We’re always delighted to welcome new volunteers at Earth Calling and do our best to provide a supportive and accommodating atmosphere in which to develop your skills and confidence. All you need is a passion for the environment and the ability to commit at least a couple of hours a week during school term time (grounds and curricular work, 09.00–14.00; after-school clubs, Mon–Thurs 15.00–17.15, Fri 13.00–15.15).
Just give us a shout at [email protected]
Why volunteer with us?
As well as the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a real contribution to the future of the environment, volunteering for also offers the following benefits:
- A head-start in the race for environment-related jobs; many of our volunteers have gone on to positions as Rangers
- Training in outdoor conservation work including: hedging, fencing, pond and marsh making, path laying, working with willow, and planting and managing areas for wildlife-friendliness and study opportunities
- Experience in designing and delivering environmental experiences, both curriculum-based and after school
- Experience in group leadership in the field
- Opportunities for employment with Earth Calling: four volunteers have gone on to part-time employment with us
All applicants will be subject to checks under the disclosure Scotland initiative
For more volunteering opportunities please see environmentjob.co.uk
Volunteer Profiles
Louise Beveridge
I grew up in Glastonbury, and spent much of my childhood climbing walls and investigating the fields and woods of Somerset. At 18 I decided to move to the sea and study art for a year, before getting tempted by the charms of Edinburgh where I now live and study Ecology.
After two years at uni I still seem to spend most of my time climbing walls and investigating fields and woods – often with EC, though these days I can be found in the library too sometimes.
My greatest wildlife moment, occurred 30M below the surface of the Indian Ocean where I raced a sea turtle amongst the corals during my first ever qualified scuba-dive.
Soraya Bishop
I grew up in Nottingham, but have lived in Edinburgh for the last few years whilst studying Ecology with conservation at the University of Edinburgh. I love living in Scotland as it is so beautiful and there is so much to explore!
I volunteered at my local nature reserve as a teenager, and have been involved in conservation projects in South America. Back in Scotland I am involved with groups such as Transition Edinburgh, Abundance Edinburgh, Edinburgh Permaculture Group and our nice wee allotment at King’s Buildings.
I heard about EC through friends and joined in September, wanting to get involved in environmental education, and the last few months have been great!
My ultimate wildlife experience was a momentary encounter with a hummingbird flying round my head in the Amazon, and looking down over the rainforest canopy – something I will never forget.
Amy Millar
I was born and bred in Kirriemuir, Angus but have lived across Scotland and England before settling here in the beautiful city of Edinburgh as a teacher. During these years, I have studied Biology at St. Andrews, worked at an Environmental Education Centre to bring children face to face with nature as well as assisting on a Cheetah Conservation Programme in South Africa. Other outstanding wildlife experiences include whale watching, walking with elephants and swimming with dolphins, all of which I will never forget.
I volunteer with Earth Calling because I want to encourage young people to explore and appreciate the local environment in all its beauty. Trivia – whilst volunteering on the Cheetah Conservation Programme the above tiger cub decided to bite my leg and I have the scar to prove it!
Rachel Murray
I grew up in a small village in Perthshire before moving to Edinburgh to study Sustainable Environmental Management. Currently in my third year of the degree and enjoying the challenges of debating climate change and tackling the issues involved in our present environment. I started volunteering with Earth Calling back in the spring as I was keen to get involved where it really matters, with the children who will pave the way for the future and help to improve and protect our environment.
I have yet to travel the world though I have been to India and it was an amazing experience, getting lost in the forest with wild boars running around and monkeys’ following us through the trees was unnerving but exciting! However much can be said for exploring closer to home where the beauty and wildlife of Scotland is not to be missed. Spotting porpoise, basking sharks and marine birds whilst sailing around the west coast of Scotland was amazing, particularly at night where you could see phosphorescent plankton gleaming on the surface of the water in the moonlight.
My favourite food is rice krispies and my favourite animal must be our native little friend, the red squirrel.
Dominic Edwards
I was born in Dundee, growing up in the Angus countryside. I wanted to experience working with children in a natural environment, not only because I enjoyed it so much when I was a child, but I want to integrate my biological sciences work background with the natural environment and education, and Earth calling was recommended to me!
My favourite country is India – snakes in the bathroom, scorpions on the porch and ants in the bed!
I am at heart a countryside guy - I keep chickens in my back garden for the best eggs ever!
Michael Starkey
Born in Dundee, I spent most of my childhood in Nottingham before moving up to Edinburgh 4 years ago to study Ecology with Forestry at the University.
I love getting out into the hills with friends to explore a country that until 4 years ago, I didn’t really realise existed. I’m also really into playing music, particularly traditional Irish, Scottish and Bluegrass, growing food, and amateur botanising.
Most memorable wildlife experience is probably getting close to swooping Andean Condors at Colca Canyon in Peru. I remember waking up at a really silly time in order to hike out to where we were expecting to see the birds and then sitting there all excited at dawn waiting for them to show up.
I got involved with EC to try and share my excitement about nature with younger folk. It’s nice because you get to absorb some of their enthusiasm back.