Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (All Rounder Residential Volunteer - Bempton Cliffs)

When: Mid-March 2026 onwards Commitment: Preferably 6 months, 5 months minimum

Why We Want You:

Bempton Cliffs is the largest mainland gannetry in England and the most accessible seabird colony in Europe. With over 250,000 breeding seabirds returning each year to nest on the 400-foot-high dramatic cliffs, it’s a pretty spectacular place. There is a fantastic diversity of habitat here which provides homes to a wealth of species throughout the year, including Short-eared Owls, Barn Owls, Tree Sparrows, Whales, and Dolphins. It is also an incredible place to witness migration in action!

We are looking for a passionate, hands-on individual who is looking to gain a well-rounded experience volunteering on a flagship RSPB Reserve. Volunteering with a combination of the Visitor Experience (3 days), Warden and Seabird Monitoring (2 days) teams, you will develop your people engagement, practical and creative skill sets and support the day to day running of the reserve – for both people and wildlife.

What’s In It for You:

Are you passionate about wildlife, conservation, and connecting people with nature? This is an incredible chance to gain hands-on experience and insight into the running of one of the UK’s most popular and unique nature reserves.

As an All-rounder Residential Volunteer, you’ll work alongside our Visitor Experience team and our conservation team to:

• Receive training to lead events and activities, engage visitors, and promote Bempton Cliffs through social media.

• Assist with the day-to-day visitor operation, ensuring an outstanding experience for all.

• Support practical reserve management and habitat work.

• Monitor seabird productivity and contribute to other ecological monitoring.

• Gain brushcutter and ATV licenses with full training provided.

This role offers a well-rounded experience, combining people engagement, visitor management, and practical conservation skills—all while volunteering with a passionate team of RSPB staff and volunteers.

Accommodation: Shared housing is provided in the charming village of Bempton, just one mile from the reserve.

Requirements:

Strong people skills, excellent communication, and an approachable personality are essential for this role. You’ll need to work well as part of a small, supportive team, while being adaptable, self-motivated, and ready to take on the wide variety of tasks involved in managing a nature reserve.

Specialist knowledge isn’t required—but a genuine enthusiasm for wildlife and an interest in conservation certainly is. You should be comfortable volunteering outdoors in all weather conditions and confident engaging with visitors. Please note that some manual handling is involved, so the role can be physically demanding.

Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18

• Full manual driving licence (essential)

• Weekend volunteering is a key part of the role, but you’ll have time off during the week and at least one full weekend off each month.

Notes:

• Appropriate training will be provided throughout the role. Pre-arranged expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary.

For more information, please contact Poppy Rummery, Visitor Experience Manager: poppy.rummery@rspb.org.uk

Closing date for applications- Monday 12 January, although it may close sooner depending on interest. Teams interviews are TBC but, provisionally w/c 2nd February