Discover hidden nature reserves in France by volunteering

Clearing invasive species and identifying where maintenance is needed are among volunteer roles being advertised in 4,100 nature reserves across France.

The opportunities have been flagged by the Conservatoires d’espaces naturels (CEN), one of the country’s main bodies dedicated to protecting the environment and made up of mainly regional associations.

10,000 regular volunteers support local branches

CEN president Christophe Lépine said: “Unlike the set-up in places such as England and Scotland, where you have huge non-governmental organisations like the National Trust and RSPB, with very large memberships and sponsors providing funds, in France the state takes a more active role.

Read more: Volunteers begin clearing rural footpaths around France: can you help?

“So our associations, which employ 1,200 people, are largely funded by various government and local government bodies.

“At the same time, we have local volunteer groups doing work alongside the employees to protect the environment and boost biodiversity.”

Last year, CEN had 10,000 regular volunteers supporting local branches.

“We have a couple of big annual campaigns, where volunteers help to clear invasive species on 200 sites, for example.

“However, there are also ongoing opportunities, such as watching over specific reserves, signalling problems – for example, when paths need to be upgraded – or working on footpaths and hedges,” said Mr Lépine.

Current CEN campaigns include protecting peat wetlands and bats.

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Volunteer on nature reserves not open to the public

Anyone wishing to volunteer can do so from the organisation’s main website where they can find details of the associations covering their area.

As well as doing something practical to protect nature, volunteers also get the chance to discover reserves close to them, some of which are not usually open to the public.

Further benefits include the camaraderie of other volunteers, an opportunity to use existing skills to help the environment, and learning new things.

As well as outdoor physical work, there are also roles in administration, communication and publicity, including staffing stands at local events.

Other opportunities include ‘citizen scientist’ work watching over reserves and taking part in surveys of animal and plant life.

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