Wildflower Growing Volunteer (Community Growing Hub)
Wetland conservation, creation and management
About The Role
Are you green-fingered and have time to help nurture wildflowers for the community?
The Wetland Wildflower Project aims to grow and distribute meadow plants of local provenance to enhance the wildflower diversity of local community projects, as well as the grounds and reserve areas at WWT Slimbridge. We will grow these plants in a recently refurbished polytunnel at Slimbridge.
Floodplain meadows are not only beautiful, but these rare, species-rich plant communities are part of the heritage of the Severn Vale. Floodplain meadows can store more carbon than woodlands, are incredibly biodiverse and can help mitigate flooding. Unfortunately, today just over 1000ha remain in England and Wales.
To help our efforts to restore floodplain meadows and other wet grasslands in the Severn Vale, we are looking for volunteers to assist with growing wildflower plug plants in our polytunnel.
This is a great role for those who will enjoy this hands-on work behind the scenes, whilst playing a role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.
Tasks will include:
* Receiving simple training on the methods and essential health & safety
* Caring for plug plants e.g. weeding, hand watering, potting on plants for sale in shop and watering and replacing these, as required
* Seed collecting and looking for pests and diseases
* Preparing plants for orders
* Ensuring optimal growing conditions in the polytunnel e.g. raising/lowering sides of tunnel, adapting automatic watering regime
* Some general maintenance, as needed, including moving trays and keeping work areas clean and safe
* Updating records, e.g. of any problems/loss of plants/transfer of plants
* Planting out plugs, as and when required
* Supporting attendance at plant sales and fairs, as agreed
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
About You
Who are we looking for?
You are keen to support and learn more about our work, and are able to travel independently to WWT Slimbridge.
We welcome people that have the ability to work under your own initiative, with some guidance, and are also happy working with a mix of people on a team. A relatively good level of fitness is also needed as tasks may involve lifting plant trays, using wheelbarrows, standing at plant benches, and lifting compost bags etc. However, adjustments may be able to be made based on individual needs, so do let us know how we may be able to help.
We ask that you wear your own sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing for this role.
We are particularly looking for volunteers that are available to help Thursdays-Sundays.
Unfortunately, this role is only suitable for Over 18's.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you'll love volunteering at WWT
* Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
* Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
* Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
* Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
* Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
* Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life
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