About the event

Join us at our secret urban oasis, Centre of the Earth, for our third Youth volunteering session– an inclusive, hands-on day designed to empower young people as co-designers of local, nature-based solutions in Birmingham and the Black Country.

This session will explore practical conservation skills; introducing participants to hazel coppicing and accessible site maintenance, connecting traditional skills with wider conversations about equity, inclusion, and access to nature.

You’ll learn how tool use, woodland management, and site maintenance can support both wildlife habitats and human wellbeing, ensuring that our green spaces are welcoming and accessible to everyone.

These sessions are for everyone; from those who just love a nature walk to early career environmentalists. No experience needed — just curiosity, enthusiasm, and outdoor clothing you don’t mind getting muddy!

Walking Boots/Wellies/Outdoor Shoes are neccessary!

Youth Pathways

These monthly volunteer sessions are a part of our new Youth Pathways Programme, an accessible and inclusive initative for aspiring conservationists, environmentalists and those with a passion for nature. The group will enable young people, especially those who are underrepresented in the sector, to gain more skills, confidence and experience to access their dream careers.

Importantly these workshops have also been designed and will be led by some of our young staff members, who have first-hand experience in navigating the journey of early career nature conservation.

What will we be doing?

Participants will take part in a range of seasonal conservation activities, including:

🪓 Hazel Coppicing
Learn traditional woodland management techniques and how coppicing supports biodiversity, habitat structure and sustainable land use.

🔧 Tool Use & Best Practice
An introduction to safe and effective use of conservation hand tools such as bow saws, loppers and billhooks.

🚶 Path & Site Maintenance
Help improve access and safety across the site by cutting back vegetation, clearing paths, and carrying out essential winter land management.

🍃 General Winter Site Care
Support the site through tasks such as habitat tidying, brash management, and preparing the land for spring.

All activities will be guided by experienced staff, with tasks adapted so everyone can take part meaningfully.

Why Take Part?

• Learn practical conservation skills in a safe, inclusive space
• Contribute to local biodiversity and accessibility improvements
• Connect with other young people passionate about the environment
• Build experience that could support your future career in conservation, with skill certificates endorsed by the University of Birmingham's BIFOR department.
• Explore environmental justice in action

Important Info

• This event is free to attend!
• Basic Refreshments and Snacks will be provided. Please bring your own lunch!
• Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for walking/working in natural space (walking boots,wellies or equivalent).
• Please note that if you're aged 16 or 17, you will need written permission from your parent/guardian to attend. You will be contacted with a form once you provide your age at the booking stage. This event is not suitable for those under 16.

Register now to secure your place – spaces are limited.

Be part of the first step in reimagining what urban conservation looks like.