Do you remember finding your first worm? Splashing in muddy puddles? Running through crisp autumn leaves? We’re looking for volunteers to share their enthusiasm for the outdoors with visiting school groups, here at Rye Meads nature reserve. You do not need to be a wildlife expert, you just need to have a passion for working with young people and be happy to be outdoors in all weather.

Our schools programme here at Rye Meads includes activities ranging from pond dipping, bird watching to exploring the seasons and more. Sessions are led by our professional educational team and we are looking for volunteers to enhance the experience for visiting school groups and lead some sessions.

We strongly believe that nature is for everyone and we are fully committed to helping you with any support you might need to unlock your potential. We are not yet as representative as we would like of Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and younger volunteers and we particularly welcome applications that help us address this.

Because of the training involved, we are looking for people who can commit to regular volunteering- a minimum of 2 sessions a month in our busy period (March - July).

What’s in it for you?

As a schools volunteer, no day will be the same. We teach in a variety of habitats and to a variety of ages groups, so you will get a wide range of experience. This role will give you the opportunity to make a real difference enriching the lives of young people and inspiring them to care and learn more about the natural world with the RSPB.

As a volunteer who leads sessions, you will be responsible for ensuring students have wonderful hands-on experience with nature. We will support you with training and observation time along the way, allowing you to build your confidence gradually ensuring you are fully confident to lead groups independently.

You'll be part of a small friendly team of staff and volunteers here.

Once you have completed 50 hours of volunteering you will be eligible to receive a volunteer benefit card with discounts in various shops, plus access to our nationwide thank you events.

We are accessible by public transport and pay reasonable expenses, making it easy to volunteer here.

Tasks will include:

· Observing and team teaching sessions, building up to leading.

· Helping to set up for school visits and tidy up at the end of the day.

· Familiarising yourself with the National Curriculum and modern teaching methods (training will be provided).

The skills you need

· An interest in wildlife

· An enthusiasm for outdoor education and a willingness to learn new skills

· A resourceful and flexible approach to be able to cope with a wide variety of ages and abilities of children

· The confidence and ability to lead a fun and active day's education programme with a group of students and their teacher. Full training provided.

· Self-motivated with ability to work as part of a team and alone.

· Experience working or volunteering with children desirable but not essential.

Notes

In line with our Safeguarding policy, all applicants are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (England and Wales), Access NI in Northern Ireland, or a PVG Scheme registration check from Volunteer Scotland in Scotland.

References will also be taken up.

All necessary training and equipment will be provided and travel expenses reimbursed (up to 25 miles max). The RSPB is the country's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. By volunteering your time and talents you can help us increase our impact and help us save more nature.

RSPB Rye Meads

RSPB Rye Meads