Volunteer
Whether you’re digging dirt, picking litter, or charming the crowds at our fundraising stalls, there’s a place for you in the DTV crew! We’re all about great trails, great people, and giving back to the forest we love to ride..
Dig
We need your help.
If you love your trails, here’s your chance to literally help shape them. Whether you’ve never held a spade or you’re a seasoned digger, there’s a place for you.
Our dig days are all about teamwork, banter, and that post-dig satisfaction of seeing your handiwork ride like a dream.
WHO CAN JOIN?
- You must be 18 or older to take part on your own.
- Riders aged 10–17 can join too, as long as they bring a supervising adult who sticks around for the whole dig. (No dropping your kid off with a shovel and a wave!)
HOW TO JOIN A DIG
Please sign up in advance for the dig you’d like to attend. This helps us plan tools, jobs, and supplies, and keeps everyone safe.
Unfortunately, we can’t accept anyone who just rocks up on the day (as much as we love spontaneity).
WHERE WE MEET
We gather at the DTV storage containers, tucked in the corner of the Pedalabikeaway seating area, right next to the Forestry England hut, just before the road bridge.
Look for the smiling faces and muddy boots, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
WHAT TO BRING TO WEAR
- Clothes you don’t mind getting gloriously filthy
- Long trousers (nettles and brambles are not your friends)
- Sturdy boots, ideally steel-toed and ankle-high
- Gloves, waterproofs, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Water bottle and a snack, or a flask of tea if you want to be a legend!
Don’t worry if you’re new! We’ll pair you up with a seasoned digger who’ll show you the ropes. You’ll get a hi-vis vest and a safety briefing before you start. Easy.
GOT CONCERNS?
If something comes up during a dig, have a quick word with the Dig Lead.
If you’d rather speak to someone else, drop a note to our Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson at admin@deantrailvolunteers.org.uk
Ready to dig in?
We run regular volunteer digs throughout the year.
Sign up for a dig via Eventbrite and help keep the Forest of Dean’s trails running sweet.
(Just make sure you’ve read the info above before signing up!)
Table Sale &
Fundraising
Prefer chatting to chopping roots? Love a good cuppa and a crowd? Then our Table Sales and fundraising events are your time to shine!
These events help raise vital funds to keep our tools sharp, trails safe, and volunteers fuelled (with coffee, mostly).
WHO CAN JOIN!
Under 18s can take part too, as long as they come with a supervising adult. You’ll both attend a short safety briefing and risk chat before things get rolling.
WHAT WE NEED HELP WITH
- Setting up and packing down our table sale stands and event tents
- Talking to riders and visitors (enthusiasm highly encouraged)
- Helping with cash handling, card sales and donations
If you can let us know in advance you’re coming, our fundraising lead Rob will get in touch to chat about what’s needed on the day.
WHAT TO BRING TO WEAR
- No dress code, just trainers instead of flip-flops when setting up or moving boxes.
- Bring your best smile and community spirit.
We run monthly table sales, and when talking all things bike, the more, the merrier! Sign up via our Eventbrite page and help keep the riders looking good!u’ll get a hi-vis vest and a safety briefing before you start. Easy.
Litter Pick
Volunteers
It’s not all about berms and jumps! Keeping the forest beautiful matters just as much.
Join our friendly litter pickers and help us keep the trails (and the wildlife) happy.
WHO CAN JOIN!
Anyone!
Under 18s are welcome with a supervising adult, and both will take part in a quick safety briefing and dynamic risk assessment before we start. (Sounds fancy, but it’s mostly common sense with hi-vis.)
WHAT TO BRING TO WEAR
- Clothes that can handle a bit of muck
- Comfy, sturdy boots (open toe shoes are not forest-approved footwear)
- Waterproofs, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- Water bottle and snacks, good deeds work up an appetite
- We’ll provide the gloves, litter pickers, bags, and hi-vis vests, plus a safety briefing to get you started.
We run regular litter pick events throughout the year. Sign up via our Eventbrite page and help keep the forest looking fantastic.
Behind the scenes
Volunteers
Not everyone wants to swing a mattock or wrestle a litter bag, and that’s okay!
Behind every great trail crew is an even greater team making sure everything actually happens.
If your idea of a good time involves spreadsheets, social posts, or organising chaos, we’ve got a spot for you. You’re the engine room that keeps DTV ticking over, and we love you for it.
WHO CAN JOIN!
Pretty much anyone aged 14 and up! Our behind-the-scenes crew includes:
- Admin wizards logging volunteer hours
- Social media stars keeping our feeds fresh
- Finance legends who make the numbers add up
- Grant and funding hunters chasing down support
- Trustees steering the whole ship
Basically, if you’ve got skills and enthusiasm, we’ll find a way for you to help out.
WHAT TO BRING TO WEAR
- Whatever you like! This is a work-from-home gig. PJs, onesies, cycling jerseys… we don’t judge. Just bring your energy and your laptop (or a good notepad if you’re old-school).
We run fortnightly Zoom catch-ups, quick, 30-minute check-ins to share updates, swap ideas, and keep everyone connected. You’ll still get all the perks of being a DTV volunteer, from insider updates to a spot at the infamous DTV Christmas party (yes, we do socialise too!).
Sign up via Eventbrite to help keep DTV rolling smoothly from behind the scenes.
Duke of
Edinburgh
- Community Hours: Volunteers can contribute hours towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award by joining our regular dig sessions.
- Participation: Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Recording Hours: We will accurately record your volunteering hours and provide an end-of-volunteering report.
- What We Need from You: Please provide your DofE ID and let us know what activities we are assessing.