Volunteer with BCA

Since BCA’s establishment in 1967, volunteers have been central to developing and shaping the organisation into what it is today.

BCA was formed by volunteers and remains volunteer lead, with volunteers complimenting the work of a small staff team headed by the CEO, Dave Green. The team work to the direction of the board of trustees which is enhanced by the input of BCA members. Volunteers have always supported activities such as woodland conservation, but since April 2024 have been expanding involvement throughout our operations, recognising the needs of modern visitors and enhanced community engagement opportunities.

Some of the current volunteer roles include:

  • Woodland Conservation
  • Woodland Patrol
  • Engagement Volunteer
  • Guided Walk Leader
  • Maintenance Volunteer
  • Membership Recruitment Volunteer
  • BCA Ambassador

Volunteering around busy lives

We recognise that people have busy lives, yet still wish to volunteer but without the weekly commitment. One of our more recent initiatives has been the move towards micro volunteering, offering mini tasks or mini commitments. This has allowed people to directly support BCA with a range of activities that may have otherwise struggled to find the time to volunteer.

For young people aged 14-17 we have a great opportunity to join our youth conservation programme. This group comes together to learn new skills in conservation, woodland management, bushcraft and more, as well as undertaking fun activities! This group is managed by our highly skilled Woodland Ranger and supported by volunteers.  Express your interest by emailing volunteering@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk.

Our taster sessions have proved invaluable to those who want to try something new. These range from organised woodland sessions, to supporting other staff or volunteers at events. They are a great pre-application way to meet the team and see if you would enjoy a specific volunteer opportunity.

We are always looking for skilled people who can support us on specialist projects, from maintenance, risk assessments, IT, tree conservation and more. If you are a skilled professional, we would like to hear from you.

Our partnerships

Appointed in April 2024, as part of a successful grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our Volunteering Development Manager’s focus is to diversify and increase volunteering opportunities across the organisation as well as implementing new systems and processes.

In partnership with employability, disability, and mental health organisations we are also welcoming new volunteers who are using volunteering as a pathway to employment, and socialisation, aiding their mental health.

Changing lives

“I met with Andrea at a network meeting and heard all about the wonderful work that was happening at BCA.  I had been collaborating with a young person for some time trying to find suitable volunteering opportunities that would help support her ASD needs.  I contacted Andrea, and we met for a chat to talk over possible areas of volunteering for my young person.

Andrea was great at recognising which areas my young person would find suitable and thrive in.  We arranged a first meeting with the young person and Andrea made her feel welcome and at ease, which gave her the confidence to move forward with her volunteering journey.  With all the support that Andrea has given my young person, she has been enjoying volunteering and her world has begun to open – being optimistic about the future and talking to visitors at BCA is something she found difficult before.

I can safely say that this as made a positive change to my young person’s life making her world bigger, to have hopes and dreams for the future.”

Dawn (Thrive Social Prescribing)

How to apply

Our recruitment process is as follows:

Enquiry – Please send any questions ail to our dedicated Volunteering Development Manager at volunteering@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk

Complete application – Complete our application form and associated documents, highlighting your volunteering role preference.

Application forms  Buttons if possible, link provided

Woodlands & Wildlife https://bttr.im/ebgb3

Heritage (local history, membership, marketing) https://bttr.im/2w3mq

Cave science (visitor centre, café, retail)  https://bttr.im/p4927

Youth 14 – 17 (youth conservation programme) https://bttr.im/150nt

Interview – After your enquiry, you will be invited to an interview and/or offered the opportunity to attend one of our taster sessions. Youth applications will be contacted by our woodland’s ranger.

BCA induction – If your application is approved, you will be required to complete our BCA induction, giving you an overview of the organisation.

Area induction – You will then undertake an area induction, specific to your volunteering role with your area manager, after which you will be ready to start volunteering!

The process allows plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you might have, to find out more about the roles our volunteers are involved in and to get to know more about the work we do. This an exciting time to support BCA and is an amazing place to volunteer. We are biased of course, and we’d like you to make up your own mind before you commit!

ID and references

As part of the application process, we will require proof of ID such as a driving licence or passport, and two references.

Benefits of volunteering with BCA

Learn new skills and gain valuable work experience.
Pathway to employment or study
Make new friends
Better physical, mental health and wellbeing
Giving something back to the community
Builds self-confidence and self-esteem
Sense of connection to others in the community
Provides a sense of purpose
Prevents feelings of isolation
Ignites passion
Play a role in the conservation of our woodlands and Poole’s Cavern
Support BCA’s essential environmental and heritage conservation work

Multi-generational volunteering

“BCA has provided me with invaluable opportunities to volunteer over several years. I have been able to gain additional skills and mix with new, multi-generational groups of people. I feel I am contributing and playing a part – albeit in a small way – to enhancing Buxton’s natural and built environment for residents and visitors.”

–    Gill (BCA Volunteer)

Mutually beneficial

“I was introduced to the BCA by Alex from Living Well as an opportunity to engage with others in a working environment. I have autism, and my struggles with social engagement have limited my participation in this area. I met Andrea and instantly felt comfortable and understood. Having taken the time to get to know me, my interests and needs, Andrea suggested volunteering in the tree nursery may be a good fit for me. Andrea accompanies me at every session which has given me the confidence and security to attend, along with her constant encouragement. Lola, my dog, has also been welcomed, which helps me, and I think she enjoys it even more than I do! Volunteering with BCA has become one of my highlights of the week. Thank you so much.”

–    BCA Volunteer

We look forward to welcoming you to our growing volunteering team!

CTA Maybe?

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