Introducing a new young volunteers programme
Ahead of Volunteers Week 2024 (Monday 3rd – Sunday 9th June) Earth Trust has introduced a new Young Volunteers programme, which will offer six different volunteer roles especially for young people aged 13 – 18 years. The roles cover a whole range of rewarding and skills development options; being active outdoors and connecting with nature, or helping support Earth Trust’s teams with events, education and more.
The programme is an ideal way for young people to build their confidence and experience, with opportunities to learn traditional countryside skills, like coppicing and scything, or take on wildlife surveys to monitor biodiversity. And for those interested in education and public engagement, there are opportunities to support schoolchildren with learning activities at the charity’s Earth Lab in Little Wittenham, help with events like festivals and tours, or work with the communications team on social media projects.
The new cohort of young volunteers will join Earth Trust’s existing community of 212 volunteers. Across a dozen roles, Earth Trust volunteers donate 15,797 hours of time every year to care for Oxfordshire’s green spaces, and are an essential part in enabling the charity to champion greater access to green spaces for all.
Nic Williams, Volunteer Manager at Earth Trust, said: “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Earth Trust, bringing passion, dedication, and diverse skills to our mission. By expanding our volunteer programme, we’re not only enhancing the health of our green spaces but also creating a powerful force for positive change.”
With a growing need for volunteering, and increased interest in community action, Earth Trust is diversifying its volunteer opportunities, enabling more people to get involved in response to the climate, wellbeing and nature crises.
With support from South Oxfordshire District Council, the charity is providing opportunities for skills development, social connection, and meaningful contribution, empowering volunteers to make a real difference in their local environment and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
