Project Lead & Facilitator
Maternity Cover (Fixed Term)About The Role
The Birch Collective supports young people and adults experiencing mental ill-health, isolation, or difficult life transitions through nature-based programmes. We believe in the transformative power of nature, community, and creativity.
This is a 9-month maternity cover role supporting the smooth delivery of our core nature-based wellbeing programmes. You will lead one of our key programmes, deliver outdoor sessions, support participants, and work closely with our small team to maintain high-quality, trauma-informed, nature-connection work.
*Contract ends on the earlier of 18 December 2026 or the date the postholder returns from maternity leave.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage "Fresh Air Thursdays" (planning, staffing, delivery).
- Facilitate nature-based creative and land-skills sessions, courses, and events.
- Deliver Forest School sessions for ESOL students at City of Bristol College.
- Provide 1:1 nature-based mentoring where needed.
- Hold participant-led approaches and support peer leadership development.
- Manage monitoring, evaluation, data, and photos.
- Maintain site, tools, and resources with the team.
- Liaise with partners and support participant engagement.
- Uphold safeguarding and wellbeing standards; attend team meetings and supervision.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- 3+ years’ experience in horticultural therapy, eco-therapy, social forestry, nature-connection, or similar outdoor therapeutic practice.
- Strong practical skills in nature-based crafts/land skills (e.g., woodwork, gardening, basketry).
- Confident outdoor facilitation and group/1:1 work.
- Experience working with diverse communities and people facing mental health challenges or barriers.
- Solid project management and organisational skills.
- Experience with young adults or adults in outdoor settings.
Desirable
- Forest School qualification
- Outdoor First Aid
- Driving licence
- Experience with co-design or youth participation
- Access to a laptop
Why Work With Us
- A supportive, collaborative, trauma-informed team.
- Freedom to bring your own creativity and land-based skills.
- Meaningful contribution to nature-based mental health support.
- Reflective supervision and opportunities for personal/professional growth.
- Holiday allowance + training budget (pro-rata).
How to Apply
Email harri@thebirchcollective.co.uk by 9 February 2026, 5pm with:
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Cover letter (2 pages) OR Video/Audio (max 5 min) - Explain why you’d like to work with us and demonstrate how you meet the criteria.
- Two referees (one must be your most recent employer)
5 February, 4–5.30pm at Strawberry Lane Community Gardens. Email for directions.
Note: January responses may take 7–10 days.Dates: 16 or 18 February 2026 (no alternative dates).
Format: 1-hour panel interview + 1–1.5 hour practical session (up to 4 participants).