At HIWARG we survey and help manage over 200 sites across Hampshire. As you can imagine this is a lot of ground to cover, and we need your help. Volunteering is a wonderful way to interact with like-minded people who care about wildlife and get outside, while having a positive impact on our native wildlife (not to mention picking up new knowledge and experiences along the way).

We have many wonderful opportunities and ways in which you can. We encourage our members to conduct reptile transects and pond surveys, to record species and their numbers. We also have regular habitat management sessions, where you can get involved in helping to maintain sites, making them better for the animals that live there. Another large part of what we do is engaging in public events, helping us to spread the word about the amazing reptiles and amphibians we are trying to protect, and why they are important.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone can join us and get involved, we provide continual support and can offer training. As a charity organisation there is zero commitment or obligation, and you can be involved as little or as much as you’d like. There is no age limit, although anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. You do not need any prior knowledge, as we will help you along the way, having a love for the outdoors and our native wildlife is all you need.

Can volunteering further a career in conservation?

Absolutely, almost all conservation and ecological organisations love to see candidates who volunteer their free time with charities like HIWARG. Helping with our survey efforts you will gain invaluable field experience, from surveying to land management and working with the public. It will also help you to get an idea of what sort of career path you may choose. Many of us work within the environmental, ecological and conservation sectors, and be able to offer you relevant advice.