Wildlife Recording Volunteers

What is wildlife recording?
We have identified a number of key species that we would like to monitor and we’re hoping that you can help us by taking note where and when you see them as you walk through the park. The information we receive will help us to gain a better understanding of our local wildlife and will help us to direct management of the Regional Park to maximise its value for biodiversity.

How can you help?
Surveying is a great way to learn more about your local patch, it’s really fun and easy to do. You can decide how much time you spend watching wildlife and you can use our watching wildlife leaflet to guide you.

Do you need any experience?
No experience is necessary as our leaflet gives you plenty of information on each of the species we are monitoring. However if you would like any additional information our team is always happy to help!

Training
Volunteers who regularly monitor wildlife for us will be eligible for training e.g. bat surveying, butterfly surveying, small mammal and bird identification.

Experienced Surveyors
If you already have survey experience we would like to hear from you for some of our other species monitoring projects.

Conservation Ranger Volunteers

What is a conservation ranger?
We are a Saturday morning conservation group which meets on a fortnightly basis to carry out a wide range of practical projects throughout the Lagan Valley Regional Park. These projects include:

• Tree planting
• Woodland management
• Scrub brashing 
• Living willow sculptures
• Wildlife surveys
• Growing trees from seed
• Habitat creation
• Invasive species removal

Do you need any experience?
No experience is necessary as our volunteer coordinator and ranger team will provide full training for each project. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life.

How much time do I need to commit? 
You can decide how much time to spend volunteering. Our projects run fortnightly and everyone’s welcome.

What to bring
We ask everyone to dress for the weather, wearing layers is the best way to prepare for the good old Northern Irish climate. Waterproofs are essential as well as good boots or wellies. It’s also a good idea to bring a cold drink or a snack.

We provide
The task leader will give you training in work techniques and safety. We provide tools, gloves, materials, and most importantly – the tea and biscuits!

Volunteer Warden Scheme

What is a volunteer warden?
We are looking for people who visit the park from time to time to keep an eye on things and to report any issues of interest or concern to the ranger service. You may already enjoy walking round your local patch so this would be an ideal opportunity for you to volunteer your time. The things you might report may include:

• Interesting wildlife sightings
• Damage to trees or fences
• Acts of vandalism
• Issues raised by members of the public

Do you need any experience?
No experience is necessary and guidance will be given by the ranger service.

How much time do I need to commit?
This is entirely up to you although we would be delighted if you could make at least one patrol a week.

Wildlife Photography Scheme

We are looking for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of Lagan Valley Regional Park.

How can you help?
Most of our volunteers will capture interesting images as they’re out and about in the park. However we may occasionally ask volunteers to come along to our events to get good photos.

What will happen to the images?
Your images will be used to benefit the Lagan Valley Regional Park this may include many forms i.e. power point presentations, promotional material, website and postcards. We would prefer digital images as they are much easier to work with.

Heritage Guides

What is a heritage guide?
Lagan Valley Regional Park is steeped in history. Heritage guides may assist the LVRP team deliver many of our events. You can also be trained to volunteer in the Lock Keeper’s Cottage, showing the public around and helping to deliver information on the cottage, the family and the Lagan navigation.

Do you need any experience?
No experience is necessary as full training will be provided. All that we ask is that volunteers have a keen interest in history.

How much time do I need to commit?
This is entirely up to you although we would be delighted if you could volunteer at least once a month.

Grass Roots Conservation Group

Grass Roots is a Belfast-based volunteer group, focusing on practical conservation tasks such as woodland maintenance, path and pond work, and tree planting.  They have been working in Lagan Valley Regional Park for many years and recently began a new relationship with the park through Laganscape. 

All our work is carried out at weekends by volunteers, aged from 8 to 80, from all walks of life, with a common interest in nature conservation.  No experience is necessary to start as training is provided ‘on the job’. It’s a great way for young people to carry out the Community Service element of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For further information on Grass Roots visit their website www.grassrootsni.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it