Volunteering in the Countryside

Why volunteer?

• Help improve your local wildlife habitats and make a real difference to the animals and plants that live there.
• Meet new people interested in looking after the countryside.
• Conservation volunteering is a great way of keeping fit, getting fresh air and relieving stress.

All tools, protective equipment and supervision are provided by the countryside rangers. They will also explain how to use hand tools safely and give the reasons for the work being carried out.  Most importantly, they will provide tea and coffee (please bring your own lunch).

Who can become a volunteer?

Everyone is welcome to come along and help us with our conservation tasks, but  under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.

No experience is needed, just plenty of enthusiasm and some elbow grease.

New volunteers are always welcome. 

Please do not attend any of our volunteer sessions if you have symptoms of COVID-19. This includes the symptoms of cough, fever, and loss of taste and smell, but also more generic cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and headache. We will provide hand sanitiser which we encourage you to use during our volunteer sessions.

What to expect

Spring and summer

Tasks include:

•     removing invasive plants by hand such as ragwort, himalayan balsam and bracken
•     improving paths
•     creating steps
•     installing seats for visitors
•     litter-picking
•     hay-making

Autumn and winter

Tasks include:

•     hedge-laying 
•     coppicing (cutting down poles of hazel and chestnut to regenerate woodland)
•     pulling out stray Scots pine sapling
•     removing gorse and birch on heathland
•     planting trees
•     clearing ponds of excess vegetation

Register as a volunteer

Before becoming an Waverley Countryside Volunteer, you will need to register as a volunteer

Register as a volunteer

More information

To find out more, please contact the Parks and Countryside team, email parks&countryside@waverley.gov.uk or call 01483 523394.

Check out the Waverley countryside locations for more information on our activities and when they take place.

Volunteer sessions normally take place every Wednesday morning from 9:00am – 12:30pm to assist in the management in this historic deer park. Meet at 9am at the locations below, parking can be found at the main car park on Folly Hill (GU9 0AU). Sessions led by Nick.

Dates and tasks are subject to change – please check with site noticeboards or the ranger beforehand by calling 01252 717047.

Meeting point map

The map available via the link below will help you find the meeting points each week.

Farnham Park map

Tasks and dates 2024

Wednesday 27 November 

Tree thinning and path clearance: Thinning sapling oaks and cutting back vegetation from paths. 

Meet at Chorley Wood (I6, w3w:///acid.schools.outlooks) 

Wednesday 4 December 

Tree thinning and path clearance: Thinning sapling oaks and cutting back vegetation from paths. 

Meet at Chorley Wood (I6, w3w:///acid.schools.outlooks) 

Wednesday 11 December 

Glade management: Cutting vegetation and saplings to maintain an open sunny glade. 

Meet at Aspen glade (H9, w3w:///shears.poodle.duet) 

Wednesday 18 December 

Vegetation clearance and Christmas bash: Clearing scrub and thinning young oak trees. A Christmas lunch of jacket potatoes cooked on the bonfire will be provided. 

Meet at College Copse (F8, w3w:///paddlers.sprains.behave) 

Wednesday 25 December

No task today – Happy Christmas! 

Wednesday 1 January 2025

Scrub clearance and tree thinning: Clearing scrub and thinning young oak trees which have been damaged by squirrels.  

Meet at College Copse (F8, w3w:///paddlers.sprains.behave) 

Wednesday 8 January 2025

Scrub clearance and tree thinning: Clearing scrub and thinning young oak trees which have been damaged by squirrels.  

Meet at College Copse (F8, w3w:///paddlers.sprains.behave) 

Wednesday 15 January 2025

Scrub clearance and tree thinning: Clearing scrub and thinning young oak trees which have been damaged by squirrels.  

Meet at College Copse (F8, w3w:///paddlers.sprains.behave) 

Wednesday 22 January 2025

Vegetation clearance: Clearing vegetation to prepare for the creation of a new pond.  

Meet at Marshy Meadow (I7, w3w:///wished.formal.starfish) 

Wednesday 29 January 2025

Scrub clearance: Clearing scrub around a pond and maintaining a dead hedge. 

Meet at Parliament Pond (K1, w3w:///cavalier.tissue.sediment) 

Wednesday 5 February 2025

Scrub and small tree clearance: Clearing scrub and small trees to open up views, remove those trees which have been damaged by squirrels, and give the better trees more space. 

Meet at the eastern path/south-east of Oast House meadow (G10, w3w:///donor.shrimp.incomes) 

Wednesday 12 February 2025

Scrub and small tree clearance: Clearing scrub and small trees to open up views, remove those trees which have been damaged by squirrels, and give the better trees more space. 

Meet at the eastern path/south-east of Oast House meadow (G10, w3w:///donor.shrimp.incomes) 

Wednesday 19 February 2025

Scrub and small tree clearance: Clearing scrub and small trees to open up views, remove those trees which have been damaged by squirrels, and give the better trees more space. 

Meet at the eastern path/south-east of Oast House meadow (G10, w3w:///donor.shrimp.incomes) 

Wednesday 26 February 2025

Path cutting back: Widening a path by cutting back encroaching vegetation. 

Meet at Bishop’s Paddock (L1, w3w:///post.lawyer.ratio) 

Volunteer sessions normally take place every Wednesday from 10am-3pm, except for the second Wednesday of the month when we instead work at Mare Hill Common. Meet at 10am at the Frensham Great Pond Car Park off Bacon Lane, GU10 2QB, unless otherwise specified in the listing. Sessions led by Darren.

Tasks and dates 2024

Wednesday 27 November 

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the Common. We will be working at the foot of an artificial sand cliff on the southern end of the Kings Ridge. 

Meet at 10am at the Great Pond visitor centre (GU10 2QB) before heading off to the work site at w3w///laptops.blackbird.flagpole 

Wednesday 4 December 2024

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the common; we will be working on top of the Kings Ridge cutting back some birch regrowth.  

Meet at 10am at the Great Pond visitor centre (GU10 2QB) before walking to the work site.  

Saturday 14 December 2024

Cut your own Christmas tree: On this one-off Saturday task, we will be cutting and popping pine scrub which will be of a suitable size for use as a native, heathland grown Christmas Tree!  

Spaces for this task are limited and booking is essential. Please e-mail Darren at Darren.hill@waverley.gov.uk to book a place.  

Wednesday 18 December 2024

Gorse clearance: We will be continuing with the programme of gorse clearance, working on an area on the east of the Kings Ridge. 

Meet at 10am at the Great Pond visitor centre (GU10 2QB) before heading off to the work site at w3w///riot.denote.shipyards. 

Wednesday 25 December:

No task today. Happy Christmas! 

Wednesday 1 January 2025: 

No task today. Happy New Year! 

Wednesday 15 January 2025

Gorse clearance: We will be continuing with the programme of gorse clearance, working on an area on the top of the Kings Ridge.  

Meet at 10am at the Great Pond visitor centre (GU10 2QB) heading off to the work site at w3w///overpaid.eminent.headers. 

Wednesday 22 January 2025

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the common; we will be working on the Flashes where the ground can become quite wet in the winter months (wellies may be advised!).  

Meet at the Axe Pond at 10:15 w3w:/// bead.arch.inserted, before heading off to the work site (TBC)  

Wednesday 29 January 2025

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the common; we will be working on the Flashes where the ground can become quite wet in the winter months (wellies may be advised!).  

Meet at the Axe Pond at 10:15 w3w:///bead.arch.inserted, before heading off to the work site (TBC)  

Wednesday 5 February 2025

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the common; we will be working on the Flashes where the ground can become quite wet in the winter months (wellies may be advised!).  

Meet at the Axe Pond at 10:15 w3w:///bead.arch.inserted, before heading off to the work site, (TBC)  

Wednesday 19 February 2025

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the common; we will be working on the Flashes where the ground can become quite wet in the winter months (wellies may be advised!).  

Meet at the Axe Pond at 10:15 w3w:///bead.arch.inserted, before heading off to the work site (TBC)  

Wednesday 26 February 2025

Scrub clearance: We will be continuing the annual scrub clearance on the common; we will be working on the Flashes where the ground can become quite wet in the winter months (wellies may be advised!). 

Meet at the Axe Pond at 10:15 w3w:///bead.arch.inserted, before heading off to the work site (TBC)  

All tasks are 10am – 3pm unless otherwise stated, though there is no requirement to stay all day. Meet at the small car park off Roke Lane, Witley, GU8 5NZ (SU 936 399) w3w///once.convinced.ruled. Tools are provided, as is tea and coffee.

Tasks and dates 2024

Sunday 1 December 

Cut your own Christmas tree! We will spend the morning between 10:00 and 13:00 clearing scrub from the heathland. You will then be free to select, cut, and take away your own Scots pine Christmas tree. There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential. Bookings will close on Friday 22 November. You are required to attend the mornings scrub clearance session to get a tree.  

To book a place please e-mail Vicky at vicky.keller@waverley.gov.uk or phone 01483 523394 

Wednesday 11 December 

Scrub clearance: Another day of clearing scrub and small trees from the heathland to maintain this valuable habitat in an optimal condition for the rare wildlife which depend on it. A Christmas lunch of jacket potatoes cooked on the bonfire will be provided. 

Please book in advance to reserve your potato by emailing vicky.keller@waverley.gov.uk 

Wednesday 8 January 2025

Scrub clearance: Continuing with clearing invading scrub and small trees from the important heathland habitat. 

Wednesday 12 February 2025

Scrub clearance: Our final day of clearing scrub and small trees from the heathland before the bird breeding season starts, and the heathland wildlife begins to take advantage of our good work. 

Volunteer sessions take place on the second and last Wednesday of every month, from 10am to 3pm. Sessions led by Lucie. 

Tasks and dates 2024 

Wednesday 27 November 

Scrub clearance: Removing Scots pine, silver birch and European gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here. 

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location w3w:///skinning.pushing.charge. 

Saturday 7 December 

Cut your own Christmas tree: Help us to remove Scots pine, silver birch and European gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here. In return for your help you are welcome to take home a Scots pine for Christmas! Christmas treats will be available and Christmas attire is welcomed! 

Booking is essential – to book a space please e-mail Lucie at lucie.poole@waverley.gov.uk

Wednesday 11 December 

Scrub clearance: We will remove Scots pine, birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here. To celebrate Christmas and all the hard work of the volunteers, we will have a lunch of jacket potatoes and beans. You are also welcome to take home a Scots pine Christmas tree.  

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location w3w:///roofer.upgrading.argue. 

Wednesday 25 December

No task today. Happy Christmas! 

Wednesday 8 January 2025

Scrub clearance: We will reduce the cover of European gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here, and reduce fire risk.  

Meet at 10am at the Littleford Lane car park, GU4 8QZ, or at the work location w3w:///gates.utter.flow. 

Wednesday 29 January 2025

Scrub clearance: We will reduce the cover of European gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here, and reduce fire risk.  

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location w3w:///gates.utter.flow. 

Wednesday 12 February 2025

Scrub clearance: Removing Scots pine, silver birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here. 

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location w3w:///scoop.richly.angel. 

Friday 26 February 2025

Scrub clearance: Removing Scots pine, birch and gorse to maintain the heathland in a suitable condition for the specialised wildlife found here. 

Meet at 10am at the Blackheath Lane car park, GU4 8RB, or at the work location w3w:///scoop.richly.angel. 

Volunteer sessions take place in this much-valued urban greenspace on the first and third Tuesday of the month between 10am – 1pm. Sessions led by Lucie. 

Upcoming tasks and dates

Tuesday 3 December 2024

Tree planting: Planting young trees in Slip of Wood to increase woodland resilience following the removal of some trees with ash dieback. 

Meet 10am at the southern entrance to Slip of Wood, w3w///crusher.misted.decompose 

Tuesday 17 December 

Scrub clearance and Christmas celebrations: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers. There will be mince pies and you are encouraged to wear your Christmas jumper. 

Meet 10am at the southern entrance to Slip of Wood, w3w///crusher.misted.decompose 

Tuesday 31 December 2024

No task today. Happy New Year! 

Tuesday 7 January 2025

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers. 

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE 

Tuesday 21 January 2025

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers. 

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE 

Tuesday 4 February 2025

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers. 

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE 

Tuesday 18 February 2025

Scrub clearance: Working up the eastern side of the woodland, we will clear holly, bramble and other scrub to open up space for woodland flowers. 

Meet 10am at the entrance to Slip of Wood, GU6 7BE 

Tasks and dates 2025

Sunday 19 January 2025

Holly clearance: We will be clearing stands of dense holly to encourage other trees to germinate and increase the diversity of habitats for wildlife. 

Meet 10am at the corner of Clifton Close, off Boundstone Road, Farnham, GU10 4TP, SU 832 437, wsw///economics.looks.slouched. 

Session led by Vicky.

Tasks and dates 2025

No tasks currently, check back in 2025.

Tasks and dates 2025

No tasks currently, check back in 2025.

Tasks and dates 2024

Sunday 15 December 2024

Pond management: We will be removing invasive weed from the pond. For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, there will also be the opportunity to clear holly and rhododendron from the adjacent woodland. 

Meet at 10am at the pond along Tennyson’s Ridge, off the five ways junction between Scotland Lane and Haste Hill, Haslemere, GU27 3SY, w3w///early.straddled.gains, SU 911 320. 

Session led by Vicky.

Tasks and dates 

Sunday 16 February 2025

Cherry laurel clearance: We will be cutting back invasive cherry laurel to prevent it encroaching at the expense of native woodland plants. 

Meet 10am at the car park off the northern side of the Elstead Road, GY8 6AY, SU 935 446, w3w:///prepares.prospered.neon 

Session led by Vicky