We always welcome volunteers. We work Tuesday mornings throughout the year and the second Sunday of each month from September to March, from 10am to 1pm. During the autumn and winter months, much of the work involves scrub clearance of Scots pine and silver birch which have encroached upon much of the heathland. Depending on the size of the trees, we now use loppers, saws and tree poppers or we pull the small pines. All tools are provided, and instruction is given. In the summer months, we avoid the heathland because we do not want to disturb ground nesting birds or reptiles. There is never a shortage of jobs whether cutting back willow in the Wetlands area, litter picking, clearing footpaths and pulling bracken. A certain level of physical fitness is required and suitable footwear and clothing.

Due to health and safety requirements we will always organise an informal face to face chat  prior to you being given details of a working party.

Working in a different environment is helpful in team building and also serves to “give back” something to the local community.  Many local companies benefit from the proximity of Horsell Common to engage in outdoor, physical work which can present quite a new challenge from the regular “desk Job”. Companies can spend the whole day working on the Common, clearing scrub pine and silver birch. There is plenty of parking at Heather Farm with a chance to enjoy lunch in Heather Farm Café. Tools and instruction are provided and the Senior Ranger is present throughout to supervise.

WWF wrote the following after spending one day working on the Common:

“Getting out in nature is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing. It helps us feel connected to our local environment and understand the important role it plays. Volunteering with the Horsell Common Preservation Society is a fantastic way to achieve all of these things and understand nature around us”.

“We recommend any local businesses give it a go!”.

Our normal programme is as follows:

Autumn and Winter (September to February):

A day out on the glorious open heath, removing tree saplings and other invasive shrubs

Maximum 15 delegates per day for safety

All equipment and training provided

Your group accompanied and guided by our Senior Ranger throughout the day

Cakes and flap jacks provided in the morning break

Price: £15 per delegate per day

Spring and Summer (March to August):

A day assembling nest boxes to help bird populations thrive

Maximum 15 delegates per day for safety

All equipment and training provided.

Your group accompanied and guided by our Senior Ranger throughout the day.

Cakes and flap jacks provided in the morning break

Depending on skills, each delegate gets to make approximately 3 to 4 nest boxes in a day – they keep one to put up in their garden, or another location of their choice, and we keep the rest to put up in our woodlands.

If there is time in the afternoon, delegates can do some woodland scrub clearance if they wish.

Price – £30 per delegate

D of E participants can do the “service” section of their award on the Common. In winter there is scrub clearance and in summer, litter picking. Parents must supervise and be responsible for their children, up to 16 years old.