Drop in Volunteer (Balsam Bashing at the Brent Reservoir)

Canal & River Trust; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Come and be part of our Taskforce at the Brent Reservoir, also known as Welsh Harp, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on May 14 and June 12. We will meet at the Brent Reservoir 'Relaxing Area', Cool Oak Lane, London NW9 7BH.

As a Taskforce Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting your local reservoir by helping us tackle Himalayan balsam and other invasive plants that threaten native wildlife. We’ll be pulling up these plants by hand to help restore balance to the natural habitat. In addition to balsam bashing, there will be opportunities to cut back overgrown vegetation, clear paths, collect litter, and tidy up the area.

Please come prepared, as we will be a distance from the nearest toilets. Bring snacks, medications, and a water bottle.

All tools and equipment will be provided, along with support from our friendly team. Dress for the weather and wear wellies or walking boots suitable for muddy conditions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

***Please note:***

• Under 18s must have a guardian present throughout the session.
• This event is not for corporate groups; please visit our corporate volunteering pages to arrange a corporate day.
• We welcome people of all abilities and backgrounds. Our team has participated in disability awareness workshops and is happy to support you. However, due to the natural environment and pathways, some sessions may not be fully accessible for those with mobility needs. Please contact us to discuss how we can assist.

Why we want you

The Drop-in Role offers a taste of volunteering with the Trust, allowing you to join us at your convenience during Welcome Sessions, Let’s volunteering opportunities, or other events. It’s a great way to get involved if you’re new to volunteering.

We provide accessible opportunities that make a positive impact on your local canal without requiring a long-term commitment.

What you will be doing

• One-off taster events, including Welcome Sessions
• Litter picking
• Let’s activities on the water and towpath
• When registering, we will ask about any unspent convictions to declare and assess risks accordingly.

The skills you need

• This role is designed to require no prior skills or training. It’s an introduction to volunteering, and further roles may offer training to develop your skills. No formal skills are necessary.

What's in it for you

• The chance to see if volunteering with the Trust suits you, as activities are typically short and one-off.