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As a Plantlife volunteer there’s always something you can get involved in. Here’s a roundup of upcoming talks, events, and training opportunities.
Welcome to the volunteering news page. Here you can read our latest volunteering news, updates, volunteer stories, and explore opportunities to get involved with us. Whether you’re already a volunteer, or you’re looking for opportunities to join in and make a difference for wild plants and fungi, read our news articles to discover more about what our volunteers get up to and the difference they make to the work we do.
Find out what it’s like to volunteer at one of our nature reserves. Jim is an Ecologist at the walking and cycling charity Sustrans. He decided to spend one of his annual allocated volunteering days helping at our Deep Dale reserve in Derbyshire. He describes his day working in nature.
Wild plants and fungi underpin all life on earth. From insects, invertebrates, mammals and even us – plants are the building blocks of biodiversity. Plantlife is fighting to save and protect threatened species, for their intrinsic value, and so they can support other wildlife. Invertebrates are in fact solely reliant on certain plants for survival. So, without working to protect individual species, the impacts on nature as a whole could be huge. Join us to learn about how important individual plant species are and the fascinating relationships between plants and other wildlife.
Booking link will be sent by volunteer managers.
From saving rare species from extinction, to giving a voice to plants and fungi and habitat recovery on nature reserves – meaningful conservation work takes many forms and needs a wide range of support. So, how do conservationists work with others to get support for widespread nature restoration? The answer…it’s a big team effort. From our valuable members and supporters, the general public and important funders like the National Lottery – they all support our work. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible impact the National Lottery has had on nature restoration, both past achievements and exciting new projects. If the plants and fungi could say thank you, they would!
When you think of the Fens – marshlands, wildlife and rare plants might pop into your head. But 400 years ago, it was a very different story. In the 1600s, these wetlands were seen as an unhealthy place where the air could cause fevers, and all manners of spirits could spread disease. So, how did the people who called the Fens home survive? Join historian Dr Tabitha Stanmore to uncover the region’s deep-rooted traditions, plant knowledge and how everyday magic shaped the lives of the people who lived in the Fens.
Learn more about the subjects that spark your interest on Plantlife YouTube channel.
Plantlife – YouTube
Get familiar with ferns! Develop the skills you need to identify woodland ferns and learn more about the history of ferns and their cultural significance in this e-learning course.
Fungi form an important part of grasslands in the UK. With lyrical names like Ballerina waxcap, and Violet coral, these fungi are one of the most colourful and charismatic groups of fungi to learn to identify. These flexible, accessible courses are open to everyone. You’ll deepen your knowledge and gain practical skills to support conservation efforts in your local area and beyond.
Experience the wonders of nature and its rich biodiversity through our events and activities to explore plants, fungi and the habitats they are in.
Here’s a roundup of some of our featured projects all of which involve volunteers, or will be involving volunteers in the future. This section will be added to over time as we shine the spotlight on our different projects. Be sure to check back in to keep an eye on the variety of different ways volunteers are working with us.
Dr Rachel Murphy, NPMS Volunteer Manager – ' The NPMS is a nationwide partnership project, supported by hundreds of volunteer citizen scientists, who do botanical surveys every year at their allocated sites. These long-term surveys are providing data that enables us to study the abundance and diversity of plants over time across 30 different semi-natural habitats. Our volunteers have access to an ongoing programme of training and events both online and in person.'
Ellie Baggett, Project Officer Natur am Byth! – 'Summer 2023 saw the launch of Natur am Byth, Wales’ largest natural heritage and outreach programme to save species from extinction and reconnect people to nature. Through our Welsh Marches project, we’re working in Powys, focussing on rare and fascinating lichens and bryophytes of veteran trees and dry rocky outcrops; communities which are increasingly at risk. Watch this space for upcoming events, training, and volunteering opportunities!'
Louise Senior, People Engagement Officer, Species on the Edge, North Coast – 'Species on the Edge is a collaborative approach to environmental action across Scotland’s coasts and islands. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme is overseen by NatureScot with partners from 7 conservation charities. On Scotland’s north coast, Plantlife is delivering work on behalf of Butterfly Conservation, Buglife and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Volunteers can help conserve the Great Yellow bumblebee, Small Blue butterfly and the Leaf beetle, as well as Scottish Primrose, Oysterplant and Purple Oxytropis.'
The website and the images on this Volunteer page is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, CC BY 4.0.
The project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to recruit and develop our Digital Volunteers programme.
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