The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships. 

Do you have a passion for Donkeys? Then come and join our family!

Volunteers have been at the heart of our work for many years and will be an integral part of the charity reaching its goals in the future. We are currently looking for volunteers to support our dedicated Ecology Team at our Sidmouth site in improving habitats for donkeys and wildlife, and if you have an interest in the natural environment and would like to give the gift of time to The Donkey Sanctuary, we would love to hear from you.

About YOU . . . 

• A true team-player.
• Interest in conservation and the natural environment.
• Passionate about The Donkey Sanctuary and the work we do.
• A friendly, adaptable and professional manner.
• A reasonable level of fitness and willingness to work outdoors.
• Able to present a positive image of The Donkey Sanctuary at all times.

You will be able to help us with . . .

Assisting with habitat creation, enhancement and management tasks, including –

• woodland management.
• grassland restoration.
• creating wildflower meadows.
• hedge laying.
• tree planting.
• tree nursery care.
• wildlife-friendly gardening.

Assisting with wildlife and habitat monitoring activities, including –

• butterfly surveys.
• botanical surveys.
• nestbox making.

What you will gain by volunteering for us . . .

• You will be part of a friendly team.
• You will learn about other aspects of the work that The Donkey Sanctuary carries out and will be able to visit our other farms in Devon, not normally open to members of the public.
• You will gain experience in habitat management, conservation activities and wildlife survey skills.
• You will meet like-minded people and enjoy time outdoors.

No skills are necessary, but prior knowledge and experience would be very welcome. Full training will be given, and after completing a 1-day induction, you will be a true ambassador for The Donkey Sanctuary.

We welcome applications from all who would be able to give the gift of time for one or two days a week, usually Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10.00-16.00.

Come and join our family!

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.