Volunteer for wildlife

No. We aim to encourage people from all walks of life, with a variety of life experiences, to become involved in the work of Ulster Wildlife. Volunteers sometimes have specialist skills and expertise, but more often volunteers learn as they go along, after receiving appropriate on the job training and guidance from a staff member or experienced volunteer. For regular volunteers and for more involved roles, we aim to make formal training available as and when it is needed. 

You decide how much time you wish to give. Some people are able to volunteer every week, whereas some are only available to volunteer once a month or a few times every year. However, some roles do require a more solid commitment than others – if this is the case, it will be discussed with you before you start volunteering.

As a volunteer, you are free to leave whenever you like. There's no obligation for volunteers to attend or to give a minimum amount of time. You decide and agree your commitment with us.

As long as volunteers are working for and on behalf of Ulster Wildlife, they will be covered by our Employer’s Liability insurance policy. Personal equipment and belongings are not insured under our policy. 

A wide range of people from many different backgrounds volunteer with Ulster Wildlife, whatever their age and background. Our volunteers include students, long-term unemployed, corporate and community groups, full-time workers, retired men and women, and people from an ethnic background.

Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. 

Volunteering should not affect your social security benefits providing you comply with the rules laid down by the Social Security Agency

Support for our volunteers is something we take very seriously. Whatever roles you do for us we will ensure you have what you need to do them successfully. All volunteers have someone within Ulster Wildlife to help them in their role and we are very keen to ensure volunteers feel part of the team.

No. Ulster Wildlife is keen to ensure that all volunteers are not left “out-of-pocket” by doing voluntary work, so we can offer expenses for mileage, bus/rail travel and lunch.

We wish to assure our current and prospective volunteers that we are committed to the health, safety and well-being of our staff and volunteers at all times and Covid is no exception.  Full risk assessments are in place for managing our volunteers and all details in relation to this, or changes to working practices will be relayed to you when volunteering commences.  You can also view our Covid Working policy here along with our other volunteering policies.