Volunteering in the South Downs

National Parks ‘Big Weekend of Volunteering’ 20-22 September

We’re excited to be part of National Parks UK’s Big Weekend of Volunteering!

Taking place across the UK National Parks from Friday 20 until Sunday 22 of September, the Big Weekend of Volunteering celebrates volunteers and the part they play in taking care of these special places.

Whether you’re a first time volunteer and visitor to the National Park or more experienced, this UK wide volunteering weekend is a great way to get involved in conservation work, reconnect with nature, gain hands-on experience and meet new friends.

As well as our amazing existing volunteering opportunities, we are excited to be offering

• A family nature walk and beach clean for budding young conservationists at Seven Sisters Country Park on Saturday 21st September.  Book your space on Eventbrite here
• A volunteer taster day, joining experienced volunteers managing chalk grassland at St Catherine’s Hill in Winchester on Sunday 22nd September. Book your space on Eventbrite here
• If you cant join us this weekend but would like to play your part in supporting our amazing landscapes Micro volunteering might be for you. Check out all the different ways you can get involved on our Micro volunteering page, particularly our Cultural Heritage project partnering with the National Trust and Historic England to support monitoring scheduled monuments.

To find out about all other volunteer opportunities at the South Downs National Park visit our Opportunities page.

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