If you have a passion for Nature then join us on the first Sunday of every month 10am to 2:30pm at Chafford Gorges Nature Reserve. We run this work party to protect the nature reserve, the most biodiverse reserve in Essex!

Volunteers attend scheduled work parties and undertake practical conservation tasks such as litter picking, raking, scrub clearance, surveying burning in winter, fence maintenance, projects, habitat pile/hedge laying etc. Hands on training will be provided on site including the use of any tools.

Working outdoors to assist management of Essex Wildlife reserves on a wide variety of conservation tasks:
- Following the reserve management plan.
- Utilising a variety of hand tools to help complete tasks.
- Ensure that the work carried out on reserves is efficient and the reserves are left safe and tidy for visitors.
- Following Essex Wildlife Trust Codes of Good Practice, and help promote these motivating and supporting other volunteers.
- To uphold the values of Essex Wildlife Trust and to discuss the aims of the Trust with the aim to getting new members.
- Adhere to procedures relating to hygiene, health and safety, fire and security and any other relevant risk assessment information.

Willingness to be outdoors for a 2-4-hour period.
- Must have an adequate level of fitness to participate, this may include walking on uneven ground, assisting lifting heavy tools and using tools with a repetitive motion.
- Will usually require own transport to site, on some occasion’s volunteers may be willing to car- pool.
- Volunteers work at their own pace and be comfortable in taking breaks when needed.
- Please bring pack lunch and water. Sun cream provided in the centre.
- Some nature reserves will not have access to toilets and washing facilities.
- Sturdy work boots or wellies is required and clothes you don't mind getting muddy and dirty.

Listen to the Ranger and Assistant Rangers and carefully follow instructions and adhering to health and safety advice. Enthusiasm, a positive attitude and an ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds is essential.

Perks and Benefits - If you enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people and hands on conservation work, then this role could be the perfect opportunity for you. This role does involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so will enable you to keep your fitness levels high, as well as helping your mental health and wellbeing. For volunteers who regularly attend, there are training opportunities to be certified to use machinery. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, and you might find it rewarding to safeguard nature in the area you are working to protect. As well as the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a local wildlife charity, the role provides opportunities to develop skills and knowledge. It is also an opportunity to become part of a thriving community of committed volunteers. This opportunity will allow you to get to know your local community well and connect with other Essex Wildlife Trust members and volunteers in your area. The work party is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and learn new skills whilst helping nature flourish.