Purpose of Role

Arable crops, meadows, woodlands, wildlife ponds and an orchard make up this 65 hectare farm that's also home to the Trust offices and wildlife garden. Visitors regularly use the farm trail and we host a variety of guided walks, talks and educational experiences. We aim to demonstrate key techniques to establish a resilient farming enterprise, taking care of soil health and providing a sanctuary for pollinators. We also aim to monitor practices and share knowledge with the wider farming community. 

Type of work

Tasks around Lower Smite Farm include: 

• Mowing of pathways, including farm trail and public footpaths
• Hedge-laying
• Fencing repairs and maintenance
• Scrub control
• Weeding
• Farmland bird supplementary feeding
• Young woodland management
• Bird nest box monitoring and maintenance
• Butterfly surveys
• Reptile surveys
• Botanical surveys

Experience/skills needed

• Interest and enthusiasm for nature and wildlife conservation
• Willingness to work outside in all weathers
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team
• Basic use of hand tools - training will be given
• Willingness to be involved in a number of tasks as directed
• Suitable for everyone with a basic level of fitness

Time/days

Every Tuesday 9am-1pm.

Benefits

Being a farm volunteer gives you the chance to spend time at the Trust's HQ and learn about managing a farm with wildlife in mind. The tasks and the outdoors is great for your overall health and wellbeing as well as keeping you fit.

We’re Wild About Inclusion

To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.  It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

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