Exmoor National Park Authority

Get involved with the Simonsbath - Ashcombe Garden Volunteers.  This lost Garden was designed and started by John Knight in the early 1800's but never finished.  The garden represents one of the last Picturesque landscapes in England but it’s original vision was never completed. Traces of garden terraces, bridges and paths remain, but very little is known about the overall plan for the gardens. We are now working on uncover and reawaken this landscape, making it a welcome space for visitors to explore. 

Focuses of activity vary from practical ground work, planting, through to historical research and ongoing maintenance of the garden.

We are looking to help people train up to help use scythes.  free training can be given, and we will then ask volunteers to help manage some of our hard to reach meadows and possibly to help clear overgrown paths. 

Role Title

Historic Signpost Refurbishment Officers

What’s in it for you

The opportunity to attend a training day and to contribute to the process of refurbishing historic signposts across Exmoor. There will be great job satisfaction when the work is complete and the signposts in your area are restored back to their former splendour.  You'll also have access to the Exmoor national park volunteer network, training program and social events.

Woodland is integral to the many special qualities which help define the character of the National Park. Our tree nursery in Exford is an important part of efforts to increase tree cover on the moor, supporting our ambitions for nature recovery and helping woodlands and landscapes become resilient to climate change and diseases.

Volunteers are a vital part of the support team for the nursery, working along staff from our Woodlands Team. We have a range of volunteer opportunities for people to learn more about trees, assist with seed collection & propagation, help with day-to-day activities at the nursery and with aftercare of newly planted trees in our local woods.

The Exmoor Pioneers project seeks to connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the former Royal Forest in the heart of Exmoor, support nature recovery, protect heritage at risk, and develop the skills needed to support this landscape in the future.

We will host a wide range of volunteering opportunities within the Exmoor Pioneers project. Whether you’re interested in seed sowing and horticultural tasks, habitat creation for priority species, event support, mapping of heritage sites through remote sensing, community excavations, or archival research, there will be something for everyone. Register with us to be kept up to date with exciting new opportunities to get involved with this project.

Exmoor Pioneers seeks to nurture and grow local talent to support the development of skills that can sustain the natural and cultural heritage of Exmoor. Exmoor Pioneers is for everyone, and we will host many events and volunteer opportunities where everyone is welcome. But we recognise there are specific challenges some groups face to accessing or experiencing wild places and this is something we’re trying to tackle. We have some specific focus audiences: young people (including young people with disabilities), families (including those from low-income backgrounds), Global Majority groups (including black and minority ethnic groups), older residents facing social isolation or poor wellbeing, and local residents in general who do not currently engage with Exmoor.  

Ever wondered what lies hidden beneath Exmoor’s rolling hills and wooded valleys? The Living Landscapes – Exmoor Pioneers lidar portal project is your chance to uncover the secrets of the past using remote sensing technology. Discover lost settlements, trackways, and field systems - through an interactive online portal.

Ideal volunteering from home opportunity. 

Training and Support provided

On the portal website you will find great training videos to take you through the process of understanding what Lidar is, how it works and how you can begin making archaeological discoveries on Exmoor.

We are running an online evening workshop on Thurs 22nd Jan to discuss findings and give support to new users of the portal.

Field Visits

Once discoveries are made, you will have the chance to get your boots on and explore your findings alongside heritage experts, helping us to gain deeper insights into Exmoor’s past. Be part of the journey and help bring Exmoor’s lost heritage to light!

How to get started

Click here to register your interest on our form. Our Heritage Ranger, Kimberley Colman will then be in touch with details of how to access the Lidar portal.

This Role has 2 parts. Firstly site based in your own time, searching for and recording wildlife on iNaturalist.  Secondly home based, looking for others records on iNaturalist.  And helping to improve the data set.  It's assumed most people will do both parts of this role, but there are options to do one or the other.

Time Commitment- as and when

Location- Home, anywhere on Exmoor

You will arrive at site for around 0930, carry out a litter pick around the area.  Then from 10am run a stand to hand out leaflets, and give visitors information. 

Time Commitment- 10 days a year, at weekends and in the school holidays.

Location- Tarr Steps, Simonsbath.

Himalayan Balsam Control Volunteer

Pulling this plant up along riverbanks, as part of organised groups or in you own time.

Time Commitment- 3-6days a year in July and August

Location- Withypool, Tarr Steps, Winsford.

Short term footprint, hair and nut surveys, and long term dormouse box checking.

Time Commitment- 5 days for the short term surveys, 15 days a year for the box checking

Location- Simonsbath, Luxborough, Tarr Steps.

These happen on an ad hoc basis.  minibus pick up from Barnstaple.   we drive onto exmoor, and carry out a range of tasks, including practical days and surveying.   These days are aimed at 18 to 25 year olds.

signup for this to be sent alerts when we have a day running 

These happen on an ad hoc basis.  minibus pick up from Minehead.   We drive onto exmoor, and carry out a range of tasks, including practical days and surveying.   These days are aimed at 18 to 25 year olds.

signup for this to be sent alerts when we have a day running.

As a Heritage at Risk Volunteer, you’ll be part of a transformative project that aims to safeguard vulnerable monuments across the National Park. This project focuses on monitoring and protecting historic sites, and you will play a central role in both assessment and conservation.

Your journey begins with learning how to assess the condition of historic monuments. You’ll be trained to observe and record structural stability, identify environmental and human-related risks - including those linked to climate change - and report findings that directly inform the National Park Authority. These assessments are vital for or identifying threats to historic monuments, help prioritise conservation efforts and ensure these historic sites are protected for future generations.

Building on your monument assessment skills, you’ll have the chance to take part in a hands-on, three-year conservation programme running from 2026 to 2028. During this phase, you’ll help care for some of the National Park’s most protected and historically significant sites. You’ll learn how to record these monuments using GPS and hand-drawing techniques - giving you a deeper understanding of their condition and creating a lasting digital record for future conservation.

You’ll also take part in photogrammetry workshops, where you’ll learn how to create detailed 3D models of monuments using just a camera and software - an exciting way to bring heritage to life. Alongside this, you’ll get stuck into practical conservation tasks like vegetation management to help protect sites from physical damage.

There will also be opportunities to visit monuments undergoing professional repair, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how conservation work is carried out. This experience will help you understand how to monitor and care for other sites in the future, building your confidence and skills as a heritage steward.

You’ll also be trained to use and contribute to the Historic Environment Record (HER), a key digital resource that supports heritage research and management. This will help you develop valuable skills in data interpretation, digital recording, and heritage communication.

You will visit a wide range of sites across the National Park, offering rare access to some of the region’s most iconic and lesser-known heritage landscapes. You’ll work alongside the Heritage Ranger and other professionals, gaining insight into conservation practices and heritage stewardship.

In addition to technical training, you’ll be supported to develop public engagement skills. You will have the chance to lead guided walks and talks, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with local communities and visitors. These activities help foster a deeper public connection to the historic environment and build community resilience.

This role offers a meaningful way to contribute to the long-term care of our shared heritage while gaining practical experience, professional insight, and transferable skills in conservation, archaeology, and public engagement.

Location:

Various locations across the National Park

Time Commitment:

This role is designed to be flexible around your availability. Ideally, volunteers can offer a few hours per week to support ongoing monument assessments and conservation activities.

Some task, like site recording and hands-on conservation days, will require a full weekday commitment, giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in fieldwork and learn directly from heritage professionals.

Duration:

 This is a lifetime project, with a special opportunity to take part in a focused conservation and site recording programme running from 2026 to 2028.

Skills/Ability needed:

You don’t need to be an expert - just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! This role is open to anyone with an interest in heritage and a willingness to learn.  Key skills and attributes for this role include:

• A passion for history, archaeology, or heritage conservation
• Good observational skills
• Comfortable working outdoors (on moorland) and traveling
• Basic digital literacy (e.g., using a phone or camera)
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team

What you need to bring: 

Suitable clothing and footwear for days spent outdoors on the moors.

Packed Lunch and plenty of water.

What’s in it for you: 

• Hands-on heritage conservation experiences
  You’ll work directly on historic sites, learning practical techniques to assess, record, and conserve monuments. From field surveys to vegetation management, you’ll be part of real conservation efforts that make a lasting impact.
• Training in photogrammetry and digital heritage tools
  Learn how to create 3D models of monuments using photogrammetry - a cutting-edge method used by archaeologists and heritage professionals. You’ll also gain skills in GPS mapping, hand-drawing site plans, and contributing to digital records like the Historic Environment Record (HER).
• Access to protected sites
  Explore some of the most iconic and hidden heritage landscapes in the National Park.
• Transferable skills for life and work
  Develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills through collaborative fieldwork and public engagement. Whether you’re guiding a walk, presenting findings, or working with others on-site, you’ll build confidence and experience that apply far beyond heritage.
• Mentorship and support from heritage professionals
  Work alongside the Heritage Ranger and conservation experts who will support your learning and growth. You’ll be part of a friendly, knowledgeable team that values your contribution and encourages your development.
• A deeper connection to your local landscape
  Discover the rich history woven into the moors and valleys of the National Park. You’ll help protect these stories for future generations - and become part of them yourself.
• A sense of purpose and community
  Join a network of volunteers who care about heritage and want to make a difference. Share your passion, meet like-minded people, and contribute to something truly meaningful.

Further info/contact (this should be the