Potteric Carr Nature Reserve welcomes thousands of visitors each year, including families, wildlife enthusiasts, school groups and first-time visitors, all coming to explore its wetlands, woodlands and wildlife-rich habitats. Our Welcome Volunteers play an important role in creating a positive first impression and helping visitors make the most out of their day with us.

By supporting the Visitor Services team, volunteers help the Nature Discovery Centre run smoothly during busy periods while providing a warm welcome, answering questions and sharing news of the latest wildlife sightings. Through sharing enthusiasm for nature and conservation, volunteers help people feel connected to the reserve, encourage repeat visits and support our work protecting wildlife.

As a Welcome Volunteer, you’ll be based primarily within the Nature Discovery Centre, supporting the Visitor Services team to create a friendly and welcoming experience for everyone visiting Potteric Carr Nature Reserve.

You’ll often be the first person visitors meet, helping them feel welcome and excited about exploring the reserve. Tasks may include:

• Greeting visitors as they arrive and providing a warm, positive welcome
• Sharing information about the reserve, walking routes, wildlife sightings and upcoming events
• Helping visitors make the most of their visit by sharing enthusiasm for Yorkshire’s wildlife and the work of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
• Supporting with visitor enquiries, membership applications and taking payments for admissions or shop items on our till system
• Assisting in the shop by helping visitors find products and keeping displays tidy and welcoming
• Encouraging visitors to engage with conservation and the work of the reserve – promoting Yorkshire Wildlife Trust membership.

For volunteers with a particular interest in optics and wildlife watching equipment, there may also be opportunities to receive additional training to become a specialist in selling binoculars and spotting scopes.

Volunteer Open Day, Wednesday 12^th August, 10:30am – 2:30pm drop in session, no need to book - why not come by and find out more about the role and speak to a member of the team.

Full induction and in-house training will be provided as part of this role. If you would like to apply please complete a volunteer application form and send it into volunteering@ywt.org.uk