The Tretawdy Volunteer Group meet regularly to undertake seasonal management tasks at the reserve such as:

• Managing hedgerows
• Cutting and raking areas of the grassland
• Replacing or fixing fencing
• Hedge and tree planting
• Scrub management

Availability

The group meets regularly but you do not need to commit to attend every session.

Skills/Qualities Needed 

Whilst we would invite all those interested in joining our work parties to get in touch with us this can be a physically demanding role and require an extended period of time spent out of doors. The skills we would look for from our volunteers are: 

• Reasonable level of fitness
• Willingness to work out of doors all day all year around in all weathers
• A genuine enthusiasm for wildlife and habitats
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to listen to and follow instructions
• Awareness and understanding of risk in relation to tools and practical work 

Additional skills 

Previous experience or training in practical conservation work is not required for this role but if you do have any of the following or any other previous experience or skills that would benefit the volunteer groups please let us know:

• Previous practical conservation work experience
• An in-date first aid certificate (please provide certificate)
• An in-date ticket for use of power tools including chain saw or brush-cutter (please provide certificate)
• Training in operating plant machinery 

Benefits 

The practical conservation volunteer role provides you with the opportunity to work with others on a range of beautiful sites across the county and to learn practical conservation management from our experienced team of reserve officers. 

You will meet like minded individuals and be invited to a range of social events including our Christmas quiz and summer picnic. 

Training 

Volunteers will not be asked to partake in an activity for which they have not been appropriately trained. There may be opportunities to attend training sessions in both practical management skills and survey skills where appropriate. Opportunities for training in first aid and power tools may also be available at certain times. 

Health & Safety 

Practical conservation work can involve some level of risk and our work party leaders will take all necessary precautions to minimise this risk. When attending work parties you will be provided with:

• All necessary tools in a good working order
• A safety talk including relevant details of a completed risk assessment
• Appropriate level of PPE for the task at hand
• Training in the use of tools where needed 

We recommend that anyone taking part in a practical conservation task has an up to date tetanus jab.