Give your time and make a difference
The Heart of England Forest is helping to reverse centuries of woodland decline by creating and conserving a huge broadleaf forest, a place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come.
The Forest is more than just trees; it is home to an incredible array of habitats, including new tree planting, mature and ancient woodland, grassland, heathland, farmland, and wetland, that enable animals, plants, and people to thrive.
Our amazing volunteers help us with all aspects of creating and managing the Forest:
- Forestry and biodiversity – help to create and manage our woodlands across the Forest, as well as improve and maintain habitat for our wildlife.
- Horticultural and gardening – volunteer in our tree nurseries, helping to grow future generations of Forest trees from seed, or help to maintain our beautiful Garden of Heroes and Villains.
- People and learning – support our work to maintain the Forest for our visitors and to connect people with nature via our events and education programmes.
The significance and scale of our work cannot be underestimated; The Heart of England Forest is already the largest new native woodland in the country. Our work has never been more needed, and it would not be possible without our volunteers.
Why volunteer with us?
If you are passionate about the environment, an advocate for combating climate change, or want to learn new skills and meet new people, then volunteering in the Forest is for you!
Volunteer with us and:
- Meet like-minded people
- Gain new skills
- Enhance your physical and mental wellbeing
- Get free training
- Do as many or as little hours as you can give
- Receive volunteer updates, news and events
We pride ourselves on the flexibility of our regular practical volunteering sessions. You can volunteer as much or as little as you would like, giving you the best opportunity to fit volunteering into your daily life.
Regular activities take place most weeks from Monday to Saturday, and we run both morning and afternoon sessions, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Where do volunteering activities take place?
The Forest stretches up the Warwickshire / Worcestershire border, from the present-day borders of Shakespeare’s Forest of Arden, across the ancient Forest of Feckenham, and down to the edge of the Vale of Evesham – the north Cotswolds to south Birmingham.
Volunteering activities takes place in four areas of the Forest – Spernal, Dorsington, The Lenches and Honeybourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to find answers to some frequently asked questions about volunteering
Meet the team
Our volunteering programme is run by Jonathan, our Volunteer Manager, supported by Kelsey, our Volunteer Assistant, and our Volunteer Leaders. They all lead and support groups of volunteers in activities across the Forest.