Opportunities at BEAT

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See BEAT MEMBERSHIP under the get involved tab

Volunteering and work placements

BEAT is a busy environmental charity undertaking a wide variety of activities (see projects). If you are a student or volunteer we can offer you an opportunity to get involved in an outdoor or office environment.

Swartha Wood

My name is Jed. I am 22. I did my A-levels but have no uni degree. My mum and dad used to take me and my brother out in the “crunchyside” when we were young and I think that is why I always enjoy being in the woods. It’s calming yet strangely exciting because there is always something new to learn or something surprising to discover if you have the urge. Having the stomach to be repeatedly proven wrong also helps. I think Swartha Woods project is vast in its potential scale and can offer a multiplicity of activities both practical and academic for a huge range of ability: if you think you do not have the skills to contribute to this project I think you are probably wrong.

I am looking most forward to the possibility of renewing some of the old ‘woodland trades’ that have taken place in Swartha as this would give me and others a chance to see the how resources were extracted from the woods in such a way as to increase the health of the land and safeguard resources for future generations: a skill that needs learning (and pronto). I also hope Swartha can be a place of healing for me: having the feeling of accomplished useful work there as well as the excitement of having a team of to do it with builds self-esteem and gives me something to strive for on those days when it seems like there is nothing to do. Having a bunch of interesting sounding stuff to put on my CV will also be a bonus.

Office volunteers – activities may include general administrative tasks or more specific project support such as marketing or fundraising. Basic IT skills are required for most, but not all tasks.

When you apply for an office based role you may be required to complete an informal interview over the phone or face to face.

If you are interested in this type of volunteering, please use the contact form.

Outdoor projects – BEAT also offers volunteering opportunities with the Forest of Bradford.

Forest of Bradford runs 2 – 3 practical conservation volunteer day opportunities per week. Wednesday and Friday 9:30 - 3:00 each week we have a minibus to transport volunteers to the work site. A range of tasks including tree planting, dry stone walling, hedge laying and charcoal production are carried out. During the winter period Nov – Mar we are tree planting on most Saturday’s 10:00 – 3:00 ( see Planting Dates page for details ). No previous experience is required for the above, bring packed lunch and suitable outdoor clothing.

Activities will be tailored to individuals’ skills and interests and will generally involve tree planting and maintenance in woodland areas.