Applications for 2026 LTVs are now closed. Applications for 2027 will open on 1st January 2027.

Who is eligible?

Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications from under-18s. 

We also regret that we cannot accept applications from overseas nationals who require visa sponsorship for this position as the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is not an approved sponsor. As such, we can typically only accept applications from foreign nationals for the following reasons:

• Dual citizenship
• Settled or pre-settled status
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries – this must be sorted before coming)

We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

What would you be doing?

Our long-term volunteers form an integral part of the island team. They assist with the day-to-day running of the island and support the wardens, visitor officer and field worker with visitor engagement and wildlife monitoring.

Successful applicants will gain experience in visitor engagement and monitoring techniques (i.e. seabirds, breeding birds, butterflies, moths, marine mammals, etc.) on a National Nature Reserve. Additionally, long-term volunteers will gain experience in path and infrastructure maintenance with training being provided in the use of relevant tools and equipment.

How will the different times of year differ?

In spring, the wildlife monitoring work will focus on our breeding seabirds. In summer, the focus moves to chick productivity, whilst in Autumn the focus of our work is on Grey Seal monitoring and some of our other species including Skomer Voles, reptiles, cetaceans and moths. Otherwise, you'll get a similar experience in any position.

What are the benefits of volunteering here?

We're worked hard to make volunteering with us cost neutral. As such, you will receive:

- Free accommodation (including bills) on Skomer.

- Travel expenses to and from Skomer (from within the UK) including parking.

- We have a training budget for our long-term volunteers. Training provided will vary depending on the time of year, however may include a brushcutter or first aid course.

- A £400 bursary is also available from the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer upon completion of a report which will be included in their newsletter.

For any queries regarding long-term volunteering, please email skomer.vo@welshwildlife.org.

Applications for 2026 SMVs are now closed. Applications for 2027 will open on 1st January 2027.

Who is eligible?

Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications from under-18s. 

We also regret that we cannot accept applications from overseas nationals who require visa sponsorship for this position as the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is not an approved sponsor. As such, we can typically only accept applications from foreign nationals for the following reasons:

• Dual citizenship
• Settled or pre-settled status
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries – this must be sorted before coming)

We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

What would you be doing?

Our seabird monitoring volunteer is responsible for the following: 

• Working both individually and as part of a team to complete the whole island population counts of cliff nesting seabirds. These counts take place from both land and sea. 

• Conducting census plot counts of Manx Shearwaters at various locations around the island as part of a small team in all weathers. • Preparation and maintenance of census equipment. 

• Accurate record keeping and backing up of data. 

• Creating content for the Skomer Island blog and social media channels. 

• Assisting with other essential tasks when required.

What are the benefits of volunteering here?

We're worked hard to make volunteering with us cost neutral. As such, you will receive:

- Free accommodation (including bills) on Skomer.

- Travel expenses to and from Skomer (from within the UK) including parking.

- We have a training budget for our seabird monitoring volunteer, which is typical Powerboat Level 2.

- A £200 bursary is also available from the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer upon completion of a report which will be included in their newsletter.

For any queries regarding long-term volunteering, please email skomer.vo@welshwildlife.org.