Volunteering in the New Forest

Volunteering is an excellent way for you to meet people and learn new skills while helping us care for our beautiful forest. We have several volunteering schemes in the New Forest including our Two Trees Conservation Team, Engagement Volunteer Rangers and our National Shadow Volunteer Scheme.

Two Trees Conservation Group

The Two Trees Conservation Group provides regular voluntary conservation tasks throughout the New Forest from October to March.

Applications are not open at the moment, please check back later.

Engagement Volunteer Rangers

Our Engagement Volunteer Rangers carry out a wide range of tasks such as assisting at public events, leading guided walks, and patrolling the forest to make sure visitors stay safe and enjoy their visit. They also help us at our mobile information units and at our static unit at Bolderwood. We are looking for self-motivated, adaptable, outgoing local people who can communicate effectively and provide assistance in a polite and constructive way. You need to be 18 and over to apply and ideally be able to support us at least two days a month. Each engagement volunteer duty tends to last between four and five hours a day. If you love The New Forest and have an interest in natural history, this could be the role for you.

Applications for 2026

Applications are now open for 2026 and close mid-February. An in-person group interview will be held on Thursday 26 February. Please read the Engagement Volunteer Ranger role description which includes details of how to apply.

Apply here

National Shadow Volunteer scheme

If you are thinking about a career in forestry you may be interested in our Shadow Volunteer scheme.   

Taking place in the nation’s forests across England, Shadow Volunteers are given training, experience and development opportunities by work shadowing our staff. The scheme runs for six months, one to three days a week.

Find out more: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/shadow-volunteer-scheme

Corporate volunteering

For any corporate volunteering enquiries, please email: southcorporatevolunteering@forestryengland.uk. 

We are unfortunately unable to offer work placement opportunities at this time.