The Woodland Trust are the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. Their vision is a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. They work to protect woods and trees, preventing the loss of irreplaceable habitat, nature and carbon stores for a healthier future for everyone.

But they need your help! The Woodland Trust want to hear from young people like you who are passionate about nature, the climate, and how environmental policy is constructed and funded.

This volunteering workshop invites you to travel to a woodland in Greater Manchester (transport provided!) and work with the Trust to care for trees. You will help the Woodland Trust with a survey of the Wildlife on the estate, having a real impact on the local environment.

We will be travelling to the Smithills Estate near Bolton by minibus after meeting on the Manchester Metropolitan Campus outside the Dalton Building on Chester Street.

This is a great opportunity to support the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity on its biggest site in England. It’s also a chance to get outdoors and see the estate’s landscape mosaic of woodland, grassland, moorland, and farmland, along with the famous Winter Hill mast – a refreshing contrast to central Manchester. 

For anyone interested in green careers, this is a practical way to learn about habitat management, the Trusts role in the Northern Forest initiative and how this promotes nature recovery and climate resilience. You will also have the chance to discuss volunteer pathways into the conservation sector and learn about opportunities like the Youth Content Creation programme, Youth Councils, and practical working groups. 

No experience is needed. Suitable clothing for the weather and outdoor working is recommended. The event will consist of one hour of volunteer activity and one hour of a guided walk with breaks provided. Please note that some of this activity will involve working in muddy areas off paths.

(Note that the classification of the Smithills Estate as a temperate rainforest may not be guaranteed – ask the Woodland Trust activity leader when you attend!)

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