Become a Woodland Warden
Help us care for the Heart of England Forest by joining our new Woodland Warden volunteer programme. This role is perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors and wants to make a real difference to our woodlands in their own time.
What is a Woodland Warden?
Woodland Wardens play a vital role in helping us care for the Heart of England Forest. By carrying out regular patrols, they ensure our woodlands remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. This includes monitoring footpaths, clearing light vegetation, checking signage, and reporting any hazards.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know before signing up for this role:
- What the activity involves
- The level of commitment required
- How your support directly contributes to our mission of creating and protecting a vast native Forest in the very heart of England.
Woodland Wardens help safeguard the spaces where people and wildlife thrive. By maintaining paths and monitoring woodland health, you’ll be supporting biodiversity, encouraging responsible access, and helping us protect habitats for generations to come.
Your contribution ensures the Forest remains a place of beauty and safety for all.
What does a Woodland Warden do?
Woodland Wardens carry out regular patrols in a designated area of the Forest, helping us keep paths clear, signage visible, and woodlands welcoming for everyone:
- Walking waymarked routes and checking footpaths.
- Removing light vegetation from paths.
- Picking up non-hazardous litter.
- Checking signage and interpretation boards.
- Recording and reporting hazards or maintenance needs.
- Providing a friendly, visible presence in the Forest.
You’ll be our eyes and ears on the ground, spotting issues early and supporting the team to maintain safe, accessible spaces.
Why become a Woodland Warden?
- Enjoy regular time outdoors in beautiful woodland settings.
- Learn new skills and gain practical conservation experience.
- Play a vital role in keeping the Forest safe and accessible.
- Be part of a welcoming volunteer community.
- Training, tools, and branded clothing provided.
What's involved?
Commitment
At least one patrol per week (1 - 3 hours), self-guided.
Locations:
- Morgrove Coppice (Spernal)
- Haydon Way Wood (Spernal)
- Dorothy’s Wood (Dorsington)
- Coxmere Wood (Dorsington)
- Giddings and Noleham Woods (Dorsington)
Reporting
After each patrol, you’ll complete a short report using our simple online system.
What we provide
- Training and ongoing support
- Tools for light vegetation clearance
- Volunteer branded clothing
- A direct contact for help and advice.
Is this role for you?
You’ll need to:
- Be physically active and able to walk woodland routes
- Have basic computer skills and a smart phone for reporting
- Access to your own transport or a way to get to your area of the Forest.
Desirable:
- Live locally and know the area
- Have a passion for nature and conservation.
