Event volunteering

Participation is one of the principles of Burning Nest, and a wonderful way to contribute to co-creating magic together. By purchasing a ticket, you’re committing to participate in the ongoing creation of this community, along fundamental principles & guidelines. We like saying that Burning Nest is a do-ocracy, because nothing magically appears unless WE make it happen! .

All attendees are invited to join the fun by taking up at least one volunteering shift. As a bonus, after your shift you strut over to the Volunteers Kitchen for a well-deserved meal and to collect some swag.

Ready to participate?

1. Fill out this tiny form
2. Check your inbox for a magical link to our volunteer rota, where you can claim your shifts.
3. If you're unsure what to sign-up for, read the descriptions of the teams below.
4. Spread the word! Send this link to your friends and tell them which shifts you're doing to grow the party peeps.
5. SHOW UP for your shifts and have some fun!!
6. Pat yourself in the back while enjoying a yummy meal or a warm cuppa from the Volunteers Kitchen.

If you want to get involved ahead of the event, check out the organising page.

See below for more information about some of the Event teams you will be able to get involved with during Burning Nest.

Rangers volunteer a portion of their time in service of the wellbeing of the community. They look out for the safety of everyone and help iron out the bumps. Rangers walk in pairs and provide assistance, mediation, information or education. They are a great source of information when questions arise, can offer help to new Nestlings in understanding the principles of Burning Nest, and also help identify and mitigate safety hazards, mediate conflicts, and can facilitate the activation of emergency services. Training is provided online pre-event and in person during the event.

Who puts all those amazing structures up, and takes them down again after you leave? The Build and Strike team, of course! You won’t find a harder-working group of people, and they are always looking for new recruits. Whether you have a relevant skill (carpentry, DIY, power or logistics), or want to learn, WE WANT YOU!

The Gate & Greeters are the first people to welcome newcomers arriving to the Glade, helping Nestlings leave the Default World behind them and step into the wonderful world of Burning Nest. They check tickets, offer greetings, induct new Nestlings on the burning principles, provide guidance and help you settle in. Join us and be the friendly face of Nest! Training is provided online pre-event and in person during the event.

Welfare Enough Volunteers, aka Welfaries, are lovely, empathetic, grounded and 'sober enough' humans who volunteer their time to create and hold a safe space for their fellow Burners attending the event who may need some support.  The Welfare Enough space offers tea, water, snacks, some essential welfare supplies, calming activities, listening and reassurance for anyone who may need support.  The space will also include a bed and can provide a bridge between and space for any medical intervention also. Our objective is that visitors leave having had a better integrated burn experience than they'd have had without our support. Training is provided online pre-event and in person during the event.

Don't burn, baby burn! Fire Wardens and Fire Perimeter volunteers protect any wayward Nestlings from danger during the Effigy Burn and Temple Burn. Nestlings can be like moths drawn to an open flame. You'll also help prepare the Burns before folks arrive. You might even get to light one!

One of our guiding Burner Principles is to Leave a Better Trace. That means that on top of leaving NO trace (LNT) on the land from our individual and group activities, we should be running initiatives to improve the site and the world through the Burn. Sign up for LBT shifts to participate in on-site activities like Sweeps of MOOP (Matter Out of Place), Waste and Recycling (WAR) Zone Shifts and LBT initiatives.

Welcome to kitchen! Anyone can jump in to make sure our volunteers stay fed and watered during event week. This involves cooking some basic meals (recipes and ingredients provided), maintaining the snack station, topping up water for our Gate team, and keeping everything clean.

Join teams installing Decor around site, Building and maintaining the Point, Constructing the Effigy and the Temple! And then at the end, take it all down (not the Effigy and Temple. They will be ash.)

Join the Consent team to help support individuals resolve issues and keep people feeling safe. Volunteering with Consent for Nest 2025 is broken down into four branches: Education, Response, Consent Cafe, and Logistic & Support. You may volunteer for more than one area.

Stray Hearts are doing welfare in a different way - bringing theatrical playful silliness, along with love and care. We’ll be out in the burn, roaming the campsites and main areas, supporting people where they need it. We’re there to play, make people smile, give them a little serotonin boost and also to catch those more delicate moments when someone needs a kind, caring human. We want your playful energy and genuine kindness - come and get involved ❤️

As Site Lead you have overall operational authority for Burning Nest during your shift. You're encouraged to use your initiative to solve any general issues that arise, and a large part of the role is being a sensible person who can support participants and volunteers to carry out their own roles effectively.

The absolutely heroic drivers of Joyride, the accessibility vehicle on site, who also offer assistance to passengers and their belongings entering and exiting the vehicle. No experience required as any training will be provided where necessary.

The Power Daemon Team keeps Nest powered and running! We need volunteers to help rig and derig during Build and Strike, and to take shifts on call throughout the event in case of emergency.