Cotswold Voluntary Wardens: Protecting and Caring for the Cotswolds
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens play a vital role in looking after one of England’s most loved landscapes. Working across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), these dedicated volunteers help to conserve, enhance and promote the special character of the Cotswolds for everyone to enjoy.
Whether it’s repairing dry stone walls, maintaining footpaths or leading guided walks, the Wardens are a familiar and welcome presence throughout the region. Their work helps ensure the Cotswolds remains a beautiful, accessible and well-cared-for place for residents and visitors alike.
Who Are the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens?
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, the organisation responsible for managing and protecting the Cotswolds AONB. The Wardens were established in 1968 and have grown steadily over the years into a strong and committed volunteer force.
Today, there are around 350 active Wardens, all giving their time freely to help care for the Cotswolds. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring with them a variety of skills, experience and enthusiasm for the countryside.
What unites them is a shared passion for the Cotswolds and a desire to give something back to the landscape they love.
What Do the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Do?
The work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens is wide-ranging and hands-on. Their roles focus on conserving the landscape, supporting local communities and helping people enjoy and understand the Cotswolds.
Conservation and Practical Projects
One of the most important roles of the Wardens is carrying out practical conservation work across the Cotswolds. This includes:
- Dry stone walling repairs
- Hedge laying and management
- Tree planting
- Pond restoration
- Installing and repairing kissing gates and stiles
These traditional countryside skills help preserve the distinctive character of the Cotswolds while supporting wildlife and biodiversity.
Keeping Footpaths Open and Accessible
The Cotswolds is famous for its network of public footpaths and walking routes, including the Cotswold Way National Trail. The Wardens play a key role in keeping these routes open, safe and well maintained.
They work closely with:
- Parish councils
- Farmers and landowners
- Local residents
Together, they identify footpaths in need of attention, report issues and help carry out improvements. This ensures walkers, ramblers and visitors can continue to enjoy the countryside responsibly and safely.
Working With Local Communities
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens don’t work in isolation. A large part of their role involves building positive relationships with local communities across the AONB.
By working alongside parish councils, landowners and residents, the Wardens help identify local features that need restoration or protection. This might include historic structures, village greens, traditional boundaries or natural habitats.
This collaborative approach helps balance conservation with the needs of people who live and work in the Cotswolds.
Guided Walks Led by Cotswold Voluntary Wardens
One of the most visible and popular activities led by the Wardens is their guided walks programme. Throughout the year, they lead hundreds of guided walks across the Cotswolds, welcoming both locals and visitors.
These walks:
- Highlight the natural beauty of the Cotswolds
- Share local history and wildlife knowledge
- Encourage responsible enjoyment of the countryside
Guided walks are a brilliant way to explore lesser-known areas, learn more about the landscape and gain insight from people who know the Cotswolds inside out.
Education and Outreach Work
Education is another important part of the Wardens’ work. The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens regularly support:
- School assemblies
- Educational visits and outdoor learning days
- Community talks and presentations
- Shows and countryside events
By working with schools and community groups, the Wardens help raise awareness of the Cotswolds AONB and why it is so important to protect it. These activities inspire future generations to care for the countryside and understand the value of conservation.
Who Can Become a Cotswold Voluntary Warden?
One of the great things about the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens is that anyone can join. You don’t need specialist skills or previous experience — just:
- A love of the Cotswolds
- Enthusiasm for the countryside
- A willingness to give some of your time
Training is provided, and new Wardens are supported as they learn new skills and find roles that suit their interests and abilities.
Training, Support and Benefits for Wardens
In return for their commitment, Cotswold Voluntary Wardens receive a wide range of support and benefits. These include:
- Training in countryside skills and conservation
- Guidance and ongoing support
- Use of equipment and tools
- Travel expenses
- Opportunities to meet like-minded people
Perhaps most importantly, Wardens gain a real sense of achievement from knowing their work is making a positive difference to the Cotswolds.
Why the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Matter
The work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens helps protect one of England’s most cherished landscapes at a time when countryside spaces are under increasing pressure.
Their efforts support:
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Sustainable access for visitors
- Local communities and traditions
- Education and understanding of the landscape
Without the Wardens, many of the features that make the Cotswolds so special simply wouldn’t receive the care and attention they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens?
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are a group of trained volunteers who help conserve, protect and promote the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Who do the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens work with?
The Wardens are part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board and work closely with parish councils, farmers, landowners, local residents and community groups.
What do Cotswold Voluntary Wardens do?
Their work includes dry stone walling, hedge laying, tree planting, pond restoration, maintaining footpaths, installing kissing gates and leading guided walks.
How many Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are there?
There are around 350 active Cotswold Voluntary Wardens working across the Cotswolds.
When were the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens established?
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens were established in 1968.
Can anyone become a Cotswold Voluntary Warden?
Yes. Anyone can apply to become a Cotswold Voluntary Warden. You don’t need previous experience — just enthusiasm for the Cotswolds and a willingness to volunteer your time.
