Parkland Maintenance Group Volunteer

After having completed an exciting National Lottery Funded Project to restore Staunton’s Regency landscape, enhance community facilities for visitors and increase our volunteer offer, our volunteers have been instrumental in helping us to restore and maintain the parkland, to ensure it is at its best.

If you enjoy the outdoors and are happy to carry out tasks in all weathers, we have an active group of friendly parkland maintenance volunteers who meet weekly to support us in taking care of the park.

The parkland maintenance role works alongside other volunteers and Staunton Country Park Ranger staff to carry out a wide variety of parkland management tasks.

Tasks are dependent on the seasons, however, typical tasks include:

• Clearing / cutting back overgrowing vegetation and scrub management.
• Moving and carrying branches or small logs into piles and / or putting cut vegetation / leaves into dumpy bags.
• Keeping footpaths accessible.
• Installing and maintaining, fences, gates, signs and benches.
• Keeping the park tidy and litter free.

Skills

Skills and knowledge:

No specific skills are needed for this role, although as the work is based outdoors, an interest in the countryside and a willingness to work in all weathers is desirable. A basic level of fitness is needed, as tasks require physical activity on uneven terrain. Volunteers must be willing to follow instructions and comply with our health and safety procedures. The role works alongside other volunteers, with occasional contact with members of the public, so good interpersonal skills would also be helpful.

Volunteers will be given demonstrations and initial support, if needed, by the Countryside Rangers or an experienced volunteer to use hand tools or to carry out specific tasks. However, volunteers need to be able to work independently, after guidance is given, therefore a certain level of initiative and independence skills will be required.

What is in it for you?

• Meeting new people and having fun, while making a difference to Staunton Country Park.
• Being active outdoors in a welcoming and friendly environment.
• Enhance existing skills and learn new things.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• Trips out and socials.

Commitment: Flexible. Opportunity to sign up weekly, depending on your availability. The sessions run every Thursday morning, as well as monthly weekend sessions.