Volunteer with Raise: Cumbria Community Forest
A neuroaffirming volunteering programme for inclusive woodland creation
Raise is launching a new volunteering programme in January 2026 – designed to welcome neurodivergent people, and anyone who values inclusive outdoor environments, to get involved in woodland creation, nature monitoring, and creative activity across Cumbria.
Our first volunteering opportunities will take place at Low Skelgill, near Borrowdale, in January 2026, with further sessions continuing throughout the year at different woodland sites.
About the programme
This is a neuroaffirming volunteering opportunity, designed especially to welcome and support neurodivergent people.
We particularly encourage applications from neurodivergent individuals, but anyone who shares these values and would like to volunteer in a supportive, inclusive environment is welcome to apply.
Raise recognises and values neurological differences – such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other forms of neurodivergence – as natural variations in how people think, work, and experience the outdoors.
We believe the natural world benefits when we involve diverse perspectives and behaviours in how we care for it. By designing environments that respect different needs, preferences and strengths, we create space for everyone to thrive.
What do volunteers do?
Through our sessions, volunteers will:
Take part in tree planting, woodland maintenance, and biodiversity monitoring
Learn new skills in forestry, ecology, and creative approaches to nature
Work alongside foresters, environmental practitioners, scientists, and artists
Enjoy time outdoors, build confidence, and connect with others
No experience is needed – just curiosity, an interest in nature, and an openness to learn.
How the programme works
When and where: Volunteering sessions take place year-round across Cumbria.
Group size: Usually 4–10 volunteers per session.
Accessibility: Sessions are structured to be flexible and supportive, with clear communication and time to rest or step away if needed.
Expenses: Travel expenses can be reimbursed where agreed.
Notifications: All new opportunities will be listed here and shared directly with registered volunteers by email
What ‘neuroaffirming’ means to us
Being neuroaffirming means recognising and celebrating neurological differences as part of human diversity.
For Raise, this means inviting volunteers to share their preferences, support needs or sensory sensitivities in a non-medical, non-judgemental way.
Our volunteer sessions are designed with neurodivergent volunteers in mind – we prioritise small groups, clear communication and flexibility.
We take a strengths-based approach, valuing the many ways people observe and connect with nature. We celebrate difference, encouraging creativity, belonging and ecological learning through diverse perspectives.
Sign up to volunteer
If you’d like to join the Raise volunteering programme, please fill out the form below.
We’ll get in touch to confirm your registration and share details of upcoming opportunities.
Questions about volunteering?
If you have any questions before applying or need the form in a different format, please contact our team.