GIVE A HELPING hand

Volunteering holidays are a great way to get away from it all or even see the world while making a difference

Under the sea

Show your love for one of the most vulnerable creatures in our oceans, while taking in the beauty of Costa Rica, on a volunteering holiday supporting turtle conservation. You’ll help by collecting data, placing turtle eggs in safe places and engaging the local community. You’ll also get a rare opportunity to see these beautiful, endangered animals up-close, surrounded by spectacular scenery, from rugged jungles to secluded beaches.

■ Pod Volunteer runs placements from one to 12 weeks long, from July to December. Call 01242 241181 or visit www.podvolunteer.org

Go behind the scenes of history

The National Trust offers an amazing range of what it calls ‘working holidays’, including heritage projects where you can step behind the rope and through the doors marked ‘private’ in the most incredible historic houses in Britain. As well as the chance to nosey into the past, you’ll learn how to handle historic collections, use archives and tend to the houses that tell us so much about history. Alternatively, if you prefer to be outside, join one of the gardening holidays, helping create horticultural masterpieces in the finest landscapes. ■ Find out more by calling 0344 800 3099 or visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ holidays/working-holidays

Mum’s the word

Always wanted to explore South America? Take in beautiful Peru while helping young mothers find their feet. Sadly, there’s been a recent rise in girls aged just ten to 17 becoming pregnant in the area but you can help them learn how to look after themselves and their babies by teaching basic skills you learned yourself as a mum, from cooking to managing a home, to give them a better future. ■ To find out more about the two-week placement with Kaya Volunteering call 0161 870 6212 or visit www.kayavolunteer.com

Food for thought

Roughly one third of food produced in the world goes to waste every year, but you can do your bit to help, while feeding those most in need, with a food waste reduction holiday in Portugal. You’ll collect food from supermarkets, restaurants and cafés and redistribute it to families living below the breadline or even on the streets in Lisbon. And when you’re not working, you can explore the bustling Portuguese capital with its quirky, cobbled streets and astonishing architecture.

■ Oyster runs trips throughout the year. Call 01892 770771 or visit www.oysterworldwide.com