Emma Ironfield is our Volunteer Manager, working across the Trust to develop and support our volunteering programme and ensure our volunteers have the best possible experience. Alongside Emma is Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Haddon, who helps people find their way into volunteering and supports them as they begin their journey with the Trust. 

For Catherine, helping people find an opportunity that is right for them is an important part of the role. “Volunteering can be such a positive experience,” says Catherine. “It can be a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and spend time doing something that makes a real difference for wildlife.” 

The Volunteering Team works closely with colleagues across Lancashire Wildlife Trust to develop opportunities for people to get involved, whether that means joining a practical conservation group, helping visitors discover a nature reserve, supporting an education project or using skills behind the scenes. 

One of the things Emma and Catherine are particularly proud of is the variety of volunteering opportunities available across the Trust. You don't have to be an expert in wildlife or conservation to get involved. You don't even have to know the difference between a hawthorn and a blackthorn! 

Some roles provide the opportunity to learn practical conservation skills outdoors, while others involve working with people, supporting events, helping with education or contributing specialist skills. There are opportunities to suit different interests, abilities and levels of experience, with both regular and more flexible ways to get involved. 

The Trust's current volunteering programme includes everything from practical conservation and visitor experience to education, guided walks, events, governance and office-based roles. There are also some more unusual opportunities, including livestock checking and nature and wellbeing volunteering. 

Whatever your interests, there is a good chance that there is a way for you to get involved. 

For Emma and Catherine, volunteering is about much more than the hours that people contribute. It's about the people they meet, the skills they develop and the sense of purpose that comes from doing something positive for nature. 

Volunteering can be a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, improve wellbeing, gain experience and try something new. For some people it can even be the first step towards a career in the environmental sector, many Lancashire Wildlife Trust staff have previously volunteered with us. 

The work of Emma, Catherine and the wider Volunteering Team is particularly visible during our Supporters Day, where we reflect on the incredible contribution made by the Trust's volunteers and the breadth of skills and interests they bring to the organisation. 

It is also an opportunity to celebrate the people who have been volunteering with us for many years, alongside those who have only just started their volunteering journey. From long-service recognition to the Trust's Action for Nature Awards, there are lots of ways we celebrate the people who give their time to help nature recover. 

Perhaps you've been thinking about volunteering for a while. Maybe you love wildlife but don't know where to start. Perhaps you'd like to spend more time outdoors, meet new people or learn a new skill. Or maybe you have a particular skill or interest that you'd love to put to good use. 

Whatever your reason, Emma and Catherine would encourage you to take a look at the opportunities available with Lancashire Wildlife Trust.