The National Trust is known throughout the world, for being at the forefront of conservation in the UK. Its work involves preserving everything from historic buildings, to woodlands, coastal areas and archaeological sites. As part of the conservation schemes on offer, the organisation runs volunteer holidays at sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Volunteer Holidays with the National Trust are all inclusive, attracting individuals, couples, groups and families from all over the world. Trained scheme leaders organise weekend or week long breaks, some of which are specifically designed for young people, or those with special needs or disabilities. Young people who are working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, can also complete a week with the National Trust as part of their scheme.
As no skills or experience is required for these holidays, it should come as no surprise that they attract volunteers from all walks of life, who just have a love of teamwork, the outdoors, and learning more about the environment.
The National Trust run around 400 of these volunteer holidays and short breaks each year, which start at £55 for a short break, and £90 for a week long holiday. Prices include hostel style accommodation and food. There are also premium holidays available for those who’d prefer more comfortable places to rest their head at the end of a day.
Some National Trust Volunteer Holidays purely involve conservation work, while others may give you the chance to take part in activities, such as water sports or crafts. All holidays are categorised by the type of work you’ll be completing or the site you’ll be working on. Examples include rural skills breaks, coast and countryside, gardening and historic houses.
Example holidays run in 2011, include hedge laying and coppicing at Attingham Park in Shropshire, and creating and protecting habitats for native flowers, birds, and butterflies at the Ashridge Estate, in the beautiful Chiltern Hills. Some of the volunteer holidays run by the National Trust also have a seasonal flavour, such as the one held at Leith Hill. This holiday involves helping with the public ‘pick your own Christmas tree event’, tree clearance in the rare heathland habitats, and making Christmas Wreaths.
With such an interesting range of activities, and destinations all over the UK, there is something for everyone considering booking a volunteer holiday. If you’d like to learn new skills and meet new people, maybe an environmental volunteering opportunity will be ideal.
