Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Franchises Lodge, New Forest)
What?
Franchises Lodge, near Nomansland in Wiltshire, is a 386 hectare (almost 1,000 acres) woodland of deciduous and conifer trees that has largely been inaccessible to the public for many years. We are still finding out more about the site but initial surveys confirm there is a good woodland bird community, including wood warbler, hawfinch, spotted flycatcher, firecrest and redstart. These woods are also known to be fascinating botanically, with an internationally important lichen community. With 1000 breeding pairs of toads using the lake, 50+ firecrest territories and an array of bats and other creatures populating this remote site, you cannot fail to have an immersive, magical experience at Franchises Lodge.
We are looking for two residential volunteers. One to be focused on warden duties including practical habitat management, managing volunteers, working with contractors and learning how to assemble a management plan. The second placement will focus on engagement work with young people (aged 12-25) using our new residential centre, Cameron’s Cottage. Both placements come with extensive training, qualifications and mentorship. This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills needed to apply for warden/ranger roles or to work with young people at outdoor education centres or in a community engagement role. You will be supported by a friendly team of staff and volunteers and gain practical first hand experience to put you in strong positions to get careers in this field.
When?
Long-term: 1 year placement starting from June/July.
Why?
Help us discover more about our new reserve and manage the habitats. Work includes practical habitat management work all year round, survey work (including birds, bats, butterflies and moths), vegetation surveys, leading walks, leading work parties and working within the wider team in the New Forest. Work can be heavy at times with scrub clearance and tree-felling over the winter months, and bracken control during summer. The visitor experience role will have opportunities to develop leadership skills, experience with writing risk assessments, delivering environmental and team building sessions and developing an engagement plan. Training will be given for both roles which will include First Aid training, F+ First Aid, Brush cutter and Chainsaw certification. Both roles require a large element of practical work as well as some office work. You will need to be comfortable working on your own and in a team. We are looking for enthusiastic people, who work well in a team and have a can-do attitude. An interest in working outdoors and nature is essential.
Where?
RSPB Franchises Lodge in The New Forest.
There is a railway station at Salisbury or Southampton that we can pick you up from. There is a bus route from Southampton to the nearby village of Lover, but this is a fair walk away. We recommend a car or contacting us to arrange transport from a mutually agreeable location. There will be a site vehicle available at Franchises Lodge.
Accommodation is provided (including bills) in a newly decorated two bedroom cottage, situated in the heart of the reserve.
Who?
Please email Saul Alonso for more information: saul.alonso@rspb.org.uk
Closing date: 5pm 30th June 2022
Notes:
Depending on which role you apply for, the following training will be provided:
Technical Award in Brushcutter/Trimmers – Maintenance and Operation
Technical Award in ground based chainsaw Operation (Cross cutting and felling small trees)
Bushcraft leadership training
First Aid in the workplace
F+ First Aid
Safeguarding level 1 and 2
GDPR training
Working with groups with potential challenging behaviour training
Developing escape room training
Mental health first aid training
Various FSC courses
Survey training (butterflies, moths, botany, reptiles, amphibians, bats, birds, invertebrates, fungi).
QR code trails development training
Forest school training (if signed up for full year as this time will be needed to complete a portfolio) or Chainsaw training