Join in at Murlough National Nature Reserve




Murlough is a hugely important nature reserve which we manage in South Down. It is Ireland's first ever nature reserve and encompasses an incredible 16 per cent of the UK’s dune heathland.
If you add the additional 1,400 acres which we manage on Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh, it’s a huge area to look after.
What you can expect
- Habitat management
- Wild flower surveys
- Beach cleans
- Tree surveys
- Site patrols
- Fencing repairs
- Boardwalk maintenance
- Events
- Fixed point photography
- Mapping of invasive species
- Butterfly Surveys (seasonal)
Volunteering opportunities at Murlough
The volunteer roles here at Murlough are essentially practical conservation based but there are opportunities to get involved in environmental education, flora/fauna surveys and guided walks - we can provide shared accommodation during your time here so that you can undertake this role. Volunteering can be flexible around you. Volunteers get to meet new people and learn new skills in a spectacular setting.
Murlough Volunteer Ranger
The Volunteer ranger role at Murlough is ideal for anyone who is interested in gaining experience in the world of dune systems and the wildlife that depends on Murlough Nature Reserve.
Mountain Volunteer Ranger
This volunteer mountain ranger role is ideal for anyone who is interested in gaining experience in path work tasks, which involves stone-pitching sections of path using granite boulders. This is an opportunity to learn a range of traditional techniques.
Wildfire Volunteer Ranger
Get in touch
We’d love to hear from you if you’re keen to lend us a hand. Please visit find an opportunity to see what opportunities we currently have available.
Please note that due to the high volume of enquiries about volunteering we may not be able to reply if you apply for a role that is no longer available.
Murlough Volunteer Blog
Richard and Graham talk about their volunteer experience.