CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING IN THE NEW FOREST

Why not join our award winning team and experience conservation volunteering in the New Forest in a unique 190 acre woodland. If you love the New Forest and would like to become an active volunteer helping us to restore the unique woodland environment of Pondhead Inclosure we would be delighted to meet you. No previous experience is required.

As an active volunteer with Pondhead Conservation Trust, you will be playing an integral role in helping to conserve and enhance wildlife habitats in this unique part of the New Forest. There is no minimum commitment – book onto as few or as many events as you like. All that we ask is that you participate in our programme of events at least once a year.

We run both an autumn/winter programme and a spring/summer programme. Tasks during our autumn/winter programme involve clearing small trees from ride (track) edges to improve butterfly habitat for species such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary or helping us restore this last remaining area of hazel coppice on the Crown land of the New Forest. Both of these activities have a dramatic effect on the increase in flora and fauna.

Our spring/summer programme is concentrated on the production of charcoal from the hazel and understorey timber that we cut during the autumn and winter. In this way we manage the woodland in a self sustainable way. By producing charcoal we are also reviving a centuries old New Forest tradition, the main difference being that we are using 21st century technology. See our “Charcoal” page for more details.

We believe in treating all our volunteers equally irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to our project have the ability to participate fully in our conservation work and take pride in their contribution to it. Our aim is to make every volunteer feel they are a valued member of our Pondhead “family”.

We aim to make conservation volunteering in the New Forest both rewarding and enjoyable. Both programmes offer a great opportunity to keep fit and active while doing something you enjoy. You will also meet many like-minded people and make some real friendships too. While on these tasks you will gain practical experience of coppicing, conservation and knowledge of how we manage the woodland in order to improve its biodiversity. You’ll learn more about the trees, plants, birds and animals of the New Forest. All events are led by experienced conservation leaders who are first aid trained. No previous experience is necessary and our volunteers work with hand tools only, mainly bow saws and loppers. Everyone works within their capabilities with adequate time allowed lunch and drink breaks. The only restriction is that volunteers must be at least 16 years of age although we can accommodate organised youth groups who wish to experience conservation volunteering or as part of a DoE Award programme – please contact us direct in this respect.

If you wish to take an active part in our conservation programme, it’s simple and easy to volunteer. Just supply us with some basic details about yourself by submitting the form below and once we have processed your information, we will supply you with a username and password which will enable you to book onto conservation events via our Events Diary on this website. Only registered volunteers are able to book onto to our conservation events.

Click here for a Volunteer Role Description (opens new window)

NB. Each member requires their own unique email address and must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer. All information requested on the enrollment form should be completed in full to enable your registration as a volunteer – we are unable to register forms containing incomplete/inaccurate information.

IMPORTANT – Please only complete this form if you intend to come along and participate in our conservation tasks. Otherwise, we have a Facebook Group that you can join to find out what’s happening in Pondhead.  Thankyou.

ALL BOXES MUST BE COMPLETED TO ENABLE REGISTRATION AS A VOLUNTEER