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Get involved in local conservation
Why give your time to nature?
When you volunteer with a local conservation group, you’re doing something that matters. You’ll see real results—a cleared riverbank, newly planted trees, wildlife returning—and you’ll do it alongside people who care about the same things. You’ll learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and become part of something bigger than yourself.
Every hour counts. And it all starts right here, on your doorstep in Silsden.
Eight local conservation groups that welcome volunteers
Whether you can give a few hours a month or volunteer regularly, there’s a group and a role that suits you. Here’s what’s happening in and around Silsden:
River & Waterway Work
Aire Rivers Trust – aireriverstrust.org.uk
Weekly volunteer work parties improving the Aire valley. Tasks include hedge laying, coppicing, riverbank reinforcement, invasive plant removal (balsam bashing), and developing wildlife meadows. They also run a citizen science programme—great if you’d rather observe than dig.
River Worth Friends – riverworthfriends.org
Focused on the River Worth and its tributaries. Weekly volunteer sessions tackling litter, fly tipping and habitat work. Good for regular commitment or drop-in sessions.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – Low Wood Reserve – ywt.org.uk
Regular work parties at Low Wood reserve and along the Silsden-Riddlesden canal. Volunteers help maintain habitats across Yorkshire’s reserves. Flexible involvement.
Woodland & Tree Planting
Woodland Trust – Hayhills Farm Project – woodlandtrust.org.uk
A major local project: 40,000 trees are being planted at Hayhills Farm in Silsden. Volunteers will be central to this—ideal if you want to be part of something with real scale and long-term impact.
YourGreenCIC – yorgreencic.org.uk
A Keighley-based community interest company running conservation across various habitats. Currently contracted to plant trees at Hayhills Farm with the Woodland Trust. Good for learning varied conservation skills.
Wildlife & Habitat Work
Bradford Ornithological Group – bradfordbirding.org
Primarily for birdwatchers, but they also maintain Stockbridge Reserve near Keighley with regular work parties. Great if you’re interested in birds or keen to learn.
Bradford Urban Wildlife Group – buwg.co.uk
Promotes wildlife conservation across the Bradford area. Varied opportunities depending on seasonal projects and habitats.
Riddlesden Toad Patrol – Facebook group
Seasonal but vital work: every March and April, volunteers patrol roads during toad migration to help thousands cross safely. Short commitment, huge impact.
Not sure which one fits? Get in touch with us and we’ll help point you towards the group that matches your interests and availability.
