Get involved in practical conservation work on a Conservation Day

Get involved in practical conservation work on a Conservation Day

Location:
Various locations, Cumbria

Volunteers tree planting at Eycott Hill 

Get stuck in to practical task on a hands-on conservation day.
47 Nature reserves
5,945 Volunteer hours
137 Work parties

How to book on a conservation day

Booking is required on all conservation days. Book your place either online using the links on this page, by emailing events@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk or by calling 01539 816300 during office hours.

If you are looking for a day for a large group or are from a business and want to know more about what opportunities we have for you and your team, please get in touch.

Tips on booking through Eventbrite

  • The book button on our website takes you to Eventbrite - a third party booking system
  • On Eventbrite you are asked to Register for the free event.
  • By clicking Register you are taken to the booking screen and asked to enter your contact details.
  • You can streamline the whole Eventbrite booking process by having a logon to the Eventbrite web site. When you are logged on, Eventbrite automatically populates your contact details saving you retyping these.
  • You will still need to enter your mobile number and post code every time as Eventbrite does not store this information.
  • Registration for Conservation Days is closed 24 hours before the event so that our admin team can let reserves staff know how many volunteers to expect. You can usually check for any remaining places by phone or email with the admin team.

There's plenty of wildflower planting to do, scrub and bramble removal, bracken bashing, and invasive plant removal, as well as path, bridge and boundary repairs. Lace up your boots and come and join us!

See upcoming Conservation days in your area

Conservation Days around Penrith, Keswick and the central lakes

Conservation Days around Kendal and the south lakes

Conservation Days around Carlisle and north Cumbria

Conservation Days around Kirkby Stephen and the eastern fells

Conservation Days around Barrow, Cockermouth and West Cumbria

Frequently Asked Questions

We try to make our Conservation Days welcoming and friendly.  They're a great opportunity to meet others, do something really positive for nature and have fun!

Read on if you're new to practical conservation work or would like to know more.

Why do I need to book onto a Conservation Day?

Knowing who is going to attend a Conservation Day really helps the Reserve Managers to plan the day and make sure they have sufficient tools and equipment. It also means that if we have to cancel or change the Conservation Day at short notice we can easily contact everyone – saving wasted time and journeys.

More importantly though – having a list of registered volunteers attending work parties means that if an emergency arises Reserve Managers have your emergency contact details to hand. This is an important part of the Trust’s Health & Safety procedure.
 

What can I expect to do on the day?

Volunteers of all ages and abilities help us with our practical conservation work. There is always a variety of tasks to be done and our Reserve Managers are adept at finding the right tasks to suit individual capabilities.

Work is varied depending on the reserve and the time of year. All tools are provided and training is given in use. Protective clothing where required is provided.

Some tasks can be quite strenuous but generally tasks can be assigned to suit individual capability. If you have a medical condition please let the reserve manager know at the start of the work party.

Typical work party tasks may involve:

  • repairing walls, stiles, paths, gates and fences
  • working with saws to coppice or remove scrub
  • tackling brambles and other invading plants
  • putting up or cleaning bird or bat boxes
  • cutting or scything grass
  • planting plug plants
  • supervising bonfires!

What should I wear and what do I need to bring with me?

  • Wear warm, comfortable layered clothing including waterproofs and over trousers (not your best ones!)- and for those rarer warm sunny days – a sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Strong boots and gardening gloves.
  • A packed lunch, snacks and drinks with you to sustain you during the day – though often we provide biscuits.

Other info

Access to facilities on Conservation Days
Our nature reserves are generally in remote places so there is usually no access to toilets and other facilities.
Cancellation of Conservation Days
We sometimes have to cancel Conservation Days due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. By booking in advance we're able to contact you easily to let you know.
Photography at Conservation Days
Please be aware that photographs may be taken and used for publicity purposes.
Under 16's
If you are under 16 you're welcome to come and help on Conservation Days but you must be accompanied by an adult.

Download our Volunteer handbook 2023 (PDF)