Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Surveyor - VMFW - Wiltshire - Birds, Butterflies, Pollinators or Bumblebees)

Why we need you:
Many bird, plant and other animal species are declining and to conserve them we need to understand more about their populations and their breeding numbers. Our Volunteer Monitoring of Farm Wildlife (VMFW) project aims to link volunteers, both experienced and new, with farmers across England to survey their on-farm wildlife. Our vision is for a sustainable, cost-effective volunteer wildlife survey service for farmers that generates tangible conservation benefits.

We are looking for volunteers in Wiltshire with experience in **bird, butterfly, pollinator or bumblebee surveys **to collect essential data to monitor population trends and help inform the science behind our work as part of the VMFW project in Wiltshire.

What you’ll be doing:

• Undertaking bird, butterfly, pollinator or bumblebee surveys on farms on a once or twice a month basis (depending on the taxa survey) during spring and summer 2023.
• Recording the results on a map, or an in-field survey App.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with farmers and land managers.
• Facilitating support for wildlife friendly land management.
• Stay in touch with the VMFW project via volunteering online system Assemble.
• [Optional] Supporting less experienced volunteers by acting as a mentor.

Skills needed:

• Ability to walk 5- 8km, sometimes on uneven terrain.
• Wildlife identification skills particularly bird, butterfly and bumblebee with an interest in increasing your identification and survey knowledge.
• Ability to complete surveys as an individual or as part of a small group if preferred.
• Enthusiasm for conservation and can act as an ambassador for the RSPB.
• Tact/diplomacy.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain a relationship with farmer(s).
• Ability to work with sensitive data and adhere to GDPR guidelines.

What’s in it for you:

• Develop hands on experience and skills around surveying.
• An opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing.
• Meeting like-minded people.
• The opportunity to use your skills to make a direct impact for species, nature and the environment.