Wildlife Trusts

From community gardening and species surveying to looking after nature reserves and running "wildlife watch" groups, there's plenty to get involved in being a volunteer for Wildlife Trusts. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK, all of which have a primary concern of conserving nature within its own geographical area, relying on both regular and casual volunteers to do so. It's hugely rewarding; already, the work of volunteers has helped to secure the future of many precious habitats and species, enabling them to thrive again. There are hundreds of opportunities, from a media officer in the Isles of Scilly to assist on Radio Scilly, available from one to six months, to regular residential working parties in the Scottish Highlands. wildlifetrusts.org.

Get on your bike with Sustrans

If you believe we should all be swapping our cars for bikes, then this is the volunteering project for you. Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, is co-ordinating the development of the National Cycle Network - which currently runs for 12,000 miles throughout the UK and is still growing - and relies on "volunteer rangers" to help look after sections of the route in most parts of the country. Report missing signs, cut back overhanging branches, monitor potholes and help look after sculptures and mileposts. You can also help build support for Sustrans by organising fundraising events, distributing leaflets and leading bike rides and walks. How much time you dedicate to the charity is up to you.

To apply, download an application form from sustrans.org.uk or call 0117 9150 110 for an application pack.

Become an RSPB warden

Care for birds like the Osprey. Photograph: Arthur Morris/Corbis

Spreading wings, leaving the nest ... gap years lend themselves to avian cliches. But if you really do want to fly the nine-to-five, check out the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' volunteering programme. Positions available include residential volunteer warden at the charity's Loch of Kinnordy reserve in Angus, where you'll learn about species monitoring (otters, ospreys and red squirrels all make their home here) and environmental protection. The four-week minimum commitment includes accommodation in a newly-converted stable block, but volunteers must supply their own food. No experience needed.

Contact Kate Tycer (+44 (0)1767 680551, volunteers@rspb.org.uk), or for more opportunities see rspb.org.uk/volunteering/opportunities.

Free farm stay

Helpx brings together hosts usually living on farms and volunteers who get free accommodation and food in return for work. It has opportunities around the world but also closer to home. You could help a couple on a Dorset smallholding prepare for a food festival in late September by mucking in at their walled organic veg garden, herb garden and orchard, clearing reeds from the river, pitching tents, stage-building, security, marshalling and general administration. In return they offer accommodation in a self-contained two-bedroom cottage within the grounds and provide meals and food (including organic fruit & veg and eggs), use of bicycles and a car. Or how about helping out at a backpacker hostel in Perthshire?

helpx.net.

Work at a residential home

Camphill in England and Wales offers volunteer opportunities working with people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs in independent residential and day schools, specialist colleges of further education and adult communities. The organisation is based on Christian values though volunteers do not have to be practising Christians. Long-term opportunties, from six months to two years, are available. You might be involved in classroom and training support, helping at mealtimes or recreational activities.

Contact +44 (0)1453 753142 for general information; camphill.org.uk.

Dig it

The Council for British Archaeology has a number of volunteer opportunities on excavations, such as the remains at Bax Farm in Teynham, Kent, where work will focus on uncovering a Roman bath house and villa buildings (for more information call +44 (0)1795 532548 or visit kafs.co.uk; costs £30 a day for non-members). A training week will run 7-11 Sept. A-level students wondering whether archaeology is for them can book a taster day this October (contact 0117 986 8638 or email Rachel Shaw at rcshaw@blueyonder.co.uk). The council also has details of jobs for branch leaders, assistants and helpers on its Young Archaeologists' Club events.

britarch.ac.uk.