Volunteer in the countryside

Finding employment in countryside management and related areas can be difficult. Volunteering is an important way to find paid work in this field by gaining experience and becoming actively involved in practical environmental work.

You can volunteer for an afternoon or a whole year. If you can commit yourself on a regular basis for a few months, our qualified and experienced environmental professionals can offer you a programme of training.

Volunteer rangers

Join the Voluntary Ranger Service based at Lewes or Rye and help protect and enhance a variety of countryside habitats in East Sussex.

Carrying out conservation work throughout the county on a weekly or occasional basis, you could help put up a stiles or gates, dig ditches or cut back vegetation. Find out more about becoming a volunteer ranger.

Trainee rangers

If you want to train to be a ranger, we offer a one year, full-time, voluntary course with day release at Plumpton College. This leads to an NVQ2 in Environmental Conservation. Find out more about becoming a trainee ranger.

Rights of way volunteer groups

The rights of way network is maintained by rangers and volunteer groups. They carry out a variety of tasks in a parish from installing stiles and gates to clearing vegetation on footpaths.

If you would like to start a new group of volunteers, or join an existing one, see our page about Parish Rights of Way volunteering.

Tree wardens

Tree wardens are involved in planting schemes, surveys, school projects or planning issues affecting protected trees. We provide all the training and information you need, plus access to professional tree officers for advice.

Tree wardens are an important link between the parish councils, planning authorities, land-owners and the public.

For more information contact the Tree Warden Co-ordinator.

Guided walk or cycle ride leaders

Walk or cycle ride leaders make a valuable contribution towards the work that we do. Each year volunteers contribute over 350 guided walks and rides and share their enthusiasm with over 6,500 people.

Help encourage people to get out into the countryside by becoming a volunteer walk or cycle ride leader.

Further information

To find out more about volunteering in the countryside, contact Countryside Management.