Cultivating Wellbeing: Opportunities for Engagement with the Natural World

Being outside and enjoying nature is both enjoyable and good for us. There is growing evidence of the great benefits to health and wellbeing in working in natural environments, parks, gardens and other green spaces. Somerset has a wealth of natural environments which people can enjoy through volunteering, training and employment with local organisations who can introduce you to all the benefits that getting closer to the natural world can bring. This information has been put together in partnership with NHS Somerset to help in particular, people with experience of mental distress to get involved in environmental projects to improve physical and mental health. It provides information on what opportunities are out there and who to contact across the county.

 

Volunteering

Somerset has a wealth of natural environments which can be accessed through volunteering, training and employment with local organisations who can introduce you to all the benefits getting closer to the natural world can bring. Being a volunteer is a good way to gain experience which can be vital for that first paid post, acquire practical training and the skills necessary for your chosen path in conservation, horticulture and other practical outdoor careers.  For more information about where in Somerset you can volunteer check out our ‘volunteering opportunities’ for your area.

Employment

A job working in the outdoors can prove extremely rewarding and there are many health benefits. To find that ideal post Connect South West provide free careers advice for adults. This can include CVs, preparing for interviews, job search and finding the right career. Appointments are available through Connexions Centres.

Click here to download a pdf version of the Cultivating Wellbeing directory. This requires Adobe Acrobat, downloadable here.

 

Useful Websites:

• www.countryside-jobs.com: extensive coverage of jobs and training
• www.environmentjobs.co.uk: environmental jobs, courses, events and volunteering
• www.horticulturejobs.co.uk: specialist job site for horticulture week
• www.connexions-somerset.org.uk
• www.somerset.floodlight.co.uk: course finder website for Somerset
• www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpwithyourcareer/volunteering/: advice about careers and volunteering

Training Opportunities

Volunteering can inspire a renewed interest in acquiring new skills. There are many opportunities in Somerset to return to training, from becoming a fulltime student in Countryside Management or Horticulture to enrolling on a short course in hedge laying or small holding. There is something to suit everyone.

 

Bridgwater College, Cannington Centre

Offers a range of courses in Countryside Management, Horticulture and Arboriculture. 

Call 0845 6011300 or visit the website at www.bridgwater.ac.uk

 

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
In the South West BTCV delivers City & Guilds/NPTC Level 2 Diploma in work based Environmental Conservation.

Call 01392 496687 or visit the website at www2.btcv.org.uk/display/btcv_somerset

 

Field Studies Council
The FSC centre at Nettlecombe Court offers leisure and professional training courses covering aspects of learning about the countryside, its wildlife and the environment.

Visit the website at www.field-studies-council.org/nettlecombecourt/

 

Somerset Environmental Records Centre
Ecological training and experience for graduates seeking a career in the environmental sector.

Call 01823 652422 or info@somerc.com 01823 664450 or visit the website at www.somerc.com/training.php

 

Somerset Rural Training
Offer short training courses to individuals and small groups of trainees, in a wide variety of differing subjects in land based and associated industries.

Call 01823 601438 or visit the website at www.somerset-training.com

 

Yeovil College
Offers a range of Horticultural courses at Further and Higher Education levels.

Call 01935 423921 or visit the website at www.yeovil.ac.uk

 

A Helping Hand

If you would like to make that first step toward volunteering but would like more information about an organisation and what they can offer then contact your local volunteer centre, they can guide you through and make initial contact on your behalf.

 

Volunteer Centres
Sedgemoor Volunteer Centre, 19B Monmouth Street, Bridgwater, TA6 5EQ. Tel: 01278 457685
Engage West Somerset, 23a Friday St, Minehead, TA24 5UB. Tel: 01643 704041
Voluntary Action North Somerset, Badger Centre, 3 -6 Wadham Street, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BA23 1JY. Tel: 01934 410190
Voluntary Centre South Somerset, Unit 5, Yeovil small Business Centre, Houndstone Business Park, Yeovil, BA22 8WA. Tel: 01935 475914
Mendip Community Support, 62, High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AS. Tel: 01749 346830

 

Careers Advice

If you are interested in a career in the outdoors seek advice while you are volunteering, being a volunteer is a great way to get that first foot on the ladder. For more formal advice about finding the right career for you contact your local Connexions Centre.

 

Connexions Centres
Bridgwater: Wessex House, West Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 3HW. Tel: 01278 423788 email: bridgwater@connexions-somerset.org.uk
Frome: 1A Palmer Street, Frome, BA11 1DS. Tel: 01373 465302 email: frome@connexions-somerset.org.uk
Minehead: Vennland Centre, Venland Way, Minehead, TA24 5DX. Tel: 01643 701900 email: minehead@connexions-somerset.org.uk
Taunton: 1 Mendip House, High Street, Taunton, TA1 3SX. Tel: 01823 321212 email: taunton@connexions-somerset.org.uk
Wells: The Old Glasshouse, South Street, Wells, BA5 1SL. Tel: 01749 686730 email: wells@connexions-somerset.org.uk
Yeovil: Ground Floor, Prestleigh House, 38 – 40 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1UW. Tel: 01935 381800 email: Yeovil@connexions-somerset.org.uk

 

 

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All Districts

Balsam Centre/Growing Space
Contact Person	Julie Dacombe
Tel:	01963 31842		Email:	julie@balsamcentre.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Wincanton		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Bridie's Yard Organic Food Co-op
Contact Person	Tanya Dawson
Tel:	01458 830577		Email:	contact@bridiesyard.50webs.com
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Glastonbury		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

BTCV
Contact Person	Paul Sherriff
Tel:	01935 415255		Email:	p.sherriff@btcv.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

BTCV Midweek Conservation Group
Contact Person	Paul Sherriff
Tel:	01935 415255		Email:	p.sherriff@btcv.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Ham Hill, Yeovil Country Park, Lytes Cary Manor, plus other sites occasionally		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Butterfly Conservation
Contact Person	Mike Ridge
Tel:	01278 450793		Email:	dave.ayling@uku.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Carymoor Environmental Centre
Contact Person	Julia Percy
Tel:	01963 350143		Email:	julia.percy@carymoor.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Castle Cary		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Central Somerset Outdoor Learning Partnership
Contact Person	Jane Wilson
Tel:	01458 446799		Email:	jane.prioryfarm@talktalk.net
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerton		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Central Somerset Outdoor Learning Partnership
Contact Person	Jane Wilson
Tel:	01458 446799		Email:	jane.prioryfarm@talktalk.net
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Langport		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Exmoor National Park
Contact Person	Patrick Watts-Mabbott
Tel:	01398 323665		Email:	pwatts-mabbott@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Exmoor National Park		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Glastonbury Trust
Contact Person	Chris Trwoga
Tel:	01458 831399		Email:	contact@glastonburytrust.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Glastonbury		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Magdalen Project
Contact Person	Giles Aspinall
Tel:	01460 30144		Email:	giles@themagdalenproject.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Chard		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Mosaic
Contact Person	Nina Arwitz
Tel:	07935 099462		Email:	nina@cnp.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Exmoor Nat Park (based at Minehead/Taunton/Bridgwater		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

National Trust
Contact Person	Nigel Garnsworthy/Isabella Mullin
Tel:	01823 451814		Email:	nigel.garnsworthy@nationaltrust.otg.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Fyne Court, Quantocks, Blackdown Hills		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

National Trust Volunteers
Contact Person	Clive Bosworth
Tel:	01643 862688		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Natural England
Contact Person	Simon Clarke
Tel:	01458 860120		Email:	simon.clarke@naturalengland.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Shapwick Heath		District:	Sedgemoor
Display Key

 

Neroche Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Carrie/ Jilly
Tel:	01823 680846		Email:	info@nerochescheme.org
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Blackdown Hills AONB		District:	Taunton Deane
Display Key

 

Paddington Farm Trust
Contact Person	Tanya Dawson
Tel:	01458 832752		Email:	info@paddingtonfarm.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Glastonbury		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Quantock Hills ANOB
Contact Person	Owen Jones
Tel:	01823 451884		Email:	ojones@somerset.gov.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Fyne Court, Quantock Hills		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

RSPB
Contact Person	Sarah Jones
Tel:	01392 432691		Email:	sarah.jones@rspb.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Levels. Groups at Bath, Crewkerne, Taunton, Weston		District:	Sedgemoor
Display Key

 

Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Anne & Norman Lees
Tel:	01278 641521		Email:	leesmark@supanet.com
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Mendip		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Earth Science Centre
Contact Person	Gill Odolphie
Tel:	01749 840156		Email:	gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Rural Youth Project
Contact Person	Barney Simmons
Tel:	01984 639600		Email:	barneysimmons@sryp.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust
Contact Person	Toria Hare
Tel:	01823 652440		Email:	toria.hare@somersetwildlife.org
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: East Mendip Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Mick Ridgard
Tel:	01373 463875		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Shepton Mallet		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Mendip Hills Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Chris Billinghurst
Tel:	01761 221579		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Mendip Hills		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Taunton Mid-Week Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Margaret Palmer
Tel:	01823 337570		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Taunton		District:	Taunton Deane
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Taunton Mid-Week Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Margaret Palme
Tel:	01823 337570		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	West Somerset		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: West Somerset Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	John Dixon
Tel:	01643 703654		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	West Somerset		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Youth Volunteering Network
Contact Person	Sue Adams/Jeni Waller
Tel:	01458 836130		Email:	suea@somersetyouth.org.uk/jeni@..
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

South Somerset District Council
Contact Person	Katy Menday
Tel:	01935 462522		Email:	countryside@southsomerset.gov.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Yeovil Country Park, Ham Hill, Chard Reservoir		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

South Somerset Mind
Contact Person	Gill Norton
Tel:	01935 474875		Email:	gill.norton@southsomerset mind.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Shapwick Heath, Yeovil Country Park		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

The Vanessa Project
Contact Person	Annie Crossland/Alison Hayward
Tel:	01935 474875		Email:	alison.hayward@southsomersetmind.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Yeovil		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Countywide

BTCV
Contact Person	Paul Sherriff
Tel:	01935 415255		Email:	p.sherriff@btcv.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Butterfly Conservation
Contact Person	Mike Ridge
Tel:	01278 450793		Email:	dave.ayling@uku.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

National Trust Volunteers
Contact Person	Clive Bosworth
Tel:	01643 862688		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Rural Youth Project
Contact Person	Barney Simmons
Tel:	01984 639600		Email:	barneysimmons@sryp.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust
Contact Person	Toria Hare
Tel:	01823 652440		Email:	toria.hare@somersetwildlife.org
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Youth Volunteering Network
Contact Person	Sue Adams/Jeni Waller
Tel:	01458 836130		Email:	suea@somersetyouth.org.uk/jeni@..
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerset		District:	Somerset
Display Key

 

Mendip

Bridie's Yard Organic Food Co-op
Contact Person	Tanya Dawson
Tel:	01458 830577		Email:	contact@bridiesyard.50webs.com
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Glastonbury		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Glastonbury Trust
Contact Person	Chris Trwoga
Tel:	01458 831399		Email:	contact@glastonburytrust.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Glastonbury		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Paddington Farm Trust
Contact Person	Tanya Dawson
Tel:	01458 832752		Email:	info@paddingtonfarm.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Glastonbury		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Anne & Norman Lees
Tel:	01278 641521		Email:	leesmark@supanet.com
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Mendip		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Earth Science Centre
Contact Person	Gill Odolphie
Tel:	01749 840156		Email:	gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: East Mendip Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Mick Ridgard
Tel:	01373 463875		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Shepton Mallet		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Mendip Hills Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Chris Billinghurst
Tel:	01761 221579		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Mendip Hills		District:	Mendip
Display Key

 

Sedgemoor

Natural England
Contact Person	Simon Clarke
Tel:	01458 860120		Email:	simon.clarke@naturalengland.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Shapwick Heath		District:	Sedgemoor
Display Key

 

RSPB
Contact Person	Sarah Jones
Tel:	01392 432691		Email:	sarah.jones@rspb.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Levels. Groups at Bath, Crewkerne, Taunton, Weston		District:	Sedgemoor
Display Key

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Somerset

Balsam Centre/Growing Space
Contact Person	Julie Dacombe
Tel:	01963 31842		Email:	julie@balsamcentre.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Wincanton		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

BTCV Midweek Conservation Group
Contact Person	Paul Sherriff
Tel:	01935 415255		Email:	p.sherriff@btcv.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Ham Hill, Yeovil Country Park, Lytes Cary Manor, plus other sites occasionally		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Carymoor Environmental Centre
Contact Person	Julia Percy
Tel:	01963 350143		Email:	julia.percy@carymoor.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Castle Cary		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Central Somerset Outdoor Learning Partnership
Contact Person	Jane Wilson
Tel:	01458 446799		Email:	jane.prioryfarm@talktalk.net
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Somerton		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Central Somerset Outdoor Learning Partnership
Contact Person	Jane Wilson
Tel:	01458 446799		Email:	jane.prioryfarm@talktalk.net
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Langport		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Magdalen Project
Contact Person	Giles Aspinall
Tel:	01460 30144		Email:	giles@themagdalenproject.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Chard		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

South Somerset District Council
Contact Person	Katy Menday
Tel:	01935 462522		Email:	countryside@southsomerset.gov.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Yeovil Country Park, Ham Hill, Chard Reservoir		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

South Somerset Mind
Contact Person	Gill Norton
Tel:	01935 474875		Email:	gill.norton@southsomerset mind.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Shapwick Heath, Yeovil Country Park		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

The Vanessa Project
Contact Person	Annie Crossland/Alison Hayward
Tel:	01935 474875		Email:	alison.hayward@southsomersetmind.co.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Yeovil		District:	South Somerset
Display Key

 

Taunton Deane

Go Wild, Stay Well
Contact Person	David Topham
Tel:	01823 334906		Email:	davidt@mindtws.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Taunton area		District:	Taunton Deane
Display Key

 

Neroche Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Carrie/ Jilly
Tel:	01823 680846		Email:	info@nerochescheme.org
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Blackdown Hills AONB		District:	Taunton Deane
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Taunton Mid-Week Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Margaret Palmer
Tel:	01823 337570		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Taunton		District:	Taunton Deane
Display Key

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Somerset

Exmoor National Park
Contact Person	Patrick Watts-Mabbott
Tel:	01398 323665		Email:	pwatts-mabbott@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Exmoor National Park		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Mosaic
Contact Person	Nina Arwitz
Tel:	07935 099462		Email:	nina@cnp.org.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Exmoor Nat Park (based at Minehead/Taunton/Bridgwater		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

National Trust
Contact Person	Nigel Garnsworthy/Isabella Mullin
Tel:	01823 451814		Email:	nigel.garnsworthy@nationaltrust.otg.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Fyne Court, Quantocks, Blackdown Hills		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Quantock Hills ANOB
Contact Person	Owen Jones
Tel:	01823 451884		Email:	ojones@somerset.gov.uk
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	Fyne Court, Quantock Hills		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Taunton Mid-Week Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	Margaret Palme
Tel:	01823 337570		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	West Somerset		District:	West Somerset
Display Key

 

Somerset Wildlife Trust: West Somerset Conservation Volunteers
Contact Person	John Dixon
Tel:	01643 703654		Email:
Website:	Click Here		Volunteer:	Click Here
Location:	West Somerset		District:	West Somerset
Display Key