Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (North Pennines Wader Surveyor)

Where: Farmland in the North Pennines National Landscape

When: 3 to 5 visits between March and July 2026

Commitment: Minimum 5 hours per month

Why we want you: The RSPB has been monitoring populations of breeding curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe and oystercatcher in the North Pennines for many years, providing invaluable information about the impact of wildlife friendly farming practices on the survival of these amazing birds. We are looking for volunteers to continue this survey work in the spring/summer of 2026. This is a great opportunity to get involved in a long-term conservation initiative.

From 2026 we are working with the North Pennines National Landscape team and other partners on the North Pennines Landscape Connections project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Working together the partners aim to create a more nature-rich landscape through habitat restoration, boosting biodiversity, supporting farmers in nature-friendly practices and fostering local engagement and sustainable rural economies. Monitoring will play a crucial role in helping the project meet its objectives. In addition to wader surveys there may be opportunities to undertake other kinds of surveying work as part of the project’s wider citizen science programme.

Skills/talents you will need: You need the ability to identify the target species of curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe and oystercatcher by sight and call and have good general bird identification skills. You also need to be:

• Confident reading a map and following written instructions.
• Self-motivated, conscientious and reliable.
• Willing to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people.
• Willing to participate in training and undertake lone work in a safe and conscientious manner.

Fieldwork will require binoculars in addition to appropriate clothing and other kit to protect you from the elements. We may be able to loan you some binoculars if you do not have your own. You will need your own transport as the majority of the farms are in isolated locations and cannot be reached by public transportation. Travel expenses will be reimbursed where necessary.

Notes: Surveys are conducted first thing in the morning. The surveys last 2-3 hours on average. The number of survey visits undertaken will vary according to the information required on each farm. Farms will normally receive a pre-survey visit followed by three survey visits (with least two weeks between survey visits) as follows:

Pre-survey visit: By end March

Visit one: 15 April – 30 April

Visit two: 1 May - 21 May

Visit three: 22 May - 18 June

Please only apply if you're available for all visits as these are mandatory for the validity of the data collection.

Additional optional visits from 18 June may be undertaken to follow the progress of some breeding attempts. Whereas, some farms will only require one survey visit to be undertaken during May. We will allocate farms to surveyors according to their location and availability.

A mandatory in-person training session will take place on Saturday, 21st February 2026 (10am – 2pm). With an optional extra practical session on Friday, 27th March 2026 (10 am – 2 pm). Both sessions will take place at High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope, Northumberland. We may be able to offer an alternative date for the mandatory session.

What's in it for you: You will be volunteering in the beautiful and dramatic North Pennines landscape, surveying some of our most charismatic bird species. You will meet farmers who are engaged in wildlife friendly farm management, and you will be part of a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. This is an opportunity to develop field skills and make a practical and substantial contribution to the conservation of vulnerable and declining species. You will be fully trained in the survey methodology.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact for species, nature and the environment. You will have a chance to develop hands on experience and skills around surveying. An opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors. You will have to observe wildlife closely, which is wonderful if you take enjoyment from the natural world. There may be future opportunities for getting involved in nest monitoring and protection in addition to the survey work. Monitoring takes you to the same places time and again, so you will see the seasonal changes. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering with the RSPB and contribute to our Saving Nature strategy by taking on this role.

Contact: christina.taylor@rspb.org.uk or elisabeth.charman@rspb.org.uk with any questions about this role.