Community Meadow Restoration Coordinator

About the Project

Forest of Selwood (FoS) is leading an exciting community nature restoration project to restore and create wildflower meadows at two sites in the Frome area:

• Long Ham Meadow, Witham Friary — owned by FoS
• Land in Bruton — leased by Bruton Town Council

The project aims to catalyse the restoration of up to 25 acres of wildflower meadow and engage at least 75 local people in hands-on restoration and monitoring activities. It aims to inspire individuals and organisations to undertake their own meadow restoration on public and private land, and in gardens.

Working together in nature, participants will develop a sense of agency in addressing the ecological crisis, build community connections, and combat the social isolation, depression and anxiety that can arise from environmental concerns.

Role Overview

This is a new and varied role, central to making the project a success. The Coordinator will work alongside experienced trustees and community partners to engage volunteers, run practical events, manage project administration and help document and share the project’s impact. The post holder will be a community-facing, organised and enthusiastic individual with a genuine interest in nature and people.

Responsibilities

Volunteer Engagement & Support

• Recruit and support volunteers across both sites, working with partner organisations including BrueCrew, One Planet Bruton, Friends of Long Ham Meadow, The Balsam Centre and Witham Friary Parish Council
• Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers, providing a welcoming and inclusive experience
• Help onboard new volunteers and maintain ongoing relationships with existing ones
• Support volunteers to carry out wildlife monitoring (butterflies, bumblebees and wildflower planting success)

Event Organisation

• Deliver a programme, working with y trustees, of practical conservation days, community workshops and celebration events at sites in Bruton, at Long Ham and other sites throughout 2026 and 2027
• Coordinate the events programme with partners and promote via social media and newsletter
• Organise a final project event to bring together all participants to evaluate progress, achievements and future learning
• Liaise with expert trustees and external specialists to provide appropriate guidance and tuition at events

Community & Media Engagement

• With the assistance of Trustees appoint a videographer to co-create a series of participatory videos with local people about nature restoration and meadow creation
• Support promotion of the project through FoS social media channels and newsletter
• Engage with community allotment users and the wider public at the Bruton site
• Share project results with community organisations across the area

Project Administration

• Maintain records of volunteer participation, activities and outcomes
• Collect and collate participant feedback, including surveys on how views on the ecological crisis have changed
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation reporting
• Provide general administrative support to the project as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working with volunteers or community groups
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and coordinate events
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a friendly and inclusive approach
• A genuine interest in and commitment to nature conservation and the environment
• Ability to work independently and use initiative, with minimal day-to-day supervision
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers and undertake practical conservation tasks
• Good IT skills including use of email, social media and basic office software
• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport (the sites are rural)

Desirable

• Experience of meadow management, wildflower planting or ecological surveying
• Experience of producing video or social media content
• Knowledge of the local area and existing networks in Frome, Bruton or surrounding villages
• Experience working in the charity or voluntary sector
• First aid certificate (or willingness to obtain one)

Terms & Conditions

This is a fixed-term, part-time post funded for 12 months. The post is subject to a three-month probationary period. Some evening and weekend working will be required to support events, for which time off in lieu will be given. The post holder will be based at home with regular travel to both project sites.

Forest of Selwood is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Closing date: 29 May 2026
Interviews: 3 June 2026 Bruton/ Brewham

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact:
Charles Couzens, Trustee, 07850 629328