A music student who started volunteering with animals while studying in Leeds has described the experience as ‘one of the most influential decisions’ of her life — and it has already helped set her on a new professional path.
Charlotte Ryan began volunteering at Tropical World Leeds in 2024 while studying music technology at Leeds Beckett University. The placement sparked a change in direction and she is now training for a distance-learning Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals, while continuing to volunteer at Tropical World one day a week alongside part-time work and study.
She said: “I was immediately amazed at how involved I got to be with the animals and team. I always loved animals but had never delved deep into my interest as I didn’t think it was possible for me to ever pursue a career in it.”
“The little decision that originally started as ‘just for fun’ has become one of the most influential decisions of my life, and I don’t regret anything at all.
“I wanted to find a way to keep volunteering after I moved back to Manchester. It’s been one of the most influential decisions I’ve made.”
For Billie Billington, the route into volunteering was a more strategic step towards employment. After studying Sustainability and Environmental Management at the University of Leeds, they realised they lacked the practical land management experience needed for outdoor roles — and found it through volunteering with park rangers.
Billie said the hands-on work provided essential skills and experience, from habitat management to day-to-day maintenance tasks, helping to bridge the gap between university learning and careers in the field.
Billie said: “I started volunteering with Meanwood Valley Rangers to build those skills I was lacking and I loved it! Not only was it an opportunity to learn and develop my confidence but also an invaluable glimpse into a potential career path.
“The community of people who volunteer are also wonderful. Honestly my favourite aspect of my experience with the rangers was our tea break at 11.”
Billie is now an apprentice at the North York Moors National Park.
They said: “The practical skills and experience I developed through this group have massively aided me in starting my career. The knowledge base I built through volunteering was so useful for my application and interview.”
Both stories reflect the impact of Leeds City Council’s Volunteer Team Leeds programme, which offers residents and students opportunities across the city — from supporting major events such as Light Night and the Leeds International Film Festival to befriending schemes and community projects.
Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, and champion for volunteering said:
“Charlotte and Billie are brilliant examples of the huge benefits volunteering can have on one’s life, be that to build a career, meet new people or just spend time doing something that interests you.
“We strongly believe that volunteers are at the heart of our city. With Volunteer Team Leeds we’re hoping to get even more people signing up to share skills and learn new things together with other people.
“I’d like to encourage all residents of Leeds to sign up and join the growing community of volunteers making a brilliant positive impact through council-supported initiatives across the city.”
A growing number of opportunities are also available in parks across Leeds, where volunteers help plant and nurture flowers and trees, carry out general maintenance, build dead hedging, and support wildlife habitats in nature reserves. The council team responsible for maintaining the city’s footpaths and bridleways is also recruiting volunteers for monthly task days.
Alongside council-led roles, Voluntary Action Leeds continues to coordinate community and third sector volunteering opportunities across the city. Volunteer Team Leeds is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central government programme administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Read more about Volunteer Team Leeds and sign up at www.volunteerteamleeds.co.uk
