Leeds Volunteers Gain Skills Through Parks and Wildlife Roles

Local volunteers share how their experiences with Leeds City Council have influenced career choices

Volunteering opportunities provided by Leeds City Council are helping residents and students develop practical skills and explore new career paths. The Volunteer Team Leeds scheme offers a variety of roles, from supporting city parks and wildlife to assisting at major local events.

Volunteers’ Experiences

Charlotte Ryan, who began volunteering at Tropical World in 2024 while studying music technology at Leeds Beckett University, described her involvement with animals as transformative. After graduating in 2025, she pursued a two-year distance-learning Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals and continues to volunteer one day a week at Tropical World alongside her studies and part-time work.

Charlotte said her volunteering experience was “one of the most influential decisions” of her life, allowing her to engage deeply with her interest in animals and develop a potential career path.

Billie Billington, a Sustainability and Environmental Management graduate from the University of Leeds, took a more strategic approach to volunteering. Seeking practical land management skills, Billie volunteered with the Meanwood Valley Rangers. This experience helped build confidence and provided insight into outdoor work, which supported Billie’s successful application for an apprenticeship at the North York Moors National Park.

Billie highlighted the value of the community formed through volunteering, noting that the social aspect was an important part of the experience.

Volunteer Opportunities Across Leeds

Volunteer Team Leeds offers a wide range of roles, including:

• Supporting city-wide events such as Light Night and Leeds International Film Festival
• Participating in volunteer befriending schemes
• Working in parks to plant and maintain flowers and trees
• General park maintenance and building dead hedging
• Helping care for wildlife habitats in nature reserves
• Assisting with footpath and bridleway maintenance during monthly task days

In addition to council initiatives, Voluntary Action Leeds continues to coordinate community and third sector volunteering opportunities.

Council Support and Funding

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, emphasised the importance of volunteers in the city. He encouraged residents to join Volunteer Team Leeds to share skills, learn new things, and contribute positively to the community.

The Volunteer Team Leeds programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.volunteerteamleeds.co.uk.