New Forest Northern Commons conservation volunteers

Two male volunteers stand by old brickwork amidst autumn bracken

The safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and supporters is our top concern and in accordance with Government guidelines on social distancing, our houses, shops, cafes, gardens, car parks and parks are now closed. However, many will be grateful for support when they reopen. If you are interested in volunteering, please keep checking for future opportunities.

We’ve got plenty of opportunities for volunteering across the New Forest Northern Commons.

Our Conservation Volunteers meet every Wednesday, undertaking a practical countryside management task across the National Trust Commons and Foxbury.

Volunteers getting stuck in with seasonal work
Volunteers working in the New Forest, Hampshire
Volunteers getting stuck in with seasonal work

During the autumn and winter this often involves gorse cutting and burning, rhododendron removal, control of pine and birch saplings, holly cutting and tree planting in Foxbury.

Throughout the warmer months we pull non-native plant species such as Himalayan Balsam with our neighbouring land owners in the New Forest, and remove common ragwort. We also maintain our tree plantations in Foxbury.

Our volunteers get stuck in in the estate
Volunteers burning gorse in the forest, Hampshire
Our volunteers get stuck in in the estate


In the spring and summer, our species surveyors undertake annual surveys of an array of wildlife including heathland flora, breeding birds, butterflies and moths, and reptiles.

If you’re local to a National Trust Common why not try community rangering: helping us keep an eye on our commons and keeping them tidy of litter whilst out on your regular walking route.

We also host events at Foxbury, and are always looking for a helping hand in looking after our visitors.

Download our volunteering calendar today and contact us if you are interested in joining in.