Easter opening hours - County Hall Reception will be closed Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April, re-opening as normal Tuesday 2 April.

Environmental volunteering

We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about the environment, recycling and climate change to help raise awareness of waste and sustainability issues.

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Community Fridge volunteers

Food waste is a big issue in the UK and beyond. It’s estimated that a third of all food gets wasted. Most of this is avoidable and could have been eaten, had it been better managed.

About the role

The Community Fridges help to cut food waste, build stronger bonds within the community and redistribute good quality food.

There are many ways you can support the Community Fridge, such as to:

  • help find businesses to donate food to the fridge
  • collect food from donors
  • clean and monitor stock
  • promote local fridge and organise events to support the fridge and the local community

Apply

To volunteer, please fill in our application form which asks for the following information:

  • Current employment status
  • Two references
  • Your skills and experience

Please have this information ready if you're completing the online form.

Online volunteer application form

Country parks volunteers

With over 1000 acres to look after, the county council’s country parks rangers need your help.

 

If your business would like to take part in our corporate volunteer days, please visit the Leicestershire Country Parks website for more information.

The country parks include many different habitats, each requiring careful management at various times of the year.

Our country park rangers plan and organise this management programme which includes activities such as:

  • coppicing and woodland management
  • looking after wildflower meadows
  • surveying wildlife and wetland management

This work is supported by teams of country park volunteers who play an important role in managing our parks and supporting the country park rangers.

Benefits of volunteering

Our country park volunteers get fresh air and exercise, at the same time as helping to improve the local environment and making new friends.

You'll learn new skills and gain knowledge about Leicestershire's plants and wildlife.

Become a volunteer

All you need is some clothing you don't mind getting dirty, gloves and appropriate footwear - and to be ready for the weather. You will receive training, tools and any specialist equipment.

Take the next step and get in touch to find out when our next conservation day is being held.

Regular Volunteer Groups

  • Donisthorpe Conservation Volunteer Group
  • Bosworth Park Conservation Volunteer Group
  • Coleorton & New Lount Conservation Volunteer Group
  • Watermead Conservation Volunteer Group
  • Beacon Hill Conservation Volunteer Group

Apply

Find out more about the groups and how to apply

Environment Action volunteers

The role of an Environment Action Volunteer is a diverse yet rewarding one. It will give you the opportunity to encourage positive behavioural change by offering practical support to community projects, as well as providing advice to friends, family, neighbours and the wider public to motivate them to take action to reduce their environmental impact.

Our roles cover a wide variety of activities such as:

  • Composting
  • Food waste
  • Reusable nappies
  • Recycling
  • Environment and carbon awareness

You do not need to have any prior knowledge of waste or environmental topics to apply, although having an interest would be beneficial.

Apply

If you are interested in becoming an Environment Action Volunteer, please visit Less Waste to find out how you can apply.

For further information, please contact the Waste and Environment Team by emailing wasteprevention@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 7005.

Tree Wardens volunteers

Tree Wardens are appointed as guardians of your local trees and are also a source of advice and can help you organise a tree planting scheme.

Tree Wardens plant, protect and promote their local trees. No training or experience in tree management is needed – just a love of trees and a few hours to spare. Our ambition is to have a tree warden for every parish or community in Leicestershire.

 

… it became apparent that the people of our parish were passionate about trees. Planting more of them and protecting those we have were by far the biggest environmental concern for residents. Over the coming year we plan to plant thousands helping to improve the visual aspect and biodiversity in our little corner of Leicestershire.

 

About the role

Watch this video to see what it's like to be a Tree Warden volunteer:

The Tree Warden Scheme gives people who feel that trees and the environment matter an opportunity to:

  • champion local trees and woods
  • plant and care for trees, for example pruning, watering, and giving vital aftercare to local trees after planting
  • support woodland management by rejuvenating local woodlands in need of active management
  • work with local authorities to plant and care for our precious street trees in urban and rural areas
  • set up tree nurseries using local seed
  • survey trees for wildlife, condition and age etc, e.g. ancient trees
  • monitor threats, disease, decay, or vandalism
  • involve neighbours in tree projects, working with neighbouring parishes and supporting private landowners etc.
  • socialise with like-minded people on training and field trips, sharing local enthusiasm for our woodlands and trees
  • support wider initiatives to stop tree and hedgerow decline locally and nationally
  • raise awareness via community outreach and education, e.g. going into schools to talk to young people about the value of trees
  • raise funds and identify suitable land for local tree planting projects

Apply

For more information about how to become a Tree Warden, contact your local parish council, or email treewardens@leics.gov.uk