Outdoor Habitat Management Support

Our practical volunteering groups are vital in helping to manage not only the nature reserves that we care for, but wildlife beyond their borders. Get stuck in and discover how we manage landscapes or work with farmers and landowners whilst learning a variety of countryside skills. 

The Stroud Valleys combine three Nature Recovery Zones (NRZs), and support 15 nature reserves. To ensure we manage all these sites, we run two sessions in the Stroud Valleys per week. We really need help on our Thursday based tasks. The Valleys support a mosaic of ancient woodlands, watercourses feeding into the river Frome, and species-rich grasslands (including three SSSI’s; Daneway Banks, home to the Large Blue butterfly; Swifts Hill, which supports over 15 species of Orchid; and Stuart Fawkes, one of the last 21 native populations of Meadow Clary). The Valleys are a stronghold for Hazel Dormice, Adders, endangered butterflies, and a huge variety of wildflowers which in some examples only remain on our reserves.

The Stroud Valleys group meets 10am - 2:30pm every Thursday.

You don't need any previous skills or experience to join in, and all tools and equipment is provided.

Accessibility information: Please note that our outdoor habitat working parties are physically intensive. We are out in all weathers, can work on slopes, and some of our work requires a walk from the parking spot. Some of the trained volunteers or staff might also be using loud equipment nearby, such as chainsaws.

This opportunity is for individuals over the age of 18.

Photo credit Nathan Millar.