Somerset Nature Connections - Project Officer; Blackdown Hills

Somerset Wildlife Trust is a local independent charity and the only organisation uniquely focused on improving the natural environment of Somerset for the benefit of wildlife and people. We champion Somerset’s stunning, diverse, and important natural environment, making the case for nature to the public and politicians. We protect wildlife and lead the recovery of the environment by example, including on our nature reserves.

To form part of the Somerset Nature Connections Project delivery team, working in partnership with Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills and Mendip Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The role will involve developing and delivering opportunities that support adults and young people who are experiencing, or vulnerable too, physical and mental health concerns. The aim is to connect them to nature through structured programmes and community activity helping improve wellbeing and engender an appreciation and value of the natural environment.

The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of programmes that meet the needs of participants. This will include working with local project partners, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.

• Use in-depth knowledge of the benefits natural environments can provide for maintaining and improving health and wellbeing. Use this experience in the field to deliver a programme of work in partnership with Somerset’s AONBs (most specifically Blackdown Hills AONB), Somerset’s health and social care sector and external specialists.
• Deliver high-quality facilitation of nature connection sessions ensuring maximum wellbeing and environmental benefits.
• Work proactively with external organisations and community groups to establish nature connection sessions.
• Ensure that project delivery adheres to the rigorous safeguarding and health and safety policies that will be in place in accordance with Somerset Wildlife Trustexisting policies.
• Support the development of further funding bids to expand the health and wellbeing through nature connection programme by gathering evidence through delivery.
• Support Blackdown Hills AONB Community Ranger and team to embed nature connection work in future delivery plans.
• Deliver meaningful and supportive monitoring and evaluation that puts participants wellbeing at the centre and supports the development of further funding bids to expand nature and wellbeing work.
• Work closely with other project delivery officers and volunteers, providing peer support and management in order to deliver the work programme as a team. This will involve participating in team meetings and leading 121s with volunteers.
• Follow reporting schedules agreed with Somerset Nature Connections Project Manager and provide regular content for project reports for funders.
• Implement the communications plan that raises awareness of the project and its impact and gathers support for nature and wellbeing initiatives.
• Complete relevant training within the wider conservation and health and social care sector. This will include Mental Health First Aid if not already complete.
• Work with internal and external staff / organisations to help signpost participants on to other initiatives projects and training opportunities.
• Develop and deliver training opportunities for staff and volunteers in the wider conservation and health and social care sector to understand the benefits of nature connection for wellbeing to facilitate increased participation.
• Develop and maintain good relations with landowners and land managers, such as the ‘Friends of…’ groups to facilitate access to green spaces.
• Organise and run public and community events that aim to connect people to green spaces and recognise the health and wellbeing benefits of doing so.
• Able to work independently and use initiative to problem solve, make decisions about project delivery and develop new ideas regarding nature and wellbeing engagement.