Jurassic coast communities

The communities that live, work and play along the World Heritage Site act as gateways to the wider coast. The sense of ownership of the rich social history shared by the communities living here helps to reinforce those fundamental links between the natural and cultural aspects of the coastline.

There is a strong sense of community for many of the people living and working on the Jurassic Coast. Its unique setting help to forge a sense of identity deeply rooted into the fabric of the landscape. Communities here often feel a strong sense of place entwined within the heart of their lives.

Volunteering

As well as our Jurassic Coast Ambassadors, there are many volunteer opportunities with us and with other local organisations.

Volunteer with us

 Aged over 18 and interested in volunteering on the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast Trust is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work with ourselves and our network of partner organisations along the coast.

There are a wide variety of roles available incorporating customer service, education work, outdoors activities, digital content creation and marketing. Host organisations are usually happy to cover travel and other expenses for volunteers. If you would like advice on which may suit you best please email info@jurassiccoast.org. 

CONSERVATION: The Jurassic Coast is a natural landscape of global importance. In order for it to be maintained, landowners and conservation rangers work year-round for the benefit of everyone who lives, works and visits here.

Conservation work takes in a whole range of activities including maintenance of walking paths, brush-cutting, wood-working for signs and steps, and conducting wildlife surveys.

Two of the most popular organisations for volunteers wishing to undertake conservation work are Lulworth Rangers and Durlston Country Park.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EDUCATION: The Jurassic Coast and its network of museums and visitor centres are visited by thousands of people of all ages every year, who are eager to learn more about this incredible place.

Volunteering in a public-facing role is a brilliant way to gain confidence and experience, and to put your skills to use in a friendly and supportive environment.

There are roles available across the Jurassic Coast, including with Exmouth Museum, Fairlynch Museum in Budleigh Salterton, Lyme Regis Museum , Bridport Museum and Swanage Museum.

Volunteering from Home

DIGITAL: With the rise in home-working and digital development, it’s never been easier to help out from the comfort of your own home.

At the Jurassic Coast Trust, we are always looking for help with writing, photography, design and day-to-day supporting tasks, many of which can be carried out from home.

Please Contact Us to see what opportunities we currently have available.

Volunteer with others in the area

Island Community Action (Portland)

Planet Purbeck

Volunteering Dorset

Help & Kindness 

Our Jurassic Coast Ambassadors are a diverse group of volunteers from all walks of life, who contribute in a variety of ways towards furthering the cause of the Jurassic Coast and representing their local communities.

Here is an introduction to some of our Ambassadors. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please contact us .

Ruby Lee is a Jurassic Coast Ambassador from Purbeck.

Ruby is pictured here with her baby son Harris, assisting at the ultra marathon starting point of Run Jurassic 2019 at Durdle Door

Ruby is a professional geologist and has assisted at several Jurassic Coast Trust events, passing on her expertise to attendees.

Norah Jaggers is one of the Trust’s original Ambassadors, from Beer in East Devon.

Sarah Acton is the Jurassic Coast’s poet-in-residence, and has delivered numerous workshops and poetry walks across the Jurassic Coast, collaborating with many local museums and community organisations along the way.

Sarah Acton

Sarah has also written several blogs for the Jurassic Coast website, such as this one about Beaminster: The Town of Stone Giants. To see Sarah’s latest projects and activities, visit her website.

John Scott

John Scott

John leads many walks for interested Members and other groups. His geological knowledge lends itself to an insightful day at one of the Jurassic Coast’s landscapes or features.

Anthony Cline

Anthony Cline

Anthony leads geological narration of the much loved Jurassic Coast boat trip for our Members, with Stuart Line Cruises.

Chris Woodward

Chris Woodward

Chris often leads talks to local school children and gives talks about the geology of the Jurassic Coast.