Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Tap routes scheme

At the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, long-term volunteers are placed primarily within the nature reserves section. Although each long-term volunteer has a specific job role within the reserves section, the range of work in which volunteers become involved can be very varied, including practical nature reserves management work, compilation of management plans, site survey/monitoring and fundraising.

The Trust is able to support a maximum of four long-term volunteers on the Tap Routes training programme. When a vacancy arises, a job description reflecting current work available is compiled and the vacancy is advertised in relevant local and national publications. Due to demand, new long-term volunteers are usually taken on following an informal interview with Trust staff.

Long-term volunteers work towards an NVQ in Environmental Conservation (landscapes and ecosystems) at either level 2 or 3. Volunteers compile a "portfolio" of information relating to their work with the Trust; this information is then used to prove competence across the NVQ units. A range of training courses is available to the long-term volunteers free of charge. These include chainsaw use, leadership, health and safety, management planning and surveying.

The Trust has been involved in the Tap Routes programme since it commenced in 1995. Our experience is that the NVQ qualification and voluntary experience gained provide long-term volunteers with very valuable skills and experience. These assets are looked upon favourably by employers - many of our past long-term volunteers are now in employment in the nature conservation field.

The Tap Routes training programme is funded by the European Social Fund. All participants must live within reasonable traveling distance of the Trust's headquarters near Truro and must be claiming benefits. Travel expenses up to a set limit are paid and personal protective equipment (e.g. waterproofs and wellies) are provided. We regret that accommodation cannot be provided.

If you are interested in a long-term voluntary placement with the Trust, please send a copy of your CV and a brief letter of application to Callum Deveney at Trust headquarters.

Greenshank photograph by J.B & S Bottomley

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