What you’ll be doing:

Primary schools make up the majority of bookings during term times but all ages visit, from nursery pupils to A-level students and no two days are ever the same! In the school holidays we run family afternoons, children’s activity days and teen courses. We also run weekly Wild Tots & Wild Babies sessions. At weekends there are children’s, family and Teen activities along with Birthday parties.

Several sites run big annual events such as Plant Sales, Apple Days, Fairs and an art exhibition.

A lot of work also goes on behind the scenes in planning, researching and making resources.

The skills you need:

You don’t have to have a teaching qualification, just a desire to share your enjoyment of nature with a captive audience! You will need to be willing to work outside in all weathers.

What you’ll get out of it:

Working as part of a friendly team will give you the chance to form new friendships and learn new skills. You will also gain valuable experience teaching within a conservation organisation and learn a lot about the location(s) where you are working.

Fresh air and exercise in the company of young children's enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors means it is hard not to have a great time!

As a member of the Learning volunteer team you will also meet other volunteers and staff members and learn more about the work of the Trust across the County (and of The Wildlife Trusts nationally).

The time you need to give:

You can help as little or often as suits you. Precise hours required will vary depending on site and activity, but, as a guide, to help with a school day you would need to be available 9am-3pm, holiday activities are more varied.

Other information:

A DBS check may be necessary, depending on your responsibilities. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to ensuring all individuals are aware of their role in safeguarding children and appropriate training will be given. 

Choose a location where you would like to volunteer:
 

Arger Fen & Spouses Vale (Sudbury) - Joanne Atkins  01449 737996

Bradfield Woods (Bury/Stowmarket) - Joanne Atkins  01449 737996

Carlton Marshes (Lowestoft) - Joanna Shackleton 01502 564250

Foxburrow Farm (Woodbridge) -  Emma Keeble 01394 380113

Ipswich green spaces - Lucy Shepherd 01473 890089

Knettishall Heath (Diss/Thetford) - Lauren Mack 07887 625572

Lackford Lakes (Bury/Newmarket) - Emily Bowden 01284 728706

Redgrave & Lopham Fen (Diss) - Deborah Key 01379 688333

On the coast (various locations) - Kirsty Wilmot 01473 890089