As the four-year Changing Chalk programme draws to a close, partners, communities and funders are celebrating its lasting impact across the South Downs – from restoring rare chalk grassland and improving access, to supporting wellbeing, skills, creativity and shared heritage. Our volunteers have played a vital role in the success of the project and now continue their work across the South Downs with our partnership organisations.
Volunteering has a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits. It’s also a great way to:
Whether you can commit a lot or just a little time, there's a wide range of opportunities across the partnership's projects that are still available. They include roles in nature and habitat conservation and community support and administration.
See the list below and contact the organisations directly for volunteering opportunities.
Europe’s biggest conservation charity with volunteers making it possible to preserve nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy. Offering a variety of roles at properties and in nature including the Southwick Hill group, Friends of Devil’s Dyke and the local Heritage Archaeology Ranger Teams.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/volunteer
Volunteering in Sussex | National Trust
Wilding Waterhall
Ex-golf course in Brighton reverted to species rich Downland. Volunteers needed for scrub clearance, wildflower and hedgerow planting, fencing and surveying. Friends of Waterhall meet once a month on a Saturday for a practical conservation session.
Contact: wildingwaterhall@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Other Brighton & Hove City Council volunteering roles:
Volunteers are a varied and integral part of a diverse team and are essential in supporting the delivery of the SDNPA’s vision.
Contact: volunteering@southdowns.gov.uk providing your name, address and availability
Volunteering in the South Downs - South Downs National Park Authority
700 volunteers help make Royal Botanic Gardens Kew as spectacular as they are. Whether based outdoors, leading tour groups, helping our scientists or dealing with visitors there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Championing wildlife and natural places everywhere in Sussex. Sussex Wildlife Trust have a range of volunteer opportunities in practical conservation, supporting education groups / events and using specific skills to support their work.
Contact: swtvolunteering@sussexwt.org
Volunteer with us | Sussex Wildlife Trust
Youth Rangers Brighton | Sussex Wildlife Trust
Environmental record centre covering Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. Custodian and provider of biodiversity and geodiversity data. Managed as a partnership project; partners include local planning authorities and local and national environmental organisations. Join a local recording group or society.
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre
Projects span nature conservation, sustainable socio-economic development and environmental awareness – focusing on learning how people and nature can flourish together.
One group - The Wildflower Guardians - create and maintain chalk wildflower areas across Brighton and Hove. Collecting wildflower seeds and B-Banks maintenance.
Contact: wildflowerguardians@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Lewes and surrounding areas
A mission to inspire environmental sustainability and foster a welcoming, dedicated community which is passionate about making a positive impact for nature, the RLWT provides a range of volunteering opportunities for all ages. Including: assisting with school visits; wellbeing, creative and youth action projects; event support and practical conservation work.
https://www.railwaylandproject.org/contact-us
Volunteering In Lewes | The Railway Land Wildlife Trust
Non-profit organisation helping people learn to cook, access a healthy diet, grow their own food and waste less food. Lots of ways to get involved with food in Brighton – volunteering with us or one of the many community food projects
Contact: info@bhfood.org.uk
Volunteer - Brighton and Hove Food Partnership
An arts and heritage organisation enabling Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people to tell their story through writing and the creative arts. Volunteers welcomed from all backgrounds for: social media, admin, marketing, workshops, artist/making, photography, fundraising. Training and support provided in a fun and safe environment.
Contact: info@writingourlegacy.org.uk Get Inv
Get Involved-Writing Our Legacy
May 2023
There's no typical day when you are out volunteering. Here's what two of our teams of volunteers got up to with our Chalk Life Rangers on our project sites at Southwick Hill and Gayles Farm. Read more
Get in touch! If you want to find out more about Changing Chalk email us:
