The Friends of the South Downs is owned and run by its members and there are many ways in which you can help.
We have many volunteering opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, skills and fitness levels; so, if you are able to give up some of your time to help us, you’ll meet many interesting and sociable people who really care and work hard to help protect the landscape and heritage of the South Downs.
We are almost totally reliant on our volunteers in helping us achieve our aims and objectives so anyone offering to become a volunteer is always made very welcome.
Here are some of the typical activities you can help us with:
Walks Leaders
If you have local knowledge of the South Downs and are good at organising events you can help research and lead our annual programme of over 200 walks.
Trustees/Council members
If you want to be part of setting the strategic direction of the Society and making sure that its aims are achieved then you would be welcome as a Council member.
Council meets 4 times a year but in addition most members are active in other areas of the Society’s work.
Events Volunteers
Friends of the South Downs attend events throughout the year to raise our profile and attract new members. If you would like to join us at these events to help promote the charity and attract new members, please email the office via the contact form on the website.
Rivers Trust Volunteers
For the Western Sussex Rivers Trust opportunities, please email sam@wsrt.org.uk to sign-up as a volunteer to support our partnership projects.
For the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust opportunities, please email jo.owens@oart.org.uk to sign up as a volunteer to support our partnership projects.
For more information about University of Brighton student volunteering, pleas email enquiries@friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk.
Grants Officers
Help us gain grant funding for our work.
Area Access Officers
Help us ensure that our footpaths and bridleways remain open and accessible in a small area around where you live.
District Officers
Help us keep an eye on and comment on planning applications in your own locality.
Membership recruiters
Help us attract new members by assisting with a variety of recruitment activities.
Fundraising assistants
Keep your eyes and ears open in your local area for any opportunities to help raise funds for the Society.
Local recruiters
Nobody knows your own area better than you do. Help us to recruit new members by delivering membership leaflets to houses in your neighbourghood.
Outlet stockers
Take an active role in approaching various local outlets such as libraries, tea shops, community centres, etc. about displaying a supply of Society membership leaflets and then help to keep them stocked up.
