Species Protection (Beach Ranger - Plovers in Peril (Snettisham & Heacham))

Want to play a vital role in protecting some amazing species? Many species are unable to breed successfully due to persecution or disturbance to their habitat. The RSPB has a long-running programme of work to tackle these problems and needs help with many aspects of it on an ongoing basis. Some of the disturbance we see is accidental, so we work with local communities and interest groups to raise awareness and provide solutions.

We are looking for volunteer beach rangers to help protect, monitor and spread the word about vulnerable beach nesting birds which breed on the sand and shingle beaches between Snettisham and Heacham in Norfolk.

Beach nesting birds like ringed plover and oystercatcher are struggling to find safe places to raise their families on the Norfolk coast for reasons that include a significant rise in visitor numbers to coastal places, habitat loss and sea level rise. Last March RSPB launched Plovers in Peril – a partnership project with Wild Ken Hill to halt (and with hope, reverse) the worrying declines in breeding birds on a stretch of beach between Snettisham and Heacham. This year, the project has received additional funding from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk’s Habitats Monitoring and Mitigation fund to continue this work until 2026 and as beaches become busier, these birds are going to need our help!

What will I be doing?

• You will be a friendly face on the beach, chatting with visitors and nurturing support for beach nesting birds.
• You will be our eyes and ears, helping us to monitor the birds, limiting disturbance to their nests and assisting with site tasks.
• You will help us to gather data that will deepen our understanding of the needs of both people and wildlife, to ensure both can continue to share this special place for years to come.
• You will have opportunities to support us or lead small project events and contribute directly to project campaigns in any way you feel you can – giving a stronger voice to beach nesting birds.

What skills will I need? This role will require some key general skills, but a full induction, training and on-going support will be provided.

• If you have an infectious enthusiasm for nature and an ability to communicate with people from all walks of life with differing knowledge and interest, we would love to hear from you.
• You will need to be able to walk reasonable distances on sand and shingle and be happy to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Bird identification and monitoring skills are not essential as training will be given but an interest and keenness to learn is important.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a small team.

Your support will help to:

• Provide better protection for vulnerable beach nesting bird species facing global declines – in short - keeping nesting birds, their eggs and chicks out of harm’s way
• Foster a greater awareness of beach nesting birds and the threats they face that will empower all those who explore the Norfolk coast to act - locally and beyond!
• Bring together a community of people who want to protect Norfolk’s special wildlife and a more secure future

Why should you volunteer with us?

• Be part of an important species conservation project and make a real difference to a globally declining species.
• Meet people from all walks of life, connect with your local community, develop your engagement skills and empower positive action for local wildlife.
• Fine tune your identification skills for coastal birds and other wildlife.
• Develop bird monitoring skills and play an important role in gathering vital data.
• Be a voice for beach nesting birds by contributing to project communications and campaigns.
• Deepen your connection with the special places on your doorstep and the incredible wildlife we share these with.
• Make friends & become part of a supportive team of like-minded people who share the vision that wildlife can thrive alongside us.

This is a hugely rewarding role and offers the opportunity to make a real impact for nature and the environment. As a Species Protection Volunteer you will have a chance to work as part of a team and meet new, like-minded people whilst gaining hands on experience of specific species protection. We will offer training and induction to ensure that you are prepared for the specific needs for each habitat and species. You will be contributing to our Saving Nature work programme, so we are able to better protect these key species and their habitats long into the future. We like to think we're a friendly and welcoming team, so you'll have the opportunity to make new friends too.

The RSPB will reimburse you for out of pocket expenses travel expenses, we will provide the equipment, training and any uniform needed for you to complete the role.