Hundreds of people recently gathered in the New Forest to explore new ways to give back to their communities.
The New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair attracted more than 700 potential volunteers on January 25.
The event featured more than 50 organisations offering opportunities across the New Forest.
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New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair 2026. (Image: New Forest National Park Authority)
Jim Mitchell, access and learning manager at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: “By bringing everybody together in one space every year, we hope to ensure people find the right opportunity for them, whether it be on weekends, suitable for under 18s, or volunteering for those with additional needs.
“It’s a friendly and informal event and we’re delighted that we, as a National Park Authority, can bring all these groups, organisations and people together to support the New Forest.”
Opportunities ranged from hands-on conservation work like improving footpaths and heathland, to leading inclusive cycling rides and healthy walks.
Organisations in attendance included the Countryside Education Trust, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Guide Dogs, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, the RNLI, and the RSPB.
The fair was formally opened by Shelley Filby, manager at PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling, alongside New Forest National Park Authority chief executive Alison Barnes and New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis.
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New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis, PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling manager Shelley Filby, New Forest National Park Authority chief executive Alison Barnes and NPA access and learning manager Jim Mitchell. (Image: New Forest National Park Authority)
Shelley Filby said: “Volunteers are essential for the safe delivery of our rides and to help with our public engagement, without them we simply couldn’t operate.
“Volunteering really helped me connect with new people, gave me a sense of purpose and meant I could give something back to the wider community.”
Members of the New Forest Youth Board also attended the event to promote youth engagement opportunities.
Toby Pearse, a youth board member, said: “I volunteer because it’s a good way to get out and to help with conservation, a good way to meet new people, and it’s a good way to help local communities.
“The New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair is a perfect starting point for career opportunities so people can build networks and learn more about the career they want to get into.”
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