Fancy trying something a bit different? Volunteer with Active in Nature at Rainham Marshes! Our exciting Sport England partnership aims to encourage people to experience nature in new and active ways. We are provisionally providing three activities at Rainham Marshes – cycle hire, bouldering (3m high climbing boulders with a variety of graded routes) and running. This will give visitors a fantastic opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the reserve in a new and unique way.
We are looking for volunteers for each activity to help run this scheme. The advertisements for cycling and bouldering are currently up on the RSPB volunteering website and just waiting for your application! Through these roles you can enjoy meeting new people, fellow volunteers and reserve visitors alike, safe in the knowledge that you're making real difference to inspiring more people to care about nature and their local environment. Read on for a little bit more information about the roles.
Cycle Volunteer
When: All year round Commitment: Flexible – ideally one day per week
This activity will give visitors a fantastic opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the reserve; exploring the river wall and going further into neighbouring valleys.
The tasks for this position would include:
• Booking out the bikes for hire • Assisting in led cycle rides from the reserve • Assist with events, e.g. bike maintenance days, nature rides, longer distance bike tours • An opportunity to help out with the basic bike maintenance
Bouldering Volunteer
When: All year round Commitment: Ideally 2 days a month minimum
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing but without ropes or harnesses. The boulders on the reserve will allow people to scramble up to a height of 3 metres before climbing down and trying different routes. The boulders we will have in place vary in grades from beginners to intermediate (V0 – V5).
• coaching participants in different climbing techniques • Being on hand to give advice and encouragement • Ensuring the safe practice of all participants • Assisting with organised events such as: Beginner’s bouldering, movement workshops, open sessions etc • Providing a fun and safe environment for climbing
If you have any questions or want to learn more about the project, don’t hesitate to contact Jen on 01708 899847, Jennifer.blake@rspb.org.uk or pop into the centre!