Volunteering at Cranborne Chase is your chance to step into one of England’s most remarkable protected landscapes and play a real part in safeguarding its future.
From ancient woodlands and chalk grasslands to rich archaeology and thriving wildlife, this landscape depends on people who care enough to protect it. Every hour you give — whether surveying wildlife, restoring habitats, supporting heritage projects or helping local communities connect with nature — makes a meaningful difference.
Cranborne Chase thrives because people choose to look after it. Now it’s your turn.
Cranborne Chase National Landscape is one of the UK’s finest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, spanning Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset. Our organisation exists to protect, enhance and celebrate this extraordinary landscape — its wildlife, its heritage and its sense of place.
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Conservation management — restoring habitats, supporting biodiversity and caring for rare species.
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Heritage protection — safeguarding ancient monuments, historic sites and cultural traditions.
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Community engagement — helping local people and visitors connect with nature through events, education and volunteering.
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Sustainable land stewardship — working with farmers, landowners and partners to ensure the landscape thrives for generations.
Get involved
Make a real impact, meet like‑minded people and help protect one of Britain’s most beautiful places by joining the Cranborne Chase volunteer community today. Your time, energy and passion can help shape the future of this extraordinary landscape.
JOIN US
If you’ve already registered as a volunteer and have a login and password you can sign in here
If you’re having trouble accessing the hub, you can scan the QR code below and it will take you straight there.
Email us if you have any queries: info@cranbornechase.org.uk
Our volunteering opportunities
Become a Practical Conservation Volunteer
If you enjoy being out and about in the landscape then why not join our Practical Conservation Team?
As a Practical Conservation Volunteer you will undertake practical conservation tasks across Cranborne Chase.
Our practical conservation days involve working in small groups to undertake a wide range of tasks. Tasks vary through the year depending on the season and include activities such as:
- habitat management
- tree planting
- coppicing
- hedge laying
- maintaining public rights of way
You will learn new skills, meet new people, feel fitter and help protect and conserve our beautiful landscape and nurture our wildlife.
Become a Scheduled Monument Volunteer
If you have an interest in archaeology, why not become a Scheduled Monument volunteer?
As part of the Archaeological Field Survey team, you will work across a variety of landscapes locating possible archaeological features on the ground. You will record and photograph features that are already part of historical records, as well as identifying sites through our LiDAR records.
This is a self-led activity, but you will be offered all the appropriate training. You will learn more about archaeology, get to explore the local area, meet new people and develop leadership skills.
The project is run by Rebecca Bennett from Pushing the Sensors, overseen by the National Landscape team.
Become a Dark Sky Custodian
Our volunteer Dark Sky Custodians help secure and promote our dark night skies.
Our volunteers learn about the multiple benefits of dark skies; benefits to human health, wellbeing, wildlife, saving money and carbon by reducing unnecessary lighting, better targeted lighting for security purposes and the amazing wonder, enjoyment and learning that comes from a better understanding of our amazing nightscape.
As a Dark Sky Custodian you’ll receive training in how to take Sky Quality Measurements to record and measure light pollution. You’ll also gain knowledge and skills to enable you to lead stargazing events and understand how to monitor your local dark sky, so you can discover more about the constellations and inspire others through stargazing events.
Join our Route Checkers team
Do you enjoy being outdoors exploring landscapes, history or wildlife? Are you a keen walker or cyclist? Do you have an eye for detail? If so you could join our Route Checkers Team.
Our Route Checkers help design new walking routes and check existing routes across our Rights of Way network.
As a Route Checker you will get free training on working alone outdoors, as well as guidance on use of appropriate apps if required.
As part of the Route Checkers team you can design new routes, check that existing routes are fit for purpose and accurate, as well as reporting any issues such as broken stiles, overgrown vegetation or damaged signs. We will then mobilise our growing Practical Conservation Team of volunteers to resolve the issue.
By keeping our Rights of Way network accessible and enjoyable we’ll be helping more people have a safe walking experience, enjoying the landscape, connecting with its nature, history and culture.
Our volunteers also check existing – and create new – cycling routes across Cranborne Chase using bridleways and quiet roads.