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Site Checks and Maintenance Volunteer (Fire Watch Volunteers, Dove Stone & Longdendale Valley)

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During dry weather the moorlands around Dove Stone and the Longdendale Valley (Crowden and Arnfield) are vulnerable to fire due to arson, campfires, BBQs and discarded litter.

These fires are devastating to wildlife and the fragile moorland landscape and destroy the places people love and cherish, and threaten restoration works.

We need volunteers to act as an early warning system for moorland fires, using your eyes (and noses!) to check for smoke and flames during times of high fire risk throughout the early spring and into the summer (depending on the weather), contacting 999 and the site team should you see anything to report.

What we'll need you to do: • Spend time in locations around Dove Stone, Holme Moss, Crowden and/or Arnfield during dry weather at times of high fire risk, especially during late afternoon-evening. This may be sitting in your car at specific locations; letting us know that you are out and about in the area; or even letting us know that you can see the landscape from your window! • Be vigilant during your rota’d hours keeping a keen eye out for smoke or fire • Report the location of any smoke/fire to the Fire Service on 999, using a map and grid reference or what3words app where possible (training can be provided) • Report the location to the RSPB Site Manager as soon as the Fire Service has been called

You will also need: • Access to your own vehicle and be able to drive safely and legally on the roads if you are volunteering away from your own home • A mobile phone (ideally a smartphone which will support the what3words app) • To be able to use an ordnance survey map and GPS/compass and the ability to use/learn what3words app (we can show you how!)

This is a wonderful opportunity to really make a difference to a precious and much loved landscape and the wildlife that calls it home, by helping to protect it from devastating fires. Please note you will not be expected to fight fires as part of this role.