Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Natural Break and an Action Break?

• Natural Breaks are conservation holidays that run over periods of between two days and two weeks and are generally open to anyone aged 16+.
• Action Breaks tend to be one week or longer and participants must be over 18 years of age. You should expect to be challenged by more remote locations and more wild terrain and a good level of fitness is required. Shops and other amenities may be some distance away!

Who goes on a BTCV holiday?

• People from all around the world, from a variety of jobs and backgrounds.
• Volunteers from the local community/organisations work alongside BTCV participants on International Conservation Holidays.
• Most people come on their own, some with friends (maximum group size four on any holiday open to all). It is possible for groups to book out a whole holiday - contact the Customer Services team for details.
• Volunteers are at least 16 years of age (parent/guardian consent required for under 18s).
• Some remote/all International Conservation Holidays are restricted to volunteers over 18.
• Over 81s are not covered by BTCV's insurance (except with satisfactory completion of a medical questionnaire).
• BTCV volunteers love the outdoors and share a desire to conserve and enhance the environment and have fun!

If English is not your first language:
Your English MUST be proficient enough to understand safety information and you will need basic conversational English to communicate and work effectively with the group.

Do I need any special skills or experience of practical conservation?

• No prior experience of conservation work is necessary.
• Trained Project Leaders provide work demonstrations, instruction on correct use of tools and equipment and are willing to answer questions throughout.
• Those with experience are very welcome of course!

It sounds like hard work Ð how fit do I need to be?

• Reasonable level of fitness required - practical conservation is rewarding but can be physically challenging!
• Work type/amount varies: usually about 30 hours/week.
• Avoid International Conservation Holidays marked 'strenuous' and Action Breaks if fitness is an issue.
• Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace.

How safe is conservation work and who is in charge?

• Your Health and Safety is BTCV's priority - the Health and Safety aspects of each project are assessed in detail.
• Holidays are led by one/two trained volunteer Project Leaders.
• Briefing on issues relevant to the site is provided.
• Compulsory training on using equipment safely.
• Necessary safety equipment is provided.
• First-aider on hand.
• YOU are responsible for adhering to any procedures demonstrated.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will be sent a list of things to bring when you receive your Final Details, but the following would be typical:

• A sleeping bag and overnight kit (towel, wash-bag etc.)
• Old work clothes.
• A set of waterproofs (why not purchase a cheap set from BTCV?)
• Gardening gloves.
• Strong footwear (hiking boots, tough wellingtons but sometimes steel toe-caps are recommended)
• Welfare kit (sun cream, painkillers, antihistamines, savlon) - we are no longer allowed to supply such items
• Enough money for the day off (on week-long holidays) when you will purchase your own food and may perhaps participate in other activities at additional cost.

Will I need any special vaccinations?

• Inoculation against tetanus is strongly recommended.
• Consult your doctor about vaccinations for International Conservation Holidays.
• Complete an E111 form prior to travelling to Europe for entitlement to free emergency medical treatment.

I have certain health requirements - can I still participate?

• BTCV aims to accommodate everyone's individual requirements as far as possible, but reserves the right to refuse to accept a volunteer.
• Inform BTCV of any relevant medical conditions prior to booking; include details of any medication (and what for) on the booking form (strictly confidential).
• On arrival, inform the Project Leader about any medical problems, particularly if they may prevent you from undertaking certain tasks.

Will I be insured?

In the UK:

• When undertaking practical conservation work, you will be covered by BTCV's insurance policy (public liability and limited personal accident).
• No cover outside conservation tasks (e.g. caving, evening or day-off activities, or loss of personal belongings).
• BTCV can arrange additional insurance cover for personal accident, medical expenses, personal belongings and a breakdown clause for your journey.

International:

• A more comprehensive insurance policy is included in the price of International Conservation Holidays, but it cannot be extended for travel outside the holiday period - additional cover will be required.

For more details on insurance, see booking terms and conditions.

Where will I be staying?

Accommodation varies from holiday to holiday:

• Simple e.g. village hall, caravan, cabin with communal area for eating, sleeping and living. Airbeds or sleeping mats usually provided, but cooking and washing facilities are basic (showers may not be available every day).
• Standard Youth Hostel or similar, usually with dormitories, a separate eating area and showers, where indicated.
• Superior Field Studies Centres, cottages, hotels, guest houses etc. Showers and beds (usually in single or twin rooms) and full catering often provided.
• International Conservation Holidays offer a huge variety of accommodation from wooden lodges in the USA to campsites in Iceland - sometimes you may even have to bring your own tent!

Who does the cooking? Can you cater for special diets?

• Holidays are generally self-catering (ingredients are provided) and everyone helps out with the cooking and washing-up.
• Fresh produce, meat and vegetables are generally used, although this cannot be guaranteed every day, especially on remote projects.
• On our UK 'towards sustainability' projects a real effort is made to provide local and organic produce.
• All food on International Conservation Holidays will be locally sourced and typical of the country.
• You will normally have to buy your own food on your day off.
• Special diets (e.g. vegetarian/vegan) can be catered for on all UK holidays, as long as we are told in advance. On International Conservation Holidays you may need to be flexible/bring supplementary food.

Will there be any free time?

• UK working day approximately 9am-5pm (depending on weather and how everyone feels).
• Tea breaks and a picnic lunch are an important part of the day.
• Evenings are free and on week-long breaks there will be a day off to explore the surrounding area.
• Free time is not organised by BTCV, although information will be provided to enable the group to decide on activities.
• On International Conservation Holidays work hours may differ on account of the heat or behaviour of a species being monitored (e.g. turtles are most active at night).

How much will it cost and what does this include?

• UK holidays cost between £40-£250 depending on duration, standard of accommodation and additional activities.
• BTCV International Conservation Holidays cost from £220-£1450 depending on destination and holiday duration. (NB. unless otherwise stated, the holiday price given does not include travel).
• Bring some extra spending money to cover the costs of additional activities/excursions and food on your day off.
• You are welcome to claim 10% discount* on the holidays in this brochure by meeting the following criteria:
  - book two or more consecutive International Conservation Holidays to the same destination (except Australia).

How do I get there?

• BTCV minibus pick-up from nearest coach/rail station on UK holidays.
• Directions are provided for those preferring to make their own way to the site, but BTCV encourages the use of public transport, wherever possible.
• Please call the number provided on the Final Details if you know you will be arriving late.
• On most International Conservation Holidays you make your own way to the pre-arranged meeting point (usually the nearest airport).
• Do not book flights until you have received your Holiday Information Pack (there may be specific pick-up points for each project).
• Contact numbers are sent out (with consent) prior to the holiday, so participants can travel together to the host country.
• Late arrivals at the meeting point must make their own way to the holiday.

How do I book?

• BTCV encourages you to book your holiday through our website (www.btcv.org), alternatively:
• Fill out a booking form at the back of a holiday brochure and return it to BTCV (include an e-mail address if at all possible)
• Book by phone on +44 (0) 1302 388 883.
• Make sure you have read the booking terms and conditions before booking!
• Do contact us if this does not answer all your queries.

What happens after I've booked?

• A confirmation letter will be sent with details of optional supplementary holiday insurance. (International Conservation Holiday participants receive a Holiday Information Pack).
• If all your holiday choices are fully booked, we will contact you to see if there is an acceptable alternative or can place you on the waiting list for your chosen holiday.
• Final Details (project details, a packing list, pick-up arrangements, directions, accommodation details and an emergency telephone number) will be e-mailed sent about 4 weeks before the start of your holiday for UK breaks, and about 8 weeks for International breaks. If you do not notify us of an e-mail address, we will post them.
• Details of any last-minute unavoidable changes and a participant contact list are provided for International Conservation Holiday participants.
• Please read all these details carefully as they may differ from those advertised (if you fail to receive these, call to confirm arrangements).
• We need to be able to contact you at all times, especially 7-10 days before the holiday. Please therefore keep us informed of your contact details, particularly during this period.

Participation in BTCV conservation holidays can contribute towards the residential part of a Duke of Edinburgh scheme Gold Award.