Volunteering in the UK

We're big fans of using our free time to volunteer; it's easy for us to suggest you take time off work and go to build a school in Africa, but often that's just not feasible.
Well, we have good news: you don't always have to travel to far-flung places to do something good.

There are plenty of options for those of you wanting to help out closer to home, particularly in conservation of the environment.

A British Trust of Conservation Volunteers spokesman said "Volunteering in the UK gives you the chance to give back to the environment and to put money back into an organisation that looks after important green spaces.

"The work we undertake is not getting done by local authorities, because they simply haven't got the budget."

Here we take a look at some of the conservation programmes you can get involved in:

Beach clearance in Devon

De-clutter Devon's beautiful beaches with the BCTV. There's also the chance to listen in to talks from marine conservation experts, go on rock pool rambles and visit aquariums. The programme lasts a week but if you don't have this much time to spare, get involved with Surfers Against Sewage, who hold regular beach cleaning days across the country.

Visit btcv.org.uk for more information.

Protect ancient woodland across the UK

You can help preserve your nearby forest with packages from Responsible Travel. You can get involved with tree planting and woodland crafts and there are also plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area. If you don't have more than a day to spare, get in touch with the Forestry Commission, which has plenty of little conservation jobs for volunteers.

Visit responsibletravel.com for more information.

Wild wetlands in Northumberland

Northumberland's stunning coastline and wetlands are a well-kept secret, with plenty for volunteers to get involved in. The National Trust runs a number of Northumbrian schemes and on your day off, you can explore the dramatic ruins of the nearby Dunstanburgh Castle, which benefit from spectacular North Sea views. If Northumbria is a bit too far away for you, check out the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust for wetlands volunteering opportunities around the UK.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

Seal surveying in Scotland

Pretend to be a marine biologist, surveying the seal population in Findhorn Bay on the northeastern tip of Scotland. Accommodation is at a mansion house, where you will help with organic gardening or cooking in the morning, before setting out with a (real) marine biologist to research seals and spot dolphins.

Visit responsibletravel.com for more information.