Please note we are only able to take volunteers over 18.

Volunteering is ideally suited to those with a love of nature and birds of prey in particular. It offers the opportunity to work closely with a variety of species from around the world as you come to understand and appreciate their characters and on occasion, have the opportunity to fly one of our resident birds during exercise sessions.

Our dedicated volunteers are indispensable, helping us with:

• aviary cleaning and general site maintenance
• feed rounds for the birds
• gardening and groundwork
• painting and light construction

If you would like to volunteer with us you’ll be joining a friendly, enthusiastic team of like-minded individuals in what can prove to be an engaging and rewarding experience - indeed, many of our volunteers stay with us for many years, and some have even gone on to join us for a career in falconry.

Ideally we’d ask of your time for a minimum of one regular day per week so that we can plan our rota effectively. If you’re aged 18 and over and you’d like to know more, please fill in the form below to tell us a bit more about yourself and then we can fix an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Taking care of our visitors is an important part of Suffolk Owl Sanctuary experience.

We do this using a number of methods, including signage, interactive displays, talks and guided walks. We are looking for individuals with an interest in conservation and education to join our friendly team and support our work.

DUTIES

• Assisting with visitor activities, such as crafts, meet the minibeasts etc

• Leading guided walks around the Sanctuary (Seasonal)

• Providing visitors with information about the Sanctuary from strategic positions (Seasonal)

• Developing ideas for Trails around the Sanctuary (both seasonal and educational)

• Assisting the Education team with on-site groups, off-site visits and community events.

TIMINGS

This role is flexible but volunteers are expected to complete a minimum of 1 full day a month.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Good eye for detail

• Organised and able to prioritise tasks

• Interest in the Conservation work of the Sanctuary, including Animals, Hospital and Campaigns

• Existing art, photography, film making or IT skills can be utilised to support staff projects

• Public speaking is preferable

• Customer Service experience

HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Health and Safety training will be provided

• All volunteer roles in the Education Department are subject to DBS/ CRB checks.

• Volunteers must provide the Education Officer with the appropriate documentation when requested, prior to start date. Failure to comply with this will result in delayed start dates.

BENEFITS

• Free Admission to the Sanctuary when off duty (restrictions apply)

• Uniform to be worn at all times when volunteering

• Celebratory events

Please note that this role will not involve any direct contact with the birds, but you will be expected to learn about them to communicate this with visitors.

Here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, we offer all different kinds of group days, team building, lone working, or pair work.

• We take groups of a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 10.

• By letting us know of your interest well in advance, we can ensure suitable projects are set aside.

• The types of projects are anything from gardening, painting, re-construction/destruction of old enclosures/ aviaries, gravelling paths and aviaries, or moving bark (wood chip) around the center.

• During your visit, you will get the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings, see a flying display (depending on the time of year), or catch a Meerkat talk.

• During your visit, a member of staff will be on hand to look after your well-being throughout and will even take photos for your website, and ours (permissions depending).

• A rough daily itinerary:

  8:45 - Arrival

  9:00 - Prompt start

  11:30am - Flying Display

  12:00am - Lunch

  1:00pm - Volunteering

  3/4pm - end of day

• When your day is done, you will be gifted a VIP pass for those taking part as our way of saying thank you.