Volunteering in a Woodland Setting

Our Woodland Management Days provide a safe, supportive and friendly environment for people to take part in arboretum restoration work, spend a day outside, meet others, learn, and develop new skills. We work with people who are in recovery or experiencing other mental health struggles.  Volunteers should be physically able to spend a day outside doing practical tasks. We don’t crack the whip! We take breaks and help people work at a comfortable pace.  There are usually three staff members on site including one female staff member. All are first aid trained. We provide all tools, gloves and guidance. Tasks include scything, cutting back bramble, collecting firewood, splitting logs, making a dead hedge, cutting up a fallen branch, cutting saplings, clearing paths etc. The days are crucial to the restoration and management of the arboretum.  We also incorporate opportunities for volunteers and staff alike to learn about the trees, plants and the wildlife in the woods. Our facilities are basic but we do have shelter and we have a compost loo on site. Unfortunately the days are not suitable for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.