National Parks Big Volunteer Weekend
‘National Parks Big Volunteer Weekend’
September 20th – 22nd 2024
To celebrate our amazing volunteers and how you can help National Parks, we are taking part in the ‘National Parks Big Volunteer Weekend’ after the success of our first ‘All Parks Volunteer day’ the weekend will run over September 20th – 22nd this year. Open to all ages and abilities, whether you are a first time volunteer and visitor to National Parks or an experienced skilled volunteer, there will be events and volunteer activities across the weekend everyone can join in with.
What to expect and how do I join in?
UK National Parks will be hosting a volunteer event across the weekend, from recording flora and fauna to litter picking and planting, there will be a whole host of activities to take part in and help out. The National Parks will have their own booking and sign up system to coordinate the volunteer event in their National Park, just use the links below to visit their website. We will be posting and updating specific events available so be sure to check back or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Not sure which National Park is closest to you? You can check out our Parks page here where you will find a map with links to all 15 National Parks and information about their unique qualities.
Find activities in National Parks near you!
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
For 'National Parks Big Volunteer Weekend' Bannau Brycheiniog National Park would like to say a huge ‘diolch’ (thank you) to the wonderful volunteers giving up their time and energy to care for the special landscape. Our team of over 180 volunteers, each bringing unique skills and perspectives, make a huge contribution across various areas of work, helping to preserve and celebrate the beauty of the National Park.
Broads
Ever wanted to volunteer in the Broads National Park? You can try microvolunteering any time and place! Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, cultural heritage, or keeping the waterways safe, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. Your contributions help protect the precious landscape. Ready to make a difference? Join us and support the Broads in a way that works for you!
Cairngorms
Volunteering in the Cairngorms National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Britain's largest and most northerly National Park, where the landscape ranges from wild, high mountains to sweeping heather moorlands, ancient forests, and winding rivers.
Dartmoor
Volunteering in Dartmoor National Park offers a chance to engage with one of England's most iconic landscapes, known for its rugged moorlands, ancient woodlands, and striking granite tors. Join us on Dartmoor on Roborough Down for a two-minute-litter-pick on Sunday 22nd September, Come along to help us keep one of our busiest areas of moorland tidy - even if you only have two minutes to spare, this event is open to all!
North York Moors
Volunteering in the North York Moors National Park provides an opportunity to contribute to conservation projects, habitat restoration, and cultural heritage preservation, playing a key role in maintaining the National Park's diverse ecosystems and scenic beauty.
Exmoor
Volunteering in Exmoor National Park is an opportunity to help protect Exmoor's diverse wildlife, ancient heritage, and unique habitats, contributing to conservation projects, footpath maintenance, or community outreach. Join on Exmoor near Tarr Steps for meadow-making and help bring a wildflower meadow back to life, making it a haven for nature through nature-friendly management. Activities include haymaking on the Friday and a family-friendly wildlife walk on the Saturday, exploring the wildlife that lives in the meadow and looking for signs of dormice in the woods.
Lake District
The Lake District National Park will be celebrating all that their volunteers do with a day just for them. There will be food and and a host of activities from walks and bike rides to work parties and workshops, and a bonfire, oh and cake, plenty of cake. We're looking forward to saying a huge thank-you for the staggering amount volunteers do to look after the Lake District in so many ways.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Volunteering in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park provides an incredible opportunity to support the conservation of Scotland's first National Park, known for its stunning lochs, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands. As a volunteer, you can engage in a variety of activities, from habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring to assisting with visitor services and community projects.
New Forest
Volunteering in New Forest National Park is a rewarding way to contribute to the preservation of one of England's most cherished natural landscapes. With its ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and picturesque villages, the New Forest is a haven for wildlife and a site of rich cultural history. As a volunteer, you can help maintain the park’s delicate ecosystems, support conservation projects, and assist with community and educational initiatives.
Northumberland
Volunteering in Northumberland National Park provides a rewarding opportunity to support the conservation of one of England's most tranquil and unspoiled landscapes. From the rolling Cheviot Hills to the ancient Hadrian's Wall, the park is rich in history and natural beauty. As a volunteer, you can help maintain its diverse habitats, protect its wildlife, and preserve its cultural sites, ensuring that this cherished landscape remains pristine for generations to come.
Peak District
As a volunteer, you can contribute to the conservation of these picturesque environments, support local wildlife, and help maintain the park’s extensive network of trails and historical sites. Engaging in tasks such as habitat restoration, educational outreach, or visitor assistance, you’ll play a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty and heritage of the Peak District for both current and future generations to enjoy.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Volunteering in Pembrokeshire National Park offers a picturesque backdrop for conservation and community work. Join in with Castell Henllys Volunteering Day Friday 20th September 9.30am – 4pm, and Freshwater East Volunteering Day Saturday 21st September 10am – 3:30pm for activities and practical tasks! To find out more and register email volunteering@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
South Downs
Volunteering in South Downs National Park provides a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a range of activities, from habitat restoration and trail maintenance to educational outreach and conservation efforts. Your work helps preserve the National Park's beauty and ensures that its unique charm and ecological diversity continue to be enjoyed by visitors and wildlife alike.
Yorkshire Dales
Volunteering in the Yorkshire Dales National Park provides a rewarding opportunity to engage with one of England's most cherished rural landscapes. Join the National Park Ranger Team for a volunteering day to help preserve the natural flora of a site at Craven Limeworks, near Settle. Join in and offer a valuable extra pair of hands (or six) and help remove invasive plants and protect the habitat of important bee orchids.
Not close to a National Park but want to join in?
If you can’t get to a National Park but would still like to take part, you can join in anywhere and help nature by joining in with our National Parks Look Wild project.
Join the biggest citizen’s science project that National Parks has ever undertaken, Look Wild uses a free nature identification app that will name plants and animals for you and contribute to a huge National Park-led citizens’ science project at the same time. It’s free to learn about the natural world around you and do your bit to protect it at the same time. All observations you make help build a picture and information about biodiversity and populations across the UK.
