WTSWW has over 110 nature reserves in its portfolio. We have a target to get as many as possible into good or recovering condition by 2030.

As part of this work, we are refreshing or re-writing all our site management plans. We also need to monitor the condition of the conservation features of the site. This tells us whether or not our management is working.

Our nature reserves host all kinds of features. From grasslands and woodlands, heathlands and bogs, to scarce plants and invertebrates. Each habitat or species requires a different method and a different set of skills to survey.

At the moment, our main focus is to assess whether the woodlands and different types of grasslands on our nature reserves are in good condition or not.

To help us with this piece of work, you will follow a standard method that we will provide. You will also need to be able to identify twenty to thirty indicator species with confidence. We will provide support, but some level of botanical understanding would be helpful.

You will also need to be able to travel to the nature reserve independently. We will do our best to match volunteers to sites close to them.

If you are a very proficient botanist, and might be interested in monitoring rarer species, we’d also love to hear from you!

There’s no minimum commitment. If you think you might be able to help, or to find out more, please get in touch.

Lizzie Wilberforce (Head of Terrestrial Nature Reserves) l.wilberforce@welshwildlife.org