Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre

Volunteering

Do you have spare time and want to do something positive for Kent's wildlife?

Here at the Records Centre we are in the process of building up our database of Kent's wildlife, and with hundreds of records waiting to be put in we welcome volunteers who can assist with entering this information into our database. Consequently, we depend on volunteers to make possible many of the functions of the Records Centre.

Since opening in May 2003, the KMBRC has been lucky enough to have help from a number of volunteers who come into the office for either a few hours a week or a whole day or two. Volunteers help in many different ways, some examples include:
  • Data entry using our database program Recorder 2002.
  • Help with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Computer programming.
  • Putting together displays or helping at events.
We try to structure volunteers' tasks and training around any previous knowledge and experience they have and we aim to help those interested build skills in computing and species identification. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people - we are very friendly! You don't need to have any qualifications or be a computer expert to volunteer, but basic computing skills are advantageous for much of the work volunteers do. Staff will be on hand to give you all the support you need for the work you'll be doing.

We have volunteers committed on a short-term basis; for example, people looking for work experience - either students or those wanting a career change. We also have help from people who have retired. Volunteering for KMBRC can provide you with the relevant skills to take on to employment, or simply personal satisfaction from doing something you enjoy. We have volunteers who work in the office and those who work independently from home, so we can build volunteering around your lifestyle.

If you are a student and looking for project/dissertation ideas please visit our students projects page. you may like to tie in combining work experience with completing coursework.

So, if you are keen to improve or develop new skills and have an interest in any aspect of wildlife, we'd love to hear from you. Please email Anne (Support Officer), or phone 01622 685780.

Other organisations in Kent who may also require volunteers:

Most organisations involved in recording, conservation, habitat management and community education often recruit volunteers. If there is a particular organisation you'd like to be involved with, approach them to see if they have something suitable.

For more practical tasks Kent BTCV and Kent Wildlife Trust often recruit volunteers.

Here are some more organisations who may also require volunteers:

Other ways to get involved are to become a Pond Warden or a Tree Warden, or design your own recording scheme.
KMBRC INTRANET