Tortworth Forest Centre is a CIC supporting adults with mental health challenges through a nature-based wellbeing programme in a woodland setting. If you are in Bristol/South Glos and looking to gain confidence working in a woodland setting, we have rare opportunities to join our team in a volunteer role as a Woodland Wellbeing Fire and Food Assistant. 

Our sessions provide a trauma-informed, inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, resilience, connect with others and benefit from time in nature through shared activities, skills and time around the fire.

Purpose of the role

The Woodland Wellbeing Fire and Food Assistant role supports the smooth running of our wellbeing groups at Tortworth Forest Centre. The Hawthorn Project runs on a Wednesday and the Oak Tree Project runs on a Thursday, both during term time, we are recruiting one volunteer for each programme. 

These can be busy sessions which include supportive conversations, cooking on the fire, washing dishes, group walks and helping people engage with bushcraft activities. You will help keep the fire burning and the tea flowing throughout our wellbeing sessions and support participants to engage with activities and connect with the woodland.

We encourage a 12 month commitment to enable a deep connection with the woodland through the seasons. The sessions run once per week during term time and we ask you to be available consistently.

Opportunities for learning 

You will be part of a small, experienced team with skills in bushcraft, forest school, woodland management and therapeutic group facilitation.

You will be offered session debriefs to aid your learning, reflection and to maintain healthy boundaries. As a member of our team, there may be opportunities to take an active role in our public events, for example supporting our seasonal celebrations.

What we ask of you

Planning, preparation and delivery, including:

• Help to set up and pack down before and after the sessions.

• Contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for participants rooted in trauma-informed practice.

• Assist with planning and facilitating a variety of bushcraft and nature-based activities.

• Support the  planning and cooking healthy meals over the fire.

• Raise any issues or safeguarding concerns in a confidential and timely manner.

• Attend relevant training as and when necessary.

Skills and areas of interest that would be useful for the role 

• Interest in outdoor mental health approaches, nature connection, mindfulness.

• Experience of outdoor, nature based wellbeing activities.

• Understanding of risk assessments for outdoor activities.

• Campfire cooking skills or a desire to learn.

• Calm, approachable and respectful of individual differences.

• Physically able to spend 5 hours outside in all weathers, walk on uneven ground and help set up/pack down.

• Interest in / knowledge of UK flora and fauna.

• Team player who can work using their own initiative

• Experience in supporting adults with complex emotional needs. 

• Working towards Forest School qualification or other outdoor qualification 

This post is subject to a standard disclosure and barring service check and references in line with Safer Recruitment Guidelines. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.

Additional information

• Position supported by - Woodland Wellbeing Programme Manager and the wellbeing team

• This is a volunteer role. Any out-of-pocket expenses you incur will be covered subject to prior agreement with the Woodland Wellbeing Manager.

• The weekly commitment is 5 hours in the woods (10 am to 3 pm) plus a 30 minute session debrief on the phone. 

• Applicants will need their own transport to drive to the woods, there is parking available onsite. 

• Essential training for the role will be provided by the Woodland Wellbeing Programme Manager. 

Application Process

Please email your CV and a cover letter to rhea@tortwortharboretum.org 

Close date - Wednesday 29th April 2026 at 9am.

Initial interviews will take place online on Monday 11th May 2026 followed by a face to face interview in the woods. 

The volunteer role starts the week commencing Monday 1st June 2026 depending on references and DBS. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.