Darent Valley Volunteer

The Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Pilot is a collaborative project between Kent Wildlife Trust, the Darent Valley Farmer Cluster, and other project partner organisations. One of 22 first-round landscape recovery projects in England, the project aims to restore the River Darent and a connected mosaic of habitats across the landscape, supporting nature’s recovery in the Darent Valley.

Dates: -
Location: Sevenoaks
  • Commitment: Any Day

  • Location: Various locations throughout the Darent Valley area of Kent

This is an exciting habitat and river restoration project working with landowners across the Darent Valley. Volunteer involvement and efforts have been critical to the project so far to gather important data on the ecology of the area.

What will you be doing?

Our volunteers conduct surveys across the Darent Valley Landscape Recovery project area, including:

  • Bees and butterflies
  • Water vole and otter
  • Botanical
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • River invertebrates
  • Water quality testing

We are also interested in hearing from you if you wish to get involved with: 

  • Project administration or data work
  • Writing blogs
  • Training other volunteers

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

  • Flexible
  • Enthusiastic
  • Experience conducting surveys (desirable but not essential)
  • No previous experience required
  • You should be happy to work outdoors in all weathers
  • Required to travel to remote sites.
  • A passion for nature and Wildlife

What do I need?

  • A smartphone
  • A driver’s license (desirable not essential)
  • Own vehicle (desirable not essential)

What is in it for you as a volunteer?

The role is flexible with no fixed hours or commitment, so can be conducted around other commitments in your own time. It is a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and to learn interesting ecological surveying techniques, whilst contributing to an inspiring river and habitat restoration project.  

Aspects to consider before applying:

  • Reasonable expenses can be paid.
  • The volunteer role is open to applicants over the age of 18.

Commitment: 

Volunteers work on a casual and flexible basis, with no fixed commitment. Surveying requirements are communicated with volunteers via Whatsapp and email, and we encourage volunteers to meet up to survey in pairs or small groups. Training sessions and events are held throughout the year for volunteers to get involved in.  

Duration of role:

The Darent Valley Landscape Recovery has a 2 year pilot development phase, due to end in December 2024, with volunteers likely to be involved beyond this date when further plans are secured.