Volunteering at Hardcastle Crags

A volunteer waving and smiling at someone out of shot — Our volunteers fulfil a range of roles | © National Trust Images/John Millar

We couldn't do what we do at Hardcastle Crags without our team of amazing volunteers, who work alongside National Trust staff in a variety of roles, from welcoming visitors to supporting our rangers. Whether you're looking to follow your passions, share your skills or find a new interest, Hardcastle Crags is a great place to start your volunteering journey.

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
Enjoy the great outdoors
Learn about the history of this special place.

What roles are available

Survey volunteer

Our survey group is a vital part of our countryside team, helping us record hundreds of species from bats to butterflies. There’s always something to look out for, whether it’s foraging for fungi or recording rare bird species.

As a survey volunteer you'll help us understand the bigger picture, as all findings are logged on local and national databases. It's a great opportunity for anyone who loves being outdoors or who'd like to discover more about nature in Calderdale.

Café volunteer

If you love working with people, join our team as a café volunteer. You'll help by providing excellent customer service in the Weaving Shed Café, serving food and drinks, taking orders and chatting to our lovely visitors.

It's a great opportunity to work alongside our staff team in the National Trust's flagship sustainable property.

We're looking for help every day of the week in the summer, so if you're a real people person we'd love to hear from you.

Welcome volunteer

As a welcome volunteer you'll be the first point of contact for visitors, helping them to find the best walking routes, picnic spots and nature trails.

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves the outdoors and meeting new people to share their passion with visitors, making sure they have a great time when they visit Hardcastle Crags.

5 volunteers carrying a large log at Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire — Volunteers working together at Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Bookshop volunteer

As a bookshop volunteer, you'll be part of our fundraising team and helping raise vital funds for ongoing conservation work, which helps look after Hardcastle Crags.

You'll help sort through donations of good quality books, manage the book displays and restock where necessary.

Facilities volunteer

Our facilities volunteers help keep everything running smoothly at Gibson Mill. You’ll be helping us with general maintenance, including lighting our biomass boiler, gathering firewood or keeping our courtyard looking tidy.

You don’t need to have any particular skills, but we’re looking for practical people who are happy doing a range of tasks.

How do I get involved?

To get involved, contact our volunteering team at hardcastlecrags@nationaltrust.org.uk or you can search for current opportunities via the link below.