Corporate volunteering

There is increasing evidence from the NHS that sitting down for too long is a real risk to our health.

This is becoming a serious concern for those working long hours in offices, especially in cities like London.

So how better to help your people improve their wellbeing while giving back to nature than a corporate volunteering day with us?

Your team can get out in the fresh air and boots on the ground at our wetland sites, guided by one of our knowledgeable and friendly members of WWT staff who can teach them about nature, practical conservation and why the work is so important. We can help your business meet its sustainability objectives, whilst providing a great bonding experience for your team.

Frequently asked questions

How much does corporate volunteering cost?

Prices vary across WWT Wetland Centres and range from £25-£62 + VAT per person.

Why is there a cost involved?

As a charity, we need to ensure that we are always working in a way which is sustainable and cost-effective.

The fee associated with corporate volunteering days covers the cost of staff time, from our Corporate Partnerships and Centre teams who facilitate our corporate volunteering programme, to our Grounds and Reserve teams who coordinate volunteering teams on the ground, to our Visitor Services teams who ensure that our corporate volunteers are well looked after.

The fee also covers the purchase and maintenance of sufficient quantities of PPE for volunteering teams, to ensure that teams are able to carry out their activities safely and comfortably.

We ask that organisations give sufficient notice for any cancellations otherwise we will have to charge a cancellation fee. Our cancellation policy will be included in the information shared when you sign up for a volunteering day.

What options do my team have for lunch?

Teams are welcome to bring packed lunches, or buy lunch at one of our WWT Wetland Centre restaurants.

What kind of activities can my team do?

Depending on the time of year and the Wetland Centre where your team is volunteering, activities may include planting wildflower meadows, coppicing trees and shrubs, removing invasive plant species, painting and restoring wildlife hides, repairing and refurbishing boardwalks and bridges, even donning waders and working from within our ponds and reed beds.

WWT corporate volunteers contribute to real wetland reserve conservation activities across our Wetland Centres, which comprise our annual reserve management plans. For this reason, activities reflect the time of year, the weather, the presence of migratory birds on site and changing reserve priorities and cannot always be confirmed at the point of booking a volunteering day with us. However, an itinerary will be sent to your team two weeks in advance of your volunteering day which will confirm the specific activities planned.

What should I bring to my corporate volunteering day?

Please use your discretion to determine what to bring on a corporate volunteering day with us. However, we recommend:

> Water

> A packed lunch; lunch can also be purchased in our restaurants at every WWT Wetland Centre apart from WWT Steart Marshes

> Any necessary medication (e.g. EpiPens, inhalers, allergy tablets)

> No valuables, apart from what can be carried, as we cannot guarantee a secure storage area will be available

What should I wear to my corporate volunteering day?

Please use your discretion to determine what to wear on your corporate volunteering day with us. However, we recommend:

> Outdoor clothes suitable for the weather and temperature

> Outdoor footwear that can get wet, muddy or paint splattered (walking boots, wellies or old trainers are all suitable unless otherwise advised)

> Waterproofs if it’s due to rain (we do not carry spare wet weather clothing)

> Sun protection, where appropriate

> Thick socks, as corporate volunteers may be asked to change into protective footwear, depending on the conservation activity