Volunteers are welcome at RSPB Arne in Dorset

Volunteer at RSPB Arne

'We’d love to welcome more local people from across Dorset to our volunteer team at RSPB Arne'

Volunteers at the heart of RSPB Arne

By RSPB Arne

We have a wide variety of volunteer roles across the site, with people generously giving their time to support our daily operations. From helping in our shop and café to working alongside our warden team on practical conservation projects, there is something for everyone. We also have a dedicated team of garden volunteers who help maintain the beautiful wildlife garden beside the café.

No two days are the same!

Our largest volunteer team is Visitor Engagement. These volunteers are often the first people visitors meet and are the friendly face of the RSPB on the reserve. You don’t need to be a wildlife expert to join the team. All you need is enthusiasm, a passion for people, and a willingness to help others enjoy their visit.

No two days are the same, volunteers chat with visitors in our information area, answer questions, provide directions, and share what makes Arne such a special place. They also engage with visitors out on the reserve, carrying out litter picks to help keep the trails clean and welcoming. Volunteers also support us in the shop and café and we are always looking for new friendly people to join these teams.

With our new seasonal trail leading to a new viewing screen, volunteers play an important role in monitoring this wildlife-sensitive area, undertaking engagement and patrol duties while helping visitors enjoy the experience responsibly. Looking ahead, we’re excited that the new Arne Moors Trail will open to visitors next year, creating even more opportunities for volunteers to connect people with nature.

Our volunteers also support and lead guided walks and Hire a Guide experiences, helping visitors discover the wildlife and landscapes that make Arne unique. During our major events, including Bird Fest and Pull a Pine, volunteers come together to create an incredible team spirit and help provide memorable experiences for thousands of visitors.

 

Meet our volunteers at RSPB Arne

When we asked some of our volunteers what they enjoy most about volunteering at Arne, here’s what they told us:

“What I love about volunteering is the opportunity to get out into the beautiful Arne reserve and meet friendly, like-minded visitors. Doing this while knowing that what we do makes a huge difference to the habitats and species we’re helping to protect is incredibly rewarding. Hearing about birds, reptiles, insects and plants making a recovery is the best feedback we could imagine.”
Dave
“Currently the news in the human world can be hard to take. The antidote is a small bird perching on top of a gorse bush at Arne, catching a fish in the Middlebere channel, flying like a barn door or pecking at the feeders in the cafe garden. I absolutely love reconnecting with the wild world. It gives me immense joy. I love it even more when I can help other people to make that connection and experience that ‘Wow’ moment. Whatever the season and whatever the weather the visitors always make my day. It’s such a privilege to spend time with such great people in such a beautiful setting. That’s why I do it!
Eddie
“It’s great volunteering at Arne and seeing how the reserve changes through the seasons, but the best part for me is the conversations with visitors. People love coming here and are always keen to share their stories and sightings. I really enjoy engaging with people in this environment.”
Jackie
“This has been my first year as a Visitor Engagement Volunteer at RSPB Arne, and I’ve loved watching the changing seasons, from the fresh growth of spring and the explosion of wildlife in summer to the peace and tranquillity of winter. I really enjoy learning and sharing these experiences with our visitors. You don’t need to be an expert. The RSPB team, and many of our visitors, are always happy to share their knowledge. I’ve become much fitter, less stressed and feel truly engaged and valued through volunteering at RSPB Arne.”
Ali
RSPB Arne logo

We’d love to welcome more local people from across Dorset to our volunteer team

If you’ve been inspired by our volunteers’ stories and would like to make a difference for nature while meeting new people and spending time outdoors, we would love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, connect with like-minded people, spend more time outdoors or simply give something back to nature, volunteering at RSPB Arne offers a rewarding experience for everyone.

To find out more see volunteering opportunities on our RSPB website. 

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