Volunteer with us
Why volunteer?
Be part of something truly meaningful. Every day is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife back where they belong – and our volunteers are at the heart of it all.
While we have a dedicated team of Wildlife Care Assistants, the nature of our work means we always need reliable, passionate people to help us provide the very best care to our patients.
To ensure consistent, high-quality care for our animals, we ask volunteers to commit to a regular weekly slot. This reliability allows us to plan effectively and give every patient the time and attention they deserve.
Volunteer shifts -
Wildlife Care Assistant
We offer two daily volunteer sessions:
Morning: 8:00am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12:30pm – 5:00pm
During our busiest season (April–August), we also run:
Evening shifts: 6:00pm – 10:00pm (latest)
This is a hands-on, active role where no two days are the same. Tasks include:
Cleaning and preparing animal enclosures
Feeding patients and assisting with daily care routines
Supporting the care of young wildlife, including frequent hand-feeding in spring and summer
Maintaining a clean, safe hospital environment (washing up, mopping floors, general tidying)
Preparing food and supplies
Caring for outdoor enclosures, ensuring animals have fresh food and water daily
It’s rewarding work – but it can be busy, physical, and sometimes a little muddy!
Other volunteer roles available
Veterinary
Gain hands-on experience in wildlife medicine by volunteering as a qualified vet or RVN at one of the UK’s busiest wildlife hospitals. We offer flexible short- and long-term placements, working with a wide variety of species and cases. You’ll be supported by our experienced team while developing valuable clinical skills in a unique setting. Accommodation may be available, and applicants must meet all relevant registration requirements.
Maintenance Volunteers
Our site needs constant care to stay safe, functional, and welcoming for both wildlife and visitors. From weeding, mowing, and strimming to building and repairing enclosures, maintenance volunteers help keep everything running smoothly.
If you enjoy practical, outdoor work and don’t mind getting stuck in, we’d love your support. The best part? You can volunteer flexibly, at times that suit you.
Fundraising & Events Volunteers
Spreading the word about what we do is just as important as the work itself. We regularly receive invitations to attend local events – but often have to turn them down due to a lack of volunteers.
By joining our events team, you could:
Help run a Vale stall at community events
Support our Annual Open Day and Christmas Fair
Engage with the public and raise awareness of our work
Experience with events is helpful, but not essential – enthusiasm and confidence go a long way!
Charity Shops
Our charity shops are at the heart of our fundraising, helping to support the vital rescue and rehabilitation work we do every day. By volunteering in one of our shops in Tewkesbury or Evesham, you’ll be playing a direct role in helping wildlife get a second chance.
This is a friendly, people-focused role where you can get involved in a variety of tasks, from serving customers and handling donations to sorting stock and creating eye-catching displays. Whether you enjoy meeting new people, love retail, or simply want to give back to a good cause, volunteering in our shops is a rewarding and flexible way to make a difference—no previous experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
Animal Collection (Rescue Drivers)
Every rescue starts with a journey – and that’s where you come in. Our Animal Collection volunteers play a crucial role in helping injured and orphaned wildlife reach us safely when members of the public are unable to travel.
As a rescue driver, you’ll respond to collection requests, carefully transporting animals from homes, vets, or other locations to our hospital. It’s a role that requires compassion, reliability, and a calm approach, as you’ll often be the first point of contact in an animal’s rescue story.
This role offers flexibility, making it ideal for those who can be available on an ad-hoc basis. A driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, and guidance will always be provided to ensure both you and the animals remain safe. It’s a simple but powerful way to make a real difference – helping wildlife get the care they urgently need.
Car Boot Sales Team
Love a bargain and enjoy chatting with people? Join our friendly Car Boot Sales team and help turn donated items into vital funds for wildlife care.
From April to September, our weekly car boot sales are a key part of how we raise money—and we couldn’t do it without our volunteers. You’ll help set up and run the Vale stall, organise items, chat with customers, and support sales throughout the day.
It’s a relaxed, sociable role that’s perfect if you enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people, and making a real impact in a fun, informal setting.
No experience needed—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to get involved.
Looking for a working holiday?
We offer a limited number of hands-on work experience placements for individuals studying or already involved in wildlife rehabilitation. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real insight into the day-to-day running of a busy wildlife hospital, working alongside our experienced team and contributing directly to the care of a wide range of species. Please note that placements are highly sought after and often booked well in advance, and are available to applicants aged 17 and over (we are unable to offer placements to school pupils).
Placements run between February and November (with limited winter opportunities) and typically last 1–4 weeks. The role is practical and varied, including cleaning enclosures, preparing food, feeding patients—including intensive care for young animals in spring and summer—and maintaining a clean, safe environment both indoors and outdoors. Options are available with or without accommodation, and participants are required to commit to 5 days out of 7, which may include weekends.