Volunteering in the South Downs

Volunteers Week 1-7 June

‘As we mark Volunteer Week, I want to offer my sincere thanks to every one of our volunteers across the South Downs.

Over the last 12 months, 328 of you have given an extraordinary 16,055 hours – supporting practical conservation, delivering wildlife surveys, helping at events, contributing to landscape planning, and building a new presence at Seven Sisters Country Park through public engagement, grounds support and litter picking.

This work is varied, skilled and deeply valued – and it makes a real difference every single day.

Like the chalk grassland that defines our National Park, the South Downs thrives because of many small, interconnected contributions. Each act – whether restoring habitat, recording species, or welcoming visitors – may seem modest on its own, but together they create something rich, resilient and alive. That is exactly what you do for the National Park.

Your dedication not only helps nature to flourish but also ensures that people can connect with and care for this landscape – now and into the future.

Quite simply, we could not achieve what we do without you.

Thank you for your time, your energy, and your commitment. It is making a lasting difference.’

– Allison Potts, Director of Landscape and Operations

Why volunteer with us?

The South Downs National Park has inspirational and varied landscapes, internationally important wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant market towns and villages.

As a volunteer you will play a vital role in helping us achieve our National park purposes.

Purpose 1: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area

Purpose 2: to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.

What are the benefits ?

Volunteering with us can have significant benefits for you, including connecting and socialising with others, learning new skills, or using existing skills to benefit others, gain valuable work experience, provide a sense of purpose, feel part of a team and improve physical and psychological wellbeing, and particularly within the South Downs National Park, a greater connection with nature.

What we do

We have roles to suit a range of interests, many of our roles don’t require previous experience and all of our roles are open to everyone aged 18 or over.

Opportunities include practical conservation and access improvement, wildlife surveys, helping manage invasive species, providing advice and guidance to visitors at Seven Sisters Country Park, as well as a whole calendar of public events and a variety of community projects.

Please note our practical conservation opportunities vary according to landscape, season, access to land and wildlife cycles.

The South Downs National Park Authority supports several core areas of volunteering:

• South Downs National Park Volunteers – comprised of over 350 volunteers who deliver landscape and wildlife conservation, events and community access roles in support of the National Park priorities.
• South Downs Youth Action – a volunteering programme tailored to young people aged 16-25.
• Microvolunteering – a quick and easy way for anyone and everyone to make a difference in the South Downs (and beyond!)
• A network of wider volunteering groups across the National Park.

Apply Now

Or for more information email volunteering@southdowns.gov.uk