Latest Opportunities!

This page gives you details of all the latest volunteering opportunities and ways you can help around the county.

If you are new to these pages you may like to first have a look at What Can I Do? for a full overview of all the opportunities to volunteer with the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Follow the links for more details or use the Enquiry Form to get in touch.

Surveying roles (seasonal):

Mendip Hills Big Bat Survey 2012

Volunteers needed! The Somerset Bat Group and Somerset Wildlife Trust invite you to take part in the sixth annual Big Bat Survey in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the 17th August 2012. Click here for more information.

The Blackdown Hills Big Bat Survey 2012

Following the success of last year’s survey we invite you to join us on our second Big Bat Survey in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the 20th of July 2012. A free bat training workshop is available for survey volunteers on the 25th of May 2012. Click here for more information.

Somerset Hedge Survey

The Somerset Hedge Group has been surveying hedges in Somerset to provide important information about the condition of the hedges in our county. The surveying was begun in 2010 by volunteers with the assistance of grant funding from Defra and using a nationally-recognised survey format. Over the last two years they have been surveying the hedges in the parishes of Wedmore and Church Allerton in Sedgemoor District. The Hedge Group is planning on expanding the survey project this year and would be keen to hear from anyone with an interest in hedges who would like to survey the hedges in their parish. Training will be provided as will equipment; a basic knowledge of tree species and common flowers is all that’s required! For further information about the Somerset Hedge Group and the hedge survey project please contact the Chairman, Pete Grainger on

Bumblebee survey

The Flowering for Life project is looking for volunteers to help survey bumblebees on the Trust’s beautiful Catcott Nature Reserves on the Somerset Levels. Find out more.

Mendip butterfly survey

Somerset Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation are looking for volunteers to undertake surveys of butterflies within new sites in the Mendips. Find out more.

Toad Patrol - volunteers needed

1. The Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset (RAGS) are looking for volunteers to assist with a toad patrol in the Mendip hills this month. If you feel able to help please contact John Dickson either by e-mail at or by phone on 01749 672928 for further details. M ore information here.

2. Volunteers are also needed in the Castle Cary area where patrols will be taking place to help the toads cross the road safely. If you live in the Castle Cary area and would like to help, please contact Dave Boyer on 01963 350418 or 07903 276315 or click here for more information.

Badger Survey

The Somerset Trust Badger Group is undertaking a survey of SWT Nature Reserves to record all badger setts and signs of badger activity and ensure that our reserve records are as up to date and as comprehensive as possible. This is a mammoth task and we need your help! Whether you are an experienced surveyor or an enthusiastic novice your contribution will be greatly appreciated. Details of the survey and how to get involved are here.

Orchard wildlife surveyors needed

The 'Keeping South Somerset's Orchards Alive' project is seeking keen volunteers to take part in a special wildlife survey involving SERC. Traditional orchards can provide excellent habitats for insects, birds, reptiles and bats and this survey will help find out just how important South Somerset's orchards are for wildlife. If interested, please contact Ann Langdon by email or telephone 01749 676052.

Event and Community volunteering:

Education Volunteers wanted

We are looking for volunteers with a passion for wildlife and an interest in inspiring young people to help support our Wildlife Watch groups across Somerset. We are specifically looking for helpers in the Taunton and Quantock area to support our group that meets in Taunton and Fyne Court.

Leaders will need to be enthusiastic and able to give at least 2 hours a month to help run and organise meetings. Contact Jessy Emery on 01823 652415 or e-mail to find out more or click the link to find out more about the clubs.