Country parks and local nature reserves

If you enjoy being out in the fresh air, meeting new people and care about your local countryside, then why not become a volunteer ranger?

The countryside team maintain and enhance the habitats, biodiversity and heritage of our country parks and nature reserves, making them a welcome place for people and wildlife. But we couldn’t do it without the help of our community of 60+ volunteers.  

The Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers (CCVR) cover all our countryside sites across the city. Its members represent a wide cross section of the local community including students, retired, teachers, health-care workers, professionals and those registered as disabled. 

They patrol, assist with events, carry out estate management, lead health walks, deal with visitor enquiries and provide front-of-house services.

CCVR are an independent constituted group of volunteers who support the rangers in the management of our sites as well as running their own activities and fundraising. 

Find out more about CCVR 

There are a number of volunteer roles at High Woods and with the Countryside team:

Weekend Volunteer Ranger (suitable for 18 years and older) 

Time ​/Commitment: Usually one Saturday or Sunday a month, 10am to 4pm.  
Location: Start and finish at High Woods Country Park. Throughout the day you could be working on any one of our many sites in and around Colchester. 

The role : A very varied role. Volunteers will mostly work in pairs or small groups and be given a list of tasks to work on independently throughout the day.

These tasks could include: 

• carrying out practical maintenance to site structures
• habitat conservation and enhancement
• assisting visitors
• patrolling
• litter picking
• helping on guided walks and activities

Some tasks are quite physical and will involve carrying, bending and lifting. A wide variety of hand tools are used, on the job training will be provided.  

Monday Volunteer Ranger (suitable for 16 years and older)

Time ​/Commitment: 

• 10am to 4pm Mondays, usually start at 10am on the work site.
• Volunteers do not have to commit to coming out every Monday.
• A programme of task activities is drawn up quarterly, volunteers then sign up to the dates they are willing to do.
• Maximum of 15 volunteers per task unless otherwise stated. At times we may run two smaller groups if tasks require a smaller team.  

Location: Any one of our 16 countryside sites including High Woods Country Park. ​  

The role : A very varied and practical role which involves working on conservation and general maintenance jobs for example coppicing, fencing, path work, wildflower management and much more.

• Around 6 to 15 volunteers attend and all work together under the supervision of a staff ranger.
• Tasks are quite physical and will involve carrying, bending and lifting.
• A wide variety of hand tools are used, on the job training will be provided.
• The terrain can be rough, muddy and slippery.
• We work in all weathers.
• Be aware that toilet facilities are only available at High Woods Country Park.​ 

Volunteer Wellness Walk Leader (suitable for 18 years and older) 

Time ​/Commitment: Walks take place on alternate Fridays and Sundays from 11am to 12.30pm​  
Location: High Woods Country Park 

The role : Help lead walks and motivate walkers. 

The Friday walks are short (1 to 2 miles) and a great form of low impact exercise, suitable for most people's abilities, where attendees walk at their own comfort pace. 

About 20 participants of varying ages and some with health needs attend. The Sunday walks tend to be more of an informal stroll around the Country Park of up to 3 miles. Tea and biscuits and a chat afterwards seem to be a very popular part of the activity.​ You will be invited to join the walks and receive ‘on the walk’ training. 

Volunteer Visitor Centre Assistant (suitable for 16 years and older) 

Time ​/Commitment: Flexible, weekends, weekdays, full and half days as well as ‘lunch cover’ shifts lasting 2 to 3 hours. 
Location: High Woods Country Park Visitor Centre. 
The role: Volunteering in the High Woods Country Park Visitor Centre helping visitors to get the most out of their visit. Chatting to the public about the site, the wildlife that lives there and the work that we do. ​ 

You will also be serving customers as they buy food, drinks, and shop items, promote activities, help keep the visitor centre clean and tidy and respond​ to questions and feedback from the public. ​

You will need to attend a general volunteer one day training ​programme and a half day visitor centre specific training ​session and undertake training whilst doing the role. 

Qualities​:

• Enjoy working with members of the public.
• Able to enthuse and inspire people.
• Able to work efficiently on own initiative, manage money and respond to high demand.  

Livestock Lookering (suitable for 18 years and older) 

Time: Generally one morning a week on a rota basis, usually from 10am until you have found all of the cows and goats.
Location: High Woods Country Park​  
The role: Checking that all livestock on High Woods Country Park are accounted for, looking for any signs of ill health and reporting back to High Woods Country Park staff or the grazier Roger Beecroft.​ You will need to attend a one day training course organised by the Legacy Grazing Project.

Qualities​: 

• Not afraid of cattle or goats. 
• Suitable fitness level to walk across uneven ground.
• Will be loan working under buddy system.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of these volunteer roles, complete our online application form or visit High Woods visitors centre for a form.

Apply now

Once we have received your application, we will be in touch to discuss the role and invite you to one of volunteer information and induction days. If you have any questions about volunteering with the countryside team, email countrysidevolunteers@colchester.gov.uk or contact customer services.