Warden Astonbury Wood

Role location:

Astonbury Wood Nature Reserve, Aston, Nr Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG14 3RY

Role responsible to:

Central Reserves Officer / Senior Reserves Officer 

Role responsibilities:

• Carry out regular site checks by walking the paths of Astonbury Wood, checking any infrastructure and reporting any problems (eg damage, inappropriate use, litter) to HMWT – particularly after extreme weather events
• Represent HMWT in a positive way on site and engage with visitors
• Refer people interested in volunteering to the HMWT registration process
• Lead or assist with event organisation, promotion and delivery at Astonbury Wood
• Carry out maintenance of hand tools and power tools
• Complete risk assessments and other H&S paperwork
• Carry out site management tasks as agreed with Wilder Woodland Officer and/ or Senior Reserves Officer
• Run regular work parties at weekends

Skills and experience you will need:

• A basic understanding of woodland ecology and species
• Knowledge and experience of carrying out a range of woodland management tasks
• Knowledge and experience of assessing and repairing site access infrastructure
• Experience of hand tool and power tool use and maintenance
• Experience of leading events and activities with volunteers and members of the public such as work parties, guided walks and community events
• Enthusiastic about wildlife and the work of the Trust
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills both orally and through use of IT (Email, Mobile Phone)
• Willingness to work in accordance with all relevant Trust policies and procedures including Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Data Protection
• Outdoor First Aid certificate and Safe Use of Brushcutter and Trimmer certificate is desirable
• Knowledge of the history of Astonbury Wood is desirable

Reasons to volunteer with the Trust

• Provide vital support for the Trust by contributing to the preservation and restoration of a fantastic ancient woodland site
• Opportunity to develop your skills and confidence
• Gain valuable experience of leading tasks in woodland habitat management
• Receive support from a group of committed staff and volunteers working together to deliver our Ancient Astonbury project
• Join a fun and friendly team to make a difference

Volunteer training and support

• Induction training at our head office, Grebe House in St Albans, covering an introduction to the work of the Trust and information on our policies and procedures
• Mentoring with an experienced staff member to guide and review your activities
• Appropriate first aid and power tool (brushcutter) training
• Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed with prior arrangement

Anticipated time commitment:

• This is flexible but we initially suggest approximately 2 hours every fortnight for a site check and an additional 3.5 hours for a monthly weekend work party or event
• Support for Astonbury Wood will take priority but there may be an opportunity to get involved in other Trust activities

Role duration

• This role will be reviewed prior to the conclusion of the Ancient Astonbury and Wilder Woodland project in November 2025
• The role will then be reviewed every two years following the initial review to assess its impact on the nature reserve and the performance of the individual in relation to HMWTs behaviours framework

How do I apply?

Complete and submit the online application form (you can request a paper copy if necessary)

Please see our website for full contact details, recruitment process & volunteer policies.

Deadline is 12 February 2026

If shortlisted, we will contact you to arrange an informal site meeting with you.