Community volunteer programme

What's it about?

This volunteer opportunity is available for those who are currently out of work, or anyone else who wants to make a contribution to their local community.

It will appeal to those who want to learn new skills and improve their chances of getting paid work, and anyone wanting to help with the practical maintenance and improvement of country parks and public rights of way.

Location

There is ample work to be done across Staffordshire. Depending on where you live, volunteers will be asked to join one of the two countryside works teams based at Werrington in the north or at Cannock in the south.

What type of tasks could I get involved with?

Activities and tasks will be many and varied and will include:

Installing and repairing gates, stiles, foot-bridges and steps
Clearing footpaths and vegetation
Heathland management
Installing signposts and way markers
Other environmental and conservation work

What will I get out of it?

By volunteering you will gain valuable work experience and be given the chance to develop practical skills through informal and formal training, and thereby enhance your CV and the prospect of employment when job opportunities occur.

As a community volunteer you will get to meet like minded people and learn more about the environment. There is also a great deal of satisfaction to be gained from volunteering knowing that you will be making a real difference to people's lives' by improving access to the countryside and their enjoyment from it.

Commitment

Time commitment will depend on your availability. However, we ask that you commit to at least one day per week if at all possible.

Qualities, skills and experience we are looking for

No particular skills are needed. We only ask for enthusiasm and a reasonable level of physical fitness for outdoor work. Volunteers will need to be able to travel and get into and out of a Landrover. The work will often be in remote areas and at times, access to toilet and washing facilities may be limited.

Training

On site training will be provided, along with an opportunity to attend other related training from time to time.

How can I get involved?

New volunteers are always welcome. Volunteers will be asked to register their interest by completing a short form. If you are interested in joining us please complete the form below.

Alternatively, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator

Phone: 01785 277255
Email: countrysidevolunteers@staffordshire.gov.uk

Community volunteer registration form (124 KB)

We look forward to hearing from you!

County Ranger Service

There are a team of countryside rangers who oversee more than 2,500 hectares of country parks, picnic areas and greenways. They also inspect and report on the condition of the rights of way network.

Rangers have a role in improving the countryside of the county by providing information, including details of grant aid available for countryside improvement. The rangers are supported by two small works unit teams, (one in the north and one in the south) who maintain the country parks and access land and improve the rights of way network.