Outdoor Habitat Management Support

Our practical volunteering groups are vital in helping to manage not only the nature reserves that we care for, but wildlife beyond their borders. Get stuck in and discover how we manage landscapes or work with farmers and landowners whilst learning a variety of countryside skills. 

The Windrush Valley is an amazing place where we manage two nature reserves:

(1) Brassey SSSI is one of the best examples of species-rich limestone grassland in the County, supporting the endemic Cotswold Pennycress and the endangered Purple Milkvetch. It also supports Chalkhill Blue and Duke of Burgundy butterflies. Away from the grassland, the river Windrush flows along the bottom of the reserve, and has created a base-rich marsh – a nationally important representative of this habitat in Britain, and floristically, the richest example of this habitat in Gloucestershire.

(2) Greystones Farm SSSI (GL54 2EN) is our other reserve and in managed in partnership with an organic dairy herd. The reserve supports one the richest and largest traditional meadow systems which remain in the Cotswolds, with two rivers included which create a floodplain adding to its diversity. The neutral grassland has recorded over 100 plants (to date), and the rivers Eye and Dikler support Water Voles, Otter and Kingfisher.

We currently have a project called ‘Gateway to the Meadows’ where we are managing visitor access through installing recycled plastic boardwalks and two-way self-closing gates – to allow people to enjoy the reserve, but limiting disturbance through upgrading set routes, and to ensure the meadows get grazed with cattle with self-closing gates. 

The Windrush Valley group meets 10am - 2:30pm every Thursday.

You don't need any previous skills or experience to join in, and all tools and equipment is provided.

Accessibility information: Please note that our outdoor habitat working parties are physically intensive. We are out in all weathers, can work on slopes, and some of our work requires a walk from the parking spot. Some of the trained volunteers or staff might also be using loud equipment nearby, such as chainsaws.

This opportunity is for individuals over the age of 18.

Photo credit Mike Boyes.