Guide In The Hide Volunteer

At WWT, we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. By having these experiences, people feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference. Our reserve hides are the perfect place for visitors to engage with our wetlands, learn more about the WWT’s important conservation work, and showcase the amazing biodiversity and abundance of species on site.

We are looking for Guide In The Hide volunteers at WWT London to provide a warm and friendly welcome to our hides for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. You will point out species of interest, assist with identification, help visitors use optical equipment, educate about WWT’s conservation work, and make sure visitors have a positive experience looking at wildlife. You will also help to record any wildlife sightings whilst out on the reserve and undertake basic maintenance tasks to keep the hide clean and presentable.

Through sharing your enthusiasm and expertise, you will make connections, inspire visitors, and help people of all birdwatching abilities to enjoy the wildlife on our reserve. Helping someone identify a bird species that they haven’t seen before or are struggling to identify can really kickstart their connection with nature and create a lasting positive experience. We especially looking for volunteers with good bird ID skills who understand the importance of inspiring the next generation. Most of the time there will be 2 volunteers in the hide, but there will be times where you will be lone working.

The Headley Discovery Hide is a truly accessible hide that provides opportunities for all visitors to enjoy and gain confidence with birdwatching, including beginners, school groups, families, and photographers. It features large windows, comfortable seating, telescopes, guidebooks, and accessible interpretation. Due to the diverse range of visitors it attracts, it is a dynamic space that welcomes and encourages more activity and chatter than a conventional hide.

The Peacock Tower is a more traditional hide that serves advanced birdwatchers, but also those new to birdwatching and “Learn Together” families. It features guidebooks, benches, interpretation panels, and a sightings board that gets filled in daily. This 3-storey hide provides stunning views across our Main Lake and the rest of the reserve.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main tasks

• Providing a warm welcome to all visitors coming into the reserve hides
• Talking to visitors about what they can see from the hide
• Helping visitors to locate, observe, and identify nearby species of interest
• Assisting visitors to use the optical equipment (scopes, binoculars) and identification guidebooks (how to look for and distinguish identifying bird features)
• Informing visitors of events, talks, and activities at the site which may be of interest
• Familiarising yourself with the latest wildlife sightings around the reserve so you can inform our visitors what they might see during their visit
• Updating the hide sightings board (or encourage visitors to do it as part of an interactive experience) and letting the reserve and welcome team know about any exciting sightings
• Tidying the hide - cleaning surfaces, light sweeping of floors and windowsills, litter picking, putting away chairs, organising learning materials & equipment, reporting damage, dusting rafters to remove cobwebs
• Topping up bird feeders as appropriate (Headley Hide only)
• Familiarising yourself with WWT’s wider conservation work and key conservation messages

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important.

This role would suit you if:

• You have a strong basic knowledge of UK bird species (additional training & support for species identification can be provided)
• You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public
• You can adapt your communication style to suit your audience, particularly having a friendly and approachable manner with our first-time and younger visitors
• You love birding and want to share your enthusiasm with others
• You are friendly and approachable with a positive attitude
• You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
• You are willing to spend prolonged periods of time in a potentially cold space (coats will be provided)

We are WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or spend time in our wildlife-rich wetlands, there’s a volunteer role for you. Just a few hours spent volunteering can really make a world of difference to our wildlife, and to you.

So, come surround yourself with the wonder of wetlands, and the people who inject their energy and passion into them. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. The only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT 

• Make a real contribution to the conservation and engagement work of WWT
• Work at one of our beautiful and internationally important wetland sites
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded nature lovers who bring energy, passion, and expertise to their role
• Make new friends and become part of a friendly and inclusive community
• Gain volunteering experience and learn & develop new skills
• Get volunteer discounts for WWT shops, café, and membership
• Get free entry to all our UK wetland centres, including for your family
• Receive access to wildlife talks, webinars, and practical information to help you manage your volunteer role & daily life
• Be kept informed about what’s happening in our organisation and the positive change you are helping to make happen