Conservation Volunteers

If you would like to join in with the work of the Ranger team and do your bit to help preserve our local countryside for the future we can offer a number of opportunities to take part in some practical conservation tasks that will have a direct benefit for the wildlife and enjoyment of others.

Forestry Commission

In the New Forest, the Forestry Commission currently runs two volunteering schemes – the Volunteer Rangers and the Two Trees Conservation Team.

Volunteer Rangers
Volunteer Rangers play an integral role in helping to conserve wildlife and habitats while enhancing visitor enjoyment. The duties undertaken by volunteer rangers include leading and helping with public events, assisting visitors in the New Forest and providing valuable support to our ranger and keeper teams. Volunteer rangers are recruited about every two years and are expected to be able to commit to at least two duty days a month.

Two Trees Conservation Team
The Two Trees Conservation Team (TTCT) provides an excellent way to meet new people whilst helping conserve the New Forest. Conservation tasks involve lots of fresh air and exercise plus the opportunity to socialise with others who have a similar love of the area. Work may involve getting rid of scrub in ponds to help toads and newts or clearing small trees from ride edges for butterflies and insects. TTCT conservation tasks take place during the winter months across weekdays and weekends.

If you would like to volunteer in the New Forest please download and complete the TTCT / Data protection application form from the Forestry Commission website. Please tick the relevant box(s) to say if you are interested in joining the TTCT and if you wish to be added to our mailing list to receive a copy of the Volunteer Ranger application from when we are next recruiting.

East Dorset Countryside Management Service

The Rangers from East Dorset Countryside Management Service (EDCMS) offer volunteering opportunities for adults, families and young people.

Volunteering for adults and families
Residents of East Dorset living in Wimborne, Ferndown, Verwood and West Moors are offered the chance to get involved with practical conservation work on their local countryside site. For a list of the areas managed by East Dorset Countryside Management Service take a look at the Dorset for you website. Look out for posters on your local site for how and when to get involved.

Volunteering for young people
The East Dorset Rangers run a Young Rangers programme for volunteers aged 13 to 16 who are interested in a career in the countryside or just like being outdoors getting their hands dirty. A limited number of work experience placements are also available for young people each year.

For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities with EDCMS, please contact the East Dorset Rangers on 01425 470721.