Countryside volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining and restoring Central Bedfordshire’s beautiful countryside for all to enjoy. Whether you want to support a particular open space to thrive or help keep our local right of way footpaths and bridleways accessible and safe to use, we have groups across the area that need your help. Typical activities include cutting back vegetation, improving habitats, installing waymark posts and repairs to bridges and gates. You can do as much or as little as you like and free training is provided for the safe use of machinery. All equipment and PPE is provided, and all our volunteers are insured for organised activities.

Countryside volunteering has widespread proven health and wellbeing benefits. Learn new skills, meet new people and enjoy the opportunity of being outdoors and supporting Central Bedfordshire’s amazing countryside. If you would like to know more about these and other ways to get involved, please let us know.

Let us know you're interested

Alternatively, you can become a volunteer with one or more of our local partners that offer a range of opportunities including practical conservation tasks and helping visitors to get the most out of their visit to the countryside. Find out more about volunteering opportunities by visiting their websites below.

National Trust

Volunteer directly with National Trust to support conservation work at Dunstable Downs and other open spaces in the North Chilterns area. Alternatively you can join the local South Bedfordshire Association that promotes work of the trust by raising funds.

Greensand Trust

Greensand Trust opportunities range from practical and conservation tasks, caring for nature reserves and leading walks to litter picking, assisting with education visits and activities or helping visitors enjoy themselves. The Greensand Trust has a range of volunteering opportunities to offer in various locations across the Greensand Ridge including Rushmere Country Park.

Wildlife Trust

The Wildlife Trust offers a range of opportunities, from practical work parties and surveying and monitoring, to helping with school visits and community events, or in the office.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC)

BRCC offers a broad range of volunteering and work experience opportunities, whether you are looking to get more involved in your local community or seeking a way into employment.