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

Want to play a vital role in protecting Norfolk's beach nesting birds? 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 visitors to coastal places, habitat loss and sea level rise. In 2021, RSPB launched Plovers in Peril – a partnership project with Wild Ken Hill to halt (and with hope, reverse) the worrying declines we have been seeing in the beach nesting birds breeding on a stretch of beach between Snettisham and Heacham. The project has received vital 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 with 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.

We would love to hear from you if:

• You have an infectious enthusiasm for nature and the ability to communicate efficiently with people from all walks of life with differing knowledge and interest.
• You are approachable, an active listener and you take a calm and curious approach to addressing opposing viewpoints if they arise - your feathers aren’t easily ruffled!
• 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 full training will be provided but an interest in nature, good observation skills and a keenness to learn is important.
• You are happy to record information using simple forms (training is provided).
• You are happy to work alone, as a pair or as part of a small team.

Your support will help to:

• Provide better on-site protection for vulnerable beach nesting bird species facing global declines.
• Foster a greater awareness of beach nesting birds and the threats they face that will empower all those who explore the Norfolk coast to take positive action - locally and beyond!
• Bring together a community of people are creating change and inspiring action to protect Norfolk’s special wildlife and give them 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 and 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 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 role can at times be a challenging one where the threats facing beach nesting birds can be hard-hitting, but being part of the change they need can also be incredibly rewarding and this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact for nature and the environment from within a supportive team.

As a Species Protection Volunteer 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.