldn’t be possible without them.

I want to volunteer, what do I do next?

• Have a look through our current opportunities page and check out the role profiles
• Then Apply Now at volunteering@southdowns.gov.uk
• Tell us the role and area you are interested in
• We will get back to you with more information, and depending on the role we will –
  • Invite you for an interview
  • Start planning a taster day if you are interested in a practical conservation role
  • Begin the induction and training process.
• You will also be asked to register on Better Impact, our Volunteer Management platform.

For more information on how we support and keep our volunteers safe please read the below documents.

The Volunteering Agreement is a living document. We adjust it to better serve and protect our volunteers and staff. Please check the link and the agreement regularly.

Volunteer Agreement

How your personal information will be used and stored.

Volunteer Privacy Notice

Safeguarding is part of our approach to health and wellbeing and is everybody’s responsibility

Safeguarding Policy