Exmoor National Park Authority

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