BRENT LODGE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITES
We are so grateful for volunteer support, without our volunteers we could not continue our vital work. If you feel strongly about the future of British wildlife, if you just love all animals or even if it’s just because you have some free time and want to work with a group of friendly, dedicated group and like-minded people, then please enquire about becoming a volunteer
You do not need to be an expert or have any animal care skills to help, we will provide the training and support you need. We have volunteers of all ages, levels of experience and background. We are looking for volunteers who share our love of wildlife and are able to give some time on a regular basis.
It helps our team greatly if you are able to volunteer for regular hours on days that suit you, and offer a certain level of commitment. This means our team benefit from your time in the most effective way as we can plan tasks and organise volunteers more efficiently. This is especially important in the busy seasons at the Hospital when we have hundreds of wildlife patients to care for every day. If you are thinking of volunteering, there are a few things you may need to consider:
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Animal and Grounds Care volunteers need an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
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Animal and Grounds Care tasks can be messy, wet or muddy – sturdy old clothing is recommended.
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Young volunteers need to be 14 years old (Under 16's must have permission of a guardian)
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You will need to attend an induction session, read and sign our Health & Safety policy, and agree to a trial period.
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Brent Lodge is based in Cow Lane, Sidlesham, West Sussex, PO20 7N. Please ensure you are able to get to this location before applying.
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Working or handling wild animals comes with risks of biting, scratching or spread of disease. Please read our health and safety handbook to ensure you are comfortable with volunteering with us.
If you would like to go ahead and volunteer with us then please explore the following opportunities and get in contact via the advised methods. You will then be invited for an induction to find out more about the role and to see if it suits you.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL US ABOUT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AS WE SOMETIMES STRUGGLE TO FIND THE TIME TO RESPOND TO PHONE CALL MESSAGES. PLEASE CONTACT US BY THE ADVISED EMAIL METHODS AND WAIT UP TO 7-10 DAYS FOR A RESPONSE DURING BUSY TIMES. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
ANIMAL CARE
VOLUNTEERS
Animal care volunteers help both inside the Hospital ward and outside in aviaries and enclosures. Tasks include cleaning out patient accommodation, providing fresh bedding, food and water. There is a small amount of record keeping on patient notes. Other tasks include keeping the Hospital clean and tidy, washing up, mopping floors, washing and folding towels, and preparing newspapers for bedding. This is quite a physical role, especially when the hospital is busy, so volunteers must be able to clearly communicate and follow instructions.
We currently have a waiting list for volunteering. To express your interest in volunteering please contact enquiries@brentlodge.org.
ANIMAL CARE
WORK EXPERIENCE
Animal husbandry placement opportunities are available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to students from schools, universities and colleges, Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes, to staff from other wildlife charities or vet practices, and to individuals interested in pursuing a future in wildlife care. Unfortunately we can not offer clinical veterinary placements. Volunteers must be 14 or over. Under 16's must have permission of a guardian. The number of placements is limited.
If you would like to book a placement, please email enquiries@brentlodge.org with the exact dates or timeframe you require a placement for and the school, university or college you are attending. Our admin staff are very busy so to avoid unnecessary email admin, please provide the above exact requirements.
GROUNDS CARE
We want to be proud of our grounds and to keep our facilities well maintained. It is an important task that includes gardening, grass mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, and the repair, upkeep and painting of facilities and outside enclosures. If you have practical skills, enjoy gardening or DIY, and this type of volunteering appeals to you, we would welcome as many hours and at whatever times best suit you. Please email enquiries@brentlodge.org for further information.
ANIMAL
AMBULANCE DRIVERS
We rely on a network of kind and dedicated volunteers to assist with transporting rescued wildlife casualties to the Hospital and to transfer patients to and from vets or specialist release facilities. We are part of a volunteer network of volunteer drivers call UK Wildlife Transporters. If you are interested in becoming a driver please register your interest with UK Wildlife Transporters HERE.
HELPING IN
THE SHOPS
Volunteers are required in our charity shops to help receive and sort donations, organise goods for sale and assist with retail activities. If you are an organised person who can spare half a day on a regular basis helping a small local team, please get in touch with the shop nearest to you. Locations: Bognor Regis – Hayling Island – Selsey – Worthing. You can find the contact details HERE.
SORTERS
& DRIVERS
We need help to sort, organise and transport donated goods for re-sale to and from our charity shops – typically clothing, books, bric-a-brac and furniture items. If you are an organised person, with a clean drivers license, and can spare a day on a regular basis please let us know by emailing enquiries@brentlodge.org.
WE COULD NOT DO OUR VITAL WORK WITHOUT YOU