Rutland Water Information for Groups

Volunteer Training Centre

Volunteer Training Centre at Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Volunteer Training Centre

Volunteer Training Centre

Since 2015, Rutland Water has been able to offer a little something extra to our volunteers, groups and partners, through our state-of-the-art Volunteer Training Centre. Thanks to the generosity of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Anglian Water and many other amazing donors, we are able to support and train volunteers in conservation, countryside and heritage skills. The £1.1m Volunteer Training Centre serves as the hub of an active, supportive community in which volunteers of all ages and backgrounds can reach their full potential for both wildlife and people. We deliver a variety of learning and volunteering activities, all designed to make a real difference to our natural heritage and promote skill sharing between people from all walks of life. 

The Volunteer Training Centre is located on the shoreline of Rutland Water Nature Reserve, an internationally recognised Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Book the centre for your next group activity

Rutland Water Nature Reserve is well equipped for looking after your group or organisation through our Volunteer Training Centre. Whether you're looking for a wellbeing day, guided walk, a talk, room hire or corporate volunteering, we can cater for your needs.

For more information and to book any of the packages, contact our Volunteer and Events Coordinator via email volunteering@lrwt.org.uk or call 01572 720049.

Room Hire

Talks

We offer a range of informative talks to local groups, businesses and organisations about Rutland Water Nature Reserve, our conservation projects, and the wildlife that lives here. Presentations are given by experienced members of the Rutland Water Nature Reserve Team and range from a short 15-20 minute introductory talk (great to add to the beginning of a guided walk) to a more in depth presentation of an hour or more. Talks can take place at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, at one of our visitor centres or the Volunteer Training Centre, depending on the size of the group.

A few of the variety of talks on offer include:

  • An Introduction To Rutland Water Nature Reserve
  • The Rutland Water Ospreys
  • Bird Ringing and Monitoring
  • Artificial Sand Martin Banks
  • Wildlife Gardening

Talk Prices:
Up to 80 people: £100.00 + travel expenses*
80 people or more: £150.00 + travel expenses*

*45p per mile. If the speaker is required to travel for more than 3 hours in total, a surcharge of £50.00 is required to cover travel and accommodation

Guided Walks

Groups wishing to receive a relaxed introduction to some of our very special wildlife can explore with the help of an experienced member of the Rutland Water Nature Reserve team. Your guide will take you on a journey of nature discovery to see an amazing array of water birds and a host of other wildlife. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the enigmatic water vole or see the flash of a kingfisher. The wildlife you see will depend on the weather and time of year, but we can guarantee a lovely walk in a beautiful location.

Price:
£150.00 for a group of up to 15 people for 2 hours 
£40.00 for each additional hour thereafter

Please note, access to the nature reserve is by permit only. The prices above are inclusive of a day permit which allows entry to both the Egleton and Lyndon areas of the reserve from dawn until dusk, and covers car parking at both visitor centres.

Corporate Experience Day

Spending time in nature is proven to boost wellbeing - Join us at Rutland Water Nature Reserve for a Corporate Experience Day and experience the benefits for yourself!

Our experience days aim to inspire, connect and engage you with nature, wildlife and your colleagues. The day will provide a great team building experience outside of the office giving you the opportunity to help us complete important conservation tasks on the reserve and learn more about our work. 

Meeting at the Volunteer Training Centre, your group will be given an introductory talk about our work and a welcome hot drink, you will then spend a few hours with our experienced reserve staff completing a volunteer task, lunch will be provided. 

Cost

  • Cost on application and this will include a light lunch and covers the cost of planning and delivering your volunteering day, as well as helping our charity

Please note: Due to staff capacity and existing regular volunteering groups, we can only take on a limited number of corporate groups throughout the year. All corporate experience days are currently facilitated at Rutland Water Nature Reserve and require payment. Tasks are decided depending on the time of year and current work plans. We will do our best to facilitate to your group so please do get in touch. 

Rutland Water volunteer centre was a fantastic centrally located venue for our team training day. The centre facilities are excellent and the location within the reserve meant I could include a much needed outdoor element to the day. To top it off the sun was shining!
Employee
Forestry Commission

Courses at Rutland Water

Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre

The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre also offers a range of activities and room hire for all ages, including birthday parties, corporate hire and educational visits. These are not organised through Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, so please visit the Anglian Water website and contact them directly to discuss your needs. 

Visit their website