The New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair will return to Brockenhurst on Sunday, 26 January 2025 and comes as an early highlight in the National Park’s 20th anniversary year.
The free-to-enter Fair is set to welcome 50 organisations and groups and promises to be the biggest yet as the event aims to encourage and enable people from all walks of life to make a real difference to the environment and community around them through voluntary roles, while also boosting their own health and wellbeing.
While open to all, the 2025 event will have opportunities for young people, with offers and talks specifically for those aged between 18 and 30 supported by the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme which aims to help them take action on the climate and nature issues they are passionate about, as well as information for those younger.
This year’s New Forest Volunteer Fair will be opened by key speakers including members of the New Forest Youth Board, who act as a voice for their generation on matters involving the National Park, as well as New Forest National Park Authority CEO, Alison Barnes, and New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis.
Short volunteering talks will take place throughout the day with speakers providing details about the opportunities they have on offer and will share advice for those interested in a green career.
There is something to suit everybody, from active tasks like improving footpaths and heathland to helping lead inclusive cycling rides and healthy walks, as well as a growing range of archival, social media, fundraising, and digital positions.
Organisations announced to attend the 2025 Fair include the Countryside Education Trust, Flourish in Nature, Freshwater Habitats Trust, PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling, Guide Dogs, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Litter Pickers of the New Forest, the RNLI, and RSPB.
More than 600 people attended the 2024 Fair with more than 5,000 passing through the event’s doors since it began in 2011.
New Forest National Park Authority Volunteer and Accessibility Co-ordinator, James Masser, said: ‘Volunteering was really the start of my green career, it gave me the confidence to apply to be an Apprentice Ranger at the NPA, which got me to where I am now.
‘Come along to the Fair with an open mind because the right opportunity for you might not even be one you knew existed. Be sure to ask lots of questions about how volunteering can benefit you and fit around your lifestyle.’
New Forest Youth Board member, Fran Nicholas, said: ‘Youth volunteering has been great for me. It’s been amazing to carry out practical conservation with like-minded individuals who are a similar age to me. I feel that I’ve been making a difference for the local environment and wildlife whilst also enjoying the social element.’
The Fair will take place at Brockenhurst Village Hall on Sunday, 26 January between 10.30am and 4pm. Entry is free with everybody invited to come and browse the stalls. A range of hot and cold food and drinks will be available to purchase on the day.
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteerfair for more information and to find a full list of exhibitors and talks.
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