Volunteering in the Countryside

Why volunteer?

• Help improve your local wildlife habitats and make a real difference to the animals and plants that live there.
• Meet new people interested in looking after the countryside.
• Conservation volunteering is a great way of keeping fit, getting fresh air and relieving stress.

All tools, protective equipment and supervision are provided by the countryside rangers. They will also explain how to use hand tools safely and give the reasons for the work being carried out.  Most importantly, they will provide tea and coffee (please bring your own lunch).

Who can become a volunteer?

Everyone is welcome to come along and help us with our conservation tasks, but  under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.

No experience is needed, just plenty of enthusiasm and some elbow grease.

New volunteers are always welcome. 

Please do not attend any of our volunteer sessions if you have symptoms of COVID-19. This includes the symptoms of cough, fever, and loss of taste and smell, but also more generic cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and headache. We will provide hand sanitiser which we encourage you to use during our volunteer sessions.

What to expect

Spring and summer

Tasks include:

•     removing invasive plants by hand such as ragwort, himalayan balsam and bracken
•     improving paths
•     creating steps
•     installing seats for visitors
•     litter-picking
•     hay-making

Autumn and winter

Tasks include:

•     hedge-laying 
•     coppicing (cutting down poles of hazel and chestnut to regenerate woodland)
•     pulling out stray Scots pine sapling
•     removing gorse and birch on heathland
•     planting trees
•     clearing ponds of excess vegetation

Register as a volunteer

Before becoming an Waverley Countryside Volunteer, you will need to register as a volunteer

Register as a volunteer

More information

To find out more, please contact the Parks and Countryside team, email parks&countryside@waverley.gov.uk or call 01483 523394.

Check out the Waverley countryside locations for more information on our activities and when they take place.

Volunteer sessions normally take place every Wednesday morning from 9:00am – 12:30pm to assist in the management in this historic deer park. Meet at 9am at the locations below, parking can be found at the main car park on Folly Hill (GU9 0AU). Sessions led by Nick.

Dates and tasks are subject to change – please check with site noticeboards or the ranger beforehand by calling 01252 717047.

Meeting point map

The image below will help you find the meeting points each week.

Download map

Download the meeting point map (opens the PDF version of the map in a new browser tab/window):  

Farnham Park meeting point map

Tasks and dates 2023 

Wednesday 29 November

Pond management: Thinning and coppicing pondside trees, clearing bramble, and extracting silt from the pond.

Meet at 9am at Royal Pond (I8)

Wednesday 6 December

Access management: Clearing vegetation and basal growth from trees to prevent them from obstructing access routes.

Meet 9am at the far east of the Avenue/ Bells Piece (C10)

Wednesday 13 December

Vegetation clearance and tree thinning: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views.

Meet 9am at the north of the central path (L8)

Wednesday 20 December

Vegetation clearance and Christmas bash: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views. A Christmas lunch of jacket potatoes cooked on the bonfire will be provided.

Meet 9am at the north of the central path (L8)

Wednesday 27 December

Vegetation clearance and tree thinning: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views.

Meet at 9am at Thorney Lea north, (M5)

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Tasks and dates 2024

Wednesday 3 January 2024

Vegetation clearance and tree thinning: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views.

Meet at 9am at Thorney Lea north, (M5)

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Glade clearance: Clearing scrub and young trees to expand a sunny glade and open up views.

Meet 9am at Rupert’s ride, Oast House meadow south (K8).

Wednesday 17 January 2024

Glade management: Cutting and collecting of vegetation and clearing scrub to expand a sunny glade.

Meet 9am at Aubrey’s Pond (H9)

Wednesday 24 January 2024

Glade management: Cutting and collecting of vegetation and clearing scrub to expand a sunny glade.

Meet 9am at Sidney’s Glade (E10)

Wednesday 31 January 2024

Ride management: Cutting back encroaching vegetation from a sunny woodland ride and path.

Meet 9am at Hoghatch Vale (M3)

Wednesday 7 February 2024

Meadow management: Clearing scrub and thinning young trees to prevent them encroaching into the open parkland.

Meet 9am at Rutter Pasture (M6)

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Meadow management: Clearing scrub and thinning young trees to prevent them encroaching into the open parkland.

Meet at 9am at Oast House meadow south (K8)

Wednesday 21 February 2024 

Vegetation clearance and tree thinning: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views.

Meet at 9am at Castle Ridge

Wednesday 28 February 2024 

Vegetation clearance and tree thinning: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views.

Meet at 9am at Southern slopes west.

Wednesday 6 March 2024

Vegetation clearance and tree thinning: Clearing small trees and other vegetation to open up views.

Meet at 9am at Southern slopes west.

Volunteer sessions normally take place every Wednesday from 10am-3pm, except for the second Wednesday of the month when we instead work at Mare Hill Common. Meet at 10am at the Frensham Great Pond Car Park off Bacon Lane, GU10 2QB, unless otherwise specified in the listing. Sessions led by Darren.

Tasks and dates 2023

Wednesday 29 November

Today we will continue with the year's scrub clearance on an area of heath near to the A287. We will be cutting Birch and Pine scrub and will get our heads around our new compliment of Tree Poppers to retain the precious heathland habitats.

Today’s area has scrubbed up substantially since the fire in 2010 and we will look to regain this space over the next couple of weeks. We will be burning the arisings on site.

We will be meeting at the visitors centre at 1000 before walking to site - W3W ///dictation.uppermost.unless - for 1030.

Saturday 2 December

On this one-off Saturday task, we will be cutting and popping pine scrub which will be of a suitable size for use as a native, heathland grown Christmas tree.

Spaces for this task are limited so please contact the Ranger at Darren.hill@waverley.gov.uk to book your space.

Wednesday 6 December

Today we will continue with the year's scrub clearance on an area of heath near to the A287. We will be cutting Birch and Pine scrub and will get our heads around our new compliment of Tree Poppers to retain the precious heathland habitats.

Today’s area has scrubbed up substantially since the fire in 2010 and we will look to regain this space over the next couple of weeks. We will be burning the arisings on site.

We will be meeting at the visitors centre at 1000 before walking to site - W3W ///dictation.uppermost.unless - for 1030.

Wednesday 20 December

Today we will continue with the year's scrub clearance on an area of heath near to the A287. We will be cutting Birch and Pine scrub and will get our heads around our new compliment of Tree Poppers to retain the precious heathland habitats.

Today’s area has scrubbed up substantially since the fire in 2010 and we will look to regain this space over the next couple of weeks. We will be burning the arisings on site.

We will be meeting at the visitors centre at 1000 before walking to site - W3W  ///dictation.uppermost.unless - for 1030.

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Tasks and dates 2024

Wednesday 3 January

Task moved to Mare Hill Common

Wednesday 17 January

With the start of the new year we will be switching our attention to reducing the risk of wildfire by removing large stands of Gorse across the common. We will cutting the Gorse with the trusted combo of bowsaws and loppers and burning arisings on site.

Meet at the visitors centre at 1000 or on site at the top of the Kings Ridge - W3W ///telephone.food.implore - at 1030.

Wednesday 24 January

Today we continue to reduce the risk of wildfire by removing large stands of Gorse across the common. We will cutting the Gorse with the trusted combo of bowsaws and loppers and burning arisings on site.

Meet at the visitors centre at 1000 or on site at the top of the Kings Ridge - W3W ///telephone.food.implore - at 1030.

Wednesday 31 January

Today we continue to reduce the risk of wildfire by removing large stands of Gorse across the common. We will cutting the Gorse with the trusted combo of bowsaws and loppers and burning arisings on site.

Meet at the visitors centre at 1000 or on site at the top of the Kings Ridge - W3W ///telephone.food.implore - at 1030.

Wednesday 7 February

Today we continue to reduce the risk of wildfire by removing large stands of Gorse across the common. We will cutting the Gorse with the trusted combo of bowsaws and loppers and burning arisings on site.

Meet at the visitors centre at 1000 or on site at the top of the Kings Ridge - W3W ///telephone.food.implore - at 1030.

Wednesday 21 February

Today we continue to reduce the risk of wildfire by removing large stands of Gorse across the common. We will cutting the Gorse with the trusted combo of bowsaws and loppers and burning arisings on site.

Meet at the visitors centre at 1000 or on site at the top of the Kings Ridge - W3W ///telephone.food.implore - at 1030.

Wednesday 28 February

Today we continue to reduce the risk of wildfire by removing large stands of Gorse across the common. We will cutting the Gorse with the trusted combo of bowsaws and loppers and burning arisings on site.

Meet at the visitors centre at 1000 or on site at the top of the Kings Ridge - W3W ///telephone.food.implore - at 1030.

All tasks are 10am – 3pm unless otherwise stated, though there is no requirement to stay all day. Meet at the small car park off Roke Lane, Witley, GU8 5NZ (SU 936 399). Tools are provided, as are tea and coffee.

Tasks and dates 2023

Sunday 10 December

Cut your own Christmas tree! We will spend the morning between 10:00 and 13:00 clearing scrub from the heathland. You will then be free to select, cut, and take away your own Scots pine Christmas tree. There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential. No bookings will be taken after Friday 1 December. You are required to attend the morning's scrub clearance session to get a tree.

To book a place please email Vicky at vicky.keller@waverley.gov.uk or phone 01483 523394.

Wednesday 13 December

Scrub clearance: Another day of clearing scrub and small trees from the heathland to maintain this valuable habitat in an optimal condition for the rare wildlife which depend on it. A Christmas lunch of jacket potatoes cooked on the bonfire will be provided.

Please book in advance to reserve your potato by email to vicky.keller@waverley.gov.uk

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Tasks and dates 2024

Wednesday 3 January 2024 (extra date)

Scrub clearance: Burn off the festive calories with some scrub clearance! We will continue with clearing scrub from the heathland to prevent the heathers and grasses from being shaded out.

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Scrub clearance: Continuing with clearing invading scrub and small trees from the important heathland habitat.

Sunday 14 January 2024

Scrub clearance: We will clear encroaching young trees and scrub from the heathland in order to preserve its open shrubby character.

Meet 10am at the small parking area off Roke Lane GU8 5NZ (SU 936 399).

Session led by Vicky

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Scrub clearance: Our final day of clearing scrub and small trees from the heathland before the bird breeding season starts, and the heathland wildlife begins to take advantage of our good work.

Volunteer sessions take place from 10am-3pm on the second Wednesday of every month and also the last Friday of every month during the autumn and winter. Sessions led by Lucie. 

Tasks and dates 2023

Wednesday 13 December

Scrub clearance and Christmas celebrations: Removing Scots pine, birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here. Mince pies and a Christmas lunch of jacket potatoes cooked on the fire will be provided. All attendees will have the opportunity to select and take a Christmas tree after a morning of scrub clearance.

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location - W3W happening.droplet.assemble.

Friday 29 December

No task today. Happy Christmas!

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Tasks and dates 2024

Friday 12 January 2024

Scrub clearance: Removing Scots pine, birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here.

Meet at 10am at the Littleford Lane car park, GU4 8QZ, or at the work location - W3W gates.utter.flow

Friday 26 January 2024

Scrub clearance: Clearing gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here and reduce the fire risk.

Meet at 10am at the Littleford Lane car park, GU4 8QZ, or at the work location - W3W gates.utter.flow.

Wednesday 31 January 2024 (extra date)

Scrub clearance: Clearing gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here and reduce the fire risk.

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location - W3W resorting.landed.daily.

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Scrub clearance: Removing Scots pine, birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here.

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location - W3W resorting.landed.daily.

Friday 23 February 2024

Scrub clearance: Removing Scots pine, birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here.

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location - W3W resorting.landed.daily.

These sessions are from 10am - 1pm and led by Lucie.

Tasks and dates 2023

Tuesday 5 December

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers.

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE

Tuesday 19 December

Scrub clearance and Christmas celebrations: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers. There will be mince pies and you are encouraged to wear your Christmas jumper.

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE

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Tasks and dates 2024

Tuesday 2 January 2024

No task today. Happy New Year!

Tuesday 16 January 2024

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers.

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE

Tuesday 6 February 2024

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers.

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE

Tuesday 13 February 2024 (change of date)

Orchard planting: We will be planting fruit trees on the green near to the wildflower meadows to create a community orchard.

Meet 10am at the end of Rydelands, GU6 7DX

Tuesday 5 March 2024

Bench installation: We will be installing a bench within the newly planted orchard, and if time allows, cutting back encroaching scrub from around the estate.

Meet 10am at the end of Rydelands, GU6 7DX

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Scrub cutting: We will cut back encroaching scrub around the estate

Meet 10am at the pond by Kiln Copse, Summerlands, GU6 7BW

Tasks and dates 2024

Saturday 13 January 2024

Glade management: We will be clearing young birch and gorse from the edge of an open glade to prevent them shading out sun loving plants and encroaching into open habitat. We will also clear some invasive cherry laurel from the surrounding woodland.

Meet at 10am at the corner of Clifton Close, off Boundstone Road, Farnham, GU10 4TP (SU 832 437).

Session led by Vicky

Tasks and dates 2024

Saturday 10 February 2024

Holly clearance: We will be clearing stands of dense holly to give other woodland trees and plants more space and light, and restore the once expansive views of the Moor Park valley.

Meet at 10am at the small parking area off Old Compton Lane, Farnham, GU9 8EG (SU 859 462).

Session led by Vicky

Tasks and dates 2023

Sunday 19 November

Woodland management: We will be thinning and coppicing holly, blackthorn and hazel in the woodland to open up sunny glades and improve the structure of the woodland understorey, and possibly also cutting and raking coarse vegetation to create better conditions for delicate woodland flowers.

Meet 10am at the noticeboard at the end of the lane from the Bluebell pub, GU10 4EX (SU 822 410)

Session led by Vicky.

Tasks and dates 2023

No upcoming volunteer tasks.

Tasks and dates 2024

Sunday 11 February 2024

Path cutting back and birch and holly clearance: We will be carrying out various site maintenance and habitat management jobs in this quiet rural woodland.

We will be cutting back bramble from paths, thinning birch and holly, and depending on numbers, also clearing scrub to extend an area of acid grassland.

Meet 10am at the small parking area off Roke Lane GU8 5NZ (SU 936 399).

Session led by Vicky.