Latest News
Following on from the success of last year's Recorders Conference, this year we are holding a joint event with the Biodiversity... [read more]
Volunteers are needed to carry out orchard surveys within South Somerset. The surveys will include initial assessments of orchards to... [read more]
Volunteer opportunities
Whether you’re interested in helping with a short-term project or can make a long-term commitment we can put your skills to good use and help you develop new ones. We deal with wildlife information for the whole of Somerset. With your help we can make sure this information is accessible to a wide range of individuals and organisations to help conserve and protect Somerset’s countryside.
Keep an eye on our News section for details of our latest opportunities.
How you can help
Whatever your skills or time commitments, there is something to suit. You can volunteer as little or as much as you like, any help is welcomed. The following are examples of the kind of tasks you can get involved with. We’ll give you training where necessary. If you’re interested please get in touch and we can discuss the options available.
Data entry – digitisation of paper-based data (Excel and Recorder 6):
This helps us make valuable information much more easily accessible and user-friendly.
Digital mapping – digitising site boundaries in the geographic information system (MapInfo):
This helps us capture site information, such as tithe woodlands and compartments on SWT reserves, that is otherwise only accessible on paper maps.
Data archiving – scanning our site files to create a digital archive (Adobe Acrobat):
This will make an important resource much more easily accessible to landowners, enquirers and partners.
Image cataloguing – cataloguing our image collection:
This helps us make better use of our large collection of slides, prints and digital images.
Website – compiling articles for our information sections:
Help with researching and writing articles on a range of topics focussing on the natural history of Somerset from individual species and habitats to recording groups and survey projects.
Somerset Wildlife Trust also has volunteer opportunities and you can easily combine volunteering for the trust and the record centre. Support for volunteers is provided by SWT’s Community and Volunteering Facilitator.