Exciting New Volunteering Opportunities

Where we are and what we do:
On Forestry England land near Snape, in an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, our Iron Age/Roman settlement of reconstructed buildings is an
educational centre for young people to learn about their heritage in a
completely ‘hands on’ way.

Young people from 7 years upwards, from Suffolk schools and youth
organisations explore the life of a young person from the past through
workshops and building projects.

So, in a day visit an 8 year old might find themselves learning how to use a
knife to carve wood, how to light a fire, weave cloth or excavate in our
reconstructed roman dig. After a lunch they might then go off to help repair
our prehistoric roundhouse.

All of the challenges we offer are designed for young people to learn and
take responsibility for their actions. A child knows that fire burns or knives
are sharp but managing these situations requires control and decision
making: Our aim is to give young people opportunities to manage risks and
experience success with sensitive guidance from our staff.

This is Hands on Heritage from the eyes of two young visitors:

‘It’s very hands on. You do it all yourself and you learn that way.’

‘Thank you for our outstanding visit to your amazing forest. I think it’s
the best school trip ever. It was as cool as going to Florida!’

Our work relies on our volunteers who come from a very diverse range of
backgrounds and ages. Some bring specific skills such as textile weaving,
blacksmithing and construction skills whilst others profess to know nothing
of any use but are keen to learn.

During the autumn and winter volunteers meet weekly to maintain and
develop the site through building projects and workshop development
giving all a chance to learn new skills and of course socialise and make
new friends.
What we ask for is commitment to our site and our work in giving unique
opportunities to young people.
In return volunteers are rewarded with:
• Offering young people unique experiences in heritage education.
• The support and friendship of a diverse group of volunteers.
• Opportunities to develop skills you never knew you had.
• A place to retreat from the noise and bustle of modern life.
If you are interested in finding out more then please click on the button to get in touch.