Become a Big Forest Find volunteer
From birds and butterflies, to insects and plant life on the forest floor, the Big Forest Find is a journey of discovery through England’s wooded landscapes as part of our centenary celebrations.
Recruitment for volunteers has now closed but you can find out more current volunteering opportunities across the nation's forests
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Expert Volunteer
What's involved?
Working with our local team, experts and volunteers you will support us to collect data on local species of interest to help us record the rich wildlife found in the forest.
Through a series of organised events supported by our volunteer facilitators, such as guided walks and survey days, you will share your knowledge about what is discovered to visitors and record the findings.
We’d like you to
- Have specialist knowledge in a forest / woodland species and be happy to support in surveying and sharing your knowledge with other volunteers
- Hold the appropriate specialist licence / certification for species collection
- Bring specialist equipment to help survey and share your knowledge with volunteers and visitors
- Be keen to share your enthusiasm and identification skills
We will
- Provide a volunteer induction prior to the event
- Provide appropriate training, support and briefing on the day
- Provide volunteer clothing as needed
- Provide you with free vehicle admission on your volunteer day
- Provide you with refreshments throughout the day
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Volunteer Facilitator
What's involved?
Working with our volunteer coordinator, ecology experts and the local forest team you will support us to engage visitors and other volunteers to collect valuable data and learn more about our amazing woods and forests.
You will welcome and guide visitors at Big Forest Find event days, supporting the local forest staff to set-up and take down event equipment as required, and support visitors to upload their exciting findings using the iNaturalist app.
We’d like you to
- Be a natural communicator
- Be reliable, patient and keen to share your enthusiasm
- Help share Forestry England’s centenary message and information about the local forest
- Be an ambassador for the Big Forest Find
We will
- Provide a volunteer induction prior to the event
- Provide appropriate training, support and briefing on the day
- Provide volunteer clothing as needed
- Provide you with free vehicle admission on your volunteer day
- Provide you with refreshments throughout the day
If you want to see the Youtube video you need to accept Targeting Cookies. To do this, click on the cookie icon in the bottom left of the screen, then toggle Targeting Cookies and Confirm My Choices.
If you want to see the embedded content you need to accept Targeting Cookies. To do this, click on the cookie icon in the bottom left of the screen, then toggle Targeting Cookies and Confirm My Choices.
Data Expert
What's involved?
Working with our volunteer co-ordinator, ecology experts and the local forest team you will support us to input and collate the exciting data collected through our Big Forest Find events, iNaturalist and Forestry England's data systems, which will feed into local records offices and National Biodiversity Network.
We’d like you to
- Enjoy analysing and collating data
- Be IT proficient
- Working in a small team or at home to process data against the clock!
- Want to learn more about wildlife in your local woods and forest
We will
- Provide a volunteer induction prior to the event
- Provide appropriate training, support and briefing on the day
- Provide you with computer access to process the data.
- Provide you with free vehicle admission on your volunteer day
- Provide you with refreshments throughout the day