
Volunteering for the Earth Heritage Trust
Have fun, make friends, make a difference!
Have fun, make friends, make a difference!
The trust’s work can only be achieved through voluntary effort by our dedicated members, trustees, vice presidents and those who just want to help. We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities to get involved.
Volunteers are supported by a small, carefully selected band of paid consultants, some engaged in everyday tasks, others are dedicated to projects. Most volunteering opportunities take place within the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, U.K.
Most projects require volunteers to help with field work and other tasks. The skills and geological knowledge needed depends on the project, and training will usually be given.
The Trust aims to have a presence at several selected public open days, field days, lifelong learning events each year, with demonstration of trust products such as the Deep Time apps, rock and fossil roadshows, displays about local geology, sales of Trail Guides etc. and fun activities for children to learn about Earth sciences.
Volunteers help run the trust stall and engage with the public. They receive free access to the event.
Removal of excessive vegetation from geological sites requires volunteers on a regular basis, to ensure that features of interest remain exposed. Geologists are needed to monitor the state of existing sites and survey new ones.
The Geopark Way and all the shorter trails have to be tested prior to publication and continually monitored. Volunteers walk the trails regularly, report any problems they find and reinstate signage where feasible.
Some clusters of important geological sites are adopted by Site Champions, who are local to the area. They work with landowners to keep the sites in good condition and showcase them to members of the public through guided tours.
From time to time, new sites become exposed or are brought to our attention, and we conduct geological surveys to record what is there and determine the value and condition of the site. Known sites are also re-assessed intermittently.
Knowledge and skill of many kinds is needed for the effective running of the trust, from website design and maintenance, to librarian and archiving, construction of educational materials, help with training, outreach and community liaison.
As a Friend of the HWEHT, you become more involved and exercise full voting rights to advise and influence. You subscribe to the aims of the trust and pay a small annual subscription.
Every donation helps the Trust to meet its geo-conservation goals. You can give to the trust with regular payments or by a one-off donation.
Every penny will help to protect and conserve our Earth Heritage.
Specialising in our Trail Guides, including the Geopark Way, the Earth Heritage Trust also offers a range of maps, books, tools, field equipment, children’s toys, geological supplies, microscopy and lapidary equipment.
If you want to volunteer at our next event you can become the backbone of the trust. Have fun, make friends, make a difference!