Practical Conservation Tasks
Volunteers help the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscapes taff team on conservation projects to increase the biodiversity within the designated landscape and wider project areas.
We hold regular conservation work days throughout the year. All you have to do is register as a volunteer and we will notify you when work days are happening so you can book your place on the task.
The volunteers regularly undertake practical conservation work. If you would like to work outdoors in the beautiful National Landscape, help your local environment and meet some new people, then why not join us!
We sometimes work on projects with community and corporate volunteers, so you may be working alongside such groups. Additional training is offered, for example in first aid, should you be interested.
You work for as long as you wish and at your own pace. Knowledge of landscape, heritage, wildlife and conservation is not needed, you can learn as you go along. All locations will have been risk-assessed beforehand and personal protective equipment is provided to ensure tasks are safe working environments.
Examples of jobs and tasks include:
- Habitat management and creation
- Biodiversity projects
- Tree and hedge planting
- Removing plastic tubes and guards from trees
These conservation initiatives are vital as they help the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape fulfil its commitment to the Colchester Declaration.
For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities and roles within the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, please contact Countryside Project Officer Neil Lister or Nature Network Officer Alex Moore da Luz.
2024-25 Practical Conservation Volunteering Programme
Thursday 12th December - Hedge & Tree Planting and Orchard Maintenance
Planting new & coppicing edging; orchard TLC and making habitat piles
Location: Thorpeness
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Friday 13th December - Heathland Management
Location: Sizewell
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Tuesday 17th December - Tree Planting & Shelter Building
Planting out oak trees grown in the nursery & ensuring the tree shelters are in good order
Location: Staverton Parks & Thicks SSSI
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Tuesday 7th January - Sapling Clearance
Clearing trees from this lassic Sandlings heath and stacking and/or burning
Location: Hollesley Common
Task Leade: Neil Lister
Friday 10th January- Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: Dunwich
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Tuesday 14th January - Task tbc
Location: Wenhaston
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Tuesday 21st January - Variety of Tasks
Removing bramble/trees from best areas for wildflowers. Dead gorse removal. Scything etc.
Location: Waldringfield
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Friday 24th January- Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: Dunwich
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Tuesday 28th January - Hedge Planting
Hedge/Tree planting to einstate another hedge removed in the early 19th century
Tuesday 4th February - Hedge & Tree Planting
Planting hedges/trees along a Public Right of Way to provide additional shelter for farmland birds
Location: Westleton
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Friday 7th February- Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Tuesday 11th February - Task tbc
Location: Wenhaston
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Tuesday 18th February - Hedge & Tree Planting
Planting hedges/trees along a Public Right of Way to provide additional shelter for farmland birds
Location: Westleton
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Friday 21st February- Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Tuesday 25th February - Sapling Clearance
Clearing trees from this classic Sandlings heath and stacking and/or burning
Location: Hollesley Common
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Tuesday 4th March - Task tbc
Location: Walberswick
Task Leader: Neil Lister
Friday 7th March- Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
To book your place or find out more information on any of the volunteering opportunities, please contact Countryside Project Officer Neil Lister at [email protected] or Nature Network Officer Alex Moore da Luz at [email protected].