Education Volunteer

Wessex Rivers Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to the conservation of chalk streams and rivers in Wessex, working towards healthy rivers for wildlife and people.

We look at ways to improve local rivers for wildlife and work within catchment partnerships to help achieve their aims. Educating the public about the importance of our rivers increases their value to people, and ultimately builds support for the future of these fragile environments.

Wessex Rivers Trust forms part of the UK’s Rivers Trust movement that has been at the forefront of influencing policy and delivering catchment-wide environmental initiatives for over 20 years. This membership places us in an excellent position to shape and deliver action for these globally important and threatened habitats.

Wessex Rivers Trust works across six main catchment areas, including the Isle of Wight, with an office in Salisbury.

Wessex Rivers Trust is looking for a small group of dedicated volunteers to support the Education and Engagement team deliver sessions on the Isle of Wight to school groups, home education groups, youth groups (e.g. scouting and guiding) and at public events.

The role will be mostly site-based working, either by a river or in-school.

• Assisting with the preparation and setting up of activities.
• Providing support to children and staff during the activities, including helping them identify river invertebrates.
• Cleaning river dipping equipment post session and packing away other equipment.
• Supporting the Education and Engagement Team at community events and educating thepublic about their local river.

1. Ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences.

2. Genuine enthusiasm and passion for educating people about rivers and chalk streams acrossthe Isle of Wight and the Wessex area.

3. Willingness to work with children and young people whilst in the river.

4. Basic water safety training will be provided.

• Diversity and equal opportunities policy
• Accessibility
• Age restrictions
  Over 18
• Child Protection
• Complaints Policy
• Confidentially Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Ongoing support
• Suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Suitable for Supported Volunteering
• Suitable for Under 16's
• Suitable for Under 18's
• Training provided
• Volunteers covered by insurance

Start Date: 20/04/2025

End Date: 19/04/2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning No No No No No No No

Afternoon No No No No No No No

Evening No No No No No No No

Sessions will be determined by school and group bookings, mostly during the school day, with some evening sessions. Occasional attendance at events during the weekend.

This opportunity is available Countywide.

Sight for Wight (formerly Isle of Wight Blind Society)

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