Volunteering FAQs
How can I volunteer?
All our current volunteer roles are available to view on our website under volunteering opportunities.
If you would like to register for any of our Volunteering Role Profiles or to find out more, please email Volunteering@southdowns.gov.uk
Where can I volunteer?
The South Downs National Park covers over 1600 square kilometres from Winchester in the West to Eastbourne in the East and is divided into three Area Teams: Western Downs, Central Downs, and Eastern Downs.
To determine which area of the Park you would like to volunteer in, please refer to the Ranger Area Teams Map.
When do volunteer tasks run?
Volunteer tasks vary according to area team and there are different task days across the National Park area.
Your designated Assistant Ranger will be in contact with the task rota to let you know what tasks are coming up and when.
Are there any age limits to volunteering?
We currently accept volunteers over the age of 18 for our regular practical tasks.
If you are aged 16-25, you may be interested in our South Downs Youth Action Volunteer opportunities, please check out our website for more details South Downs Youth Action.
We also welcome applications for volunteering placements with us if you are aged 16-17 and are on a relevant college course.
When can I start volunteering?
Once you have registered your interest, you will be invited to complete a taster day with one of our area teams.
Once this has taken place, you will be emailed a link to sign up to our volunteer database, Better Impact.
After all the necessary forms have been read and completed you are then an active South Downs National Park volunteer and are free to sign up to tasks at your leisure.
I’m new to practical volunteering, is that okay?
Yes, absolutely!
All relevant training and supervision are provided and you will receive a full health and safety induction on task, including information on how to safely use any tools and equipment.
What should I bring to a volunteer task day?
Most task days run from 10am to 3pm so bring lunch, snacks, water and a hot drink.
We ask that you wear suitable clothes for the weather conditions and sturdy footwear, either boots or wellies.
All tools and protective equipment are provided.
Do you provide volunteer clothing?
Yes, we allocate clothing to our volunteers once three task days have been completed.
The clothing is dependent upon type of volunteer role but in most cases, you can expect to receive a polo shirt, trousers, and steel cap boots. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves and goggles will be provided by your area team.
In the meantime, please wear appropriate outdoor clothing including sturdy footwear (preferably steel-toed boots if you have them).
I’m receiving benefits, can I volunteer?
Yes, volunteering should not normally affect a person’s right to benefits as long as only expenses directly relating to the volunteering activity are provided.
There are normally no limits on the amount of time a volunteer can commit for, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit they are in receipt of.
Volunteers should be advised to discuss their voluntary commitments with their benefits agency.
I live outside the UK, can I volunteer?
Yes, however it’s your responsibility to make sure you can volunteer while in the UK.
In general, if you’re from the European Union or European Economic Area you’re able to volunteer.
The general rule is that non-EU/EEA nationals need a work permit to take up “employment paid or unpaid”, which includes volunteering.
Due to the nature and potential complexity of these rules it may be necessary to seek further guidance from the UK Boarder Agency or UK Visas and Immigration.
I’m a refugee or asylum seeker can I volunteer?
Yes, if you have refugee status or have exceptional leave to remain in the UK then you’re welcome to volunteer with us.
Likewise, if you’re an asylum seeker then you can also volunteer.
If your final appeal is refused and you’re denied leave to remain then you have to stop volunteering.
I have a learning disability and would need extra support, can I volunteer?
Yes of course. We will talk to you about what support you would need and look at whether we have a role that would be suitable for you.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide one-to one support from our own staff team, so you will need to identify someone who can volunteer with you each time.
Do I need to drive to site?
Most of our sites are considerably remote. Each area team offers a ‘pick up’ option. This can be from the area office and sometimes from other locations such as train stations depending on location of task.
Your designated Assistant Ranger will be able to provide you with more detail prior to the day.
Can I claim mileage expenses?
We are unable to reimburse travel expenses to your regular volunteer base.
However, travel to volunteer training and other events can be claimed back at a current rate of 0.45p per mile, including parking fees incurred whilst attending the event.
A receipt for parking must be attached to the expenses claim.