Carlton Marshes is a spectacular 1,000 acre nature reserve on the outskirts of Lowestoft and a gateway to the Lower Waveney Valley.

What you will be doing
Our café is a really important part of our visitors experience at the reserve – brightening someone's day with an artisan coffee, locally roasted or warming them after a walk with a toasted ciabatta or tea cake! As a volunteer, you will assist the team at Carlton with talking to visitors and volunteering within the cafe. 

This role will involve talking to visitors about the reserve and the work of the Trust, serving refreshments, light lunches, cakes and retail items, using a till and encouraging visitors to support the Trust by donating, joining in with our work or becoming a member.

The skills you need
No previous experience is required. A passion for talking to and serving people of all ages, a cheerful nature and always willing to lend a hand to help. You'll need to enjoy interacting with the public, eager to learn aspects of the catering/retail offer and happy to talk to people about our work.

What you'll get out of it
The chance to be part of a friendly and enthusiastic team for a local wildlife trust. You'll learn new skills and share your enthusiasm for wildlife, learning more about the work of the Trust along the way. Our stunning visitor centre at provides visitors everything they need to have a wonderful day out connecting with nature, including a panoramic views over the marshes and fen.

You can claim back out-of-pocket expenses.

The time you need to give
We're ideally for volunteers any day Monday to Sunday during the opening hours of 10:30am and 4:30pm. This could be mornings ( 10.30am to 1:30pm) or afternoons (1:30pm-4:30pm).

How to Apply
For more information about this opportunity and an informal discussion, please contact our Cafe Manager Claire.

Our EDI Statement
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.