Rainforests and rangers: Leeds volunteers turn passions into careers

From looking after parks to working at the city's major events, the Volunteer Team Leeds scheme is providing Leeds residents and students with opportunities and new skills which are leading to new career paths. 

Charlotte Ryan started volunteering at Tropical World in 2024 whilst studying music technology at Leeds Beckett and is now training for a diploma in zoo management.

She said: "I was immediately amazed at how involved I got to be with the animals and team. I always loved animals but had never delved deep into my interest as I didn't think it was possible for me to ever pursue a career in it.”

After graduating in 2025, Charlotte wanted to figure out a way to keep volunteering after moving back to Manchester. 

When she learnt about the two-year distance-learning Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium animals, she rushed to apply and got in.

Charlotte now continues to volunteer at Tropical World one day a week, with the rest of the week dedicated to studying and working part-time.

She said: “The little decision that originally started as 'just for fun' has become one of the most influential decisions of my life, and I don't regret anything at all.”

For Billie Billington, the decision to become a volunteer was more strategic. They had studied Sustainability and Environmental Management at the University of Leeds but found that they were lacking the right practical land management skills for working outdoors.

Billie said: “I started volunteering with Meanwood Valley Rangers to build those skills I was lacking and I loved it! Not only was it an opportunity to learn and develop my confidence but also an invaluable glimpse into a potential career path.

“The community of people who volunteer are also wonderful. Honestly my favourite aspect of my experience with the rangers was our tea break at 11.”

Billie is now an apprentice at the North York Moors National Park.

They said: “The practical skills and experience I developed through this group have massively aided me in starting my career. The knowledge base I built through volunteering was so useful for my application and interview.”

Volunteer Team Leeds, Leeds City Council’s volunteering offer, provides a wide range of ways to get involved across the city, including city-wide events like Light Night and Leeds International Film Festival and vital volunteer befriending schemes.

Currently there are a number of opportunities available to work at the many different parks across Leeds, where the groups help to plant and nurture flowers and trees, do general maintenance of the parks, build dead hedging and help look after wildlife habitats in nature reserves.

The council’s team who looks after the city’s footpaths and bridleways is also looking for volunteers for monthly task days.

Alongside the council opportunities, Voluntary Action Leeds continues to run community and third sector volunteering.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, and champion for volunteering, said: “Charlotte and Billie are brilliant examples of the huge benefits volunteering can have on one’s life, be that to build a career, meet new people or just spend time doing something that interests you.

“We strongly believe that volunteers are at the heart of our city. With Volunteer Team Leeds we’re hoping to get even more people signing up to share skills and learn new things together with other people.

“I’d like to encourage all residents of Leeds to sign up and join the growing community of volunteers making a brilliant positive impact through council-supported initiatives across the city.”

Volunteer Team Leeds is funded through central government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Read more about Volunteer Team Leeds and sign up at www.volunteerteamleeds.co.uk.

ENDS