Our conservation work covers over 1000 hectares of diverse land, from beaches and cliffs to inland heathlands and wooded valleys. Our work aims to maintain a delicate balance between protecting important wildlife habitats and landscapes and providing good access to enable people to discover and enjoy them.
Coast and countryside volunteering with the National Trust enables you to get outdoors and play a vital role in maintaining the environment for everyone to enjoy. Our outdoor volunteers have really varied roles, all of which aim to conserve precious natural environments for people and for wildlife. You can get involved in tasks like tree felling, gorse clearance, maintaining fencing and pathways, building steps and styles and / or beach cleaning. We also have outdoor education and events that you can get involved in. Or if you have a particular interest in wildlife, eg: butterflies, wildflowers or birds, then your help in recording different species, is greatly appreciated.
Whatever your interests, your aims and your time availability, we should be able to tailor something to suit you. Our practical countryside volunteers work from two workshops:
From Lizard - Every week day volunteers and Rangers head out, from our base at Poltesco (near Cadgwith), to undertake vital work across the peninsula from repairing fences, to maintaining the coastpath, and managing habitats for wildlife. If you live locally, and are interested in any of these volunteering opportunities on the Lizard, then please contact rachel.holder@nationaltrust.org.uk or (01326) 291174
From Penrose - The National Trust also offers volunteering opportunities at Penrose, near Helston. The opportunities at Penrose are similar to those listed above for the Lizard. There are also opportunities to volunteer in aspects of horticulture in the walled garden at Penrose. For more information contact laura.bailey@nationaltrust.org.uk or (01326) 561407
Working Holidays
At the heart of rich farmland and woodland in the Penrose Estate near Loe Bar, The National Trust offer several working holidays each year. Join us for a week in the woods as we carry out traditional management in our semi-ancient woodland bordering Loe Pool (Cornwall's largest freshwater lake). You will also get the chance to spend some time with our experts in green woodworking and basketry and learn the skills yourself. This holiday is the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors, meet new people and learn the skills needed for deciduous woodland management and including some fun with green woodworking.
Our working holidays are for adults. Accommodation is provided in the Penrose Bunkhouse at Chyvarloe. Prices may vary depending on the time of year.
To find out more about working holidays with the National Trust visit the working holidays page on our website and search for 'Penrose' or call 0844 335 1291