such as nature trusts, conservation NGOs (Non‐Government Organisations) and other small bodies. Volunteering is an option for graduates to build up skills and knowledge, as well as for those who are pre‐University. There are also many organisations specifically focusing on volunteering. The table below lists many organisations where you can volunteer, and in addition some offer summer jobs, placements, internships and full‐time employment. Some volunteering is organised commercially, so this may not be free of cost. There have been concerns raised at the growth of paid‐for volunteering and unpaid internships.
Sarah Bell (2015) wrote her Master’s Degree thesis on volunteer tourism in the ‘conservation’ industry, and her paper gives a helpful insight into the motivations for conservation volunteering.
The Guardian (2017) highlighted concerns over paid and free volunteering and noted:
a depressingly similar story: serial unpaid internships, crippling student debt, short‐term work for little or no pay, dismissive attitudes, and entry‐level job requirements that include expectations of considerable field time and experience…Exacerbating the dismal job market is this trend of graduates becoming stuck in full‐time unpaid internships or long‐term volunteering.
The hope is that volunteering and internships will be a positive rather than exploitative experience.
Box 1.2 Volunteering Opportunities in the Environment
Adventures in Preservation
Different ‘adventures’ for volunteering projects for students to get involved in, in different locations across Europe. Support provided too through staff to endure safety and enjoyment of those on placements
www.adventuresinpreservation.org
BC Parks, Canada
Short‐term job adventures, many in environmental areas of work
Blue Ventures
Marine conservation organisation situated within Madagascar, enabling people to volunteer to protect marine coastline and work with the local community
British Council
Placements abroad for UK residents
www.britishcouncil.org/study‐work‐abroad/outside‐uk/iaeste
BUNAC
Opportunity to work/volunteer/intern abroad – a particular focus towards Africa for conservation roles. Placements available over different timescales (chance to go over summer in‐between studies as well as after graduation)
www.bunac.org/uk/volunteer‐abroad/wildlife‐and‐conservation
Conservation Jobs
www.conservationjobs.co.uk/volunteers/
Conservation Volunteers New Zealand
www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz
Earthwatch
Conservation projects
Environmentjob.co.uk Volunteering listing
www.environmentjob.co.uk/volunteering/
European Outdoor Conservation Association
European Association for volunteering projects and ways to get involved (links to organisations and roles students/young people can apply to). Able to go for short‐term or long‐term (employment/internships)
www.outdoorconservation.eu/conservation‐detail.cfm?pageid=14
Friends of the Earth
More centred towards campaigning rather than physical volunteering, but still looks appealing to those unable to travel far but still wish to make an impact on conservation www.foe.co.uk/page/job‐vacancies
Frontier
Green Volunteers
Conservation projects
Greenforce
Conservation projects
Greenpeace
Global NGO with wide variety of issues on environment (with ultimate focus on climate change) seen as ‘radical’ in comparison to other NGO's but very interested in volunteering/hiring students
www.greenpeace.org.uk/what‐you‐can‐do/jobs
IFAW
Organisation
