Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Curlew volunteer)

DESCRIPTION When: March 2023 Commitment:6 months minimum

Why We Want You:

We are looking for an enthusiastic residential volunteer to join the team managing our reserves on the internationally important Somerset levels.

RSPB Sedgemoor Reserves are unique places with important habitats, including flower rich wet grassland and woodland. One of our priority habitats is lowland wet grassland which provides a home for a range of wetland species including the declining Curlew. In the spring our main focuses is breeding waders and this volunteering role will focus on Curlew nest productivity.

You will play an essential part in delivering the reserve work programme and implementing the reserve management plan so that the reserve is managed to its full potential.

We need somebody who enjoys being outside all day every day, likes early starts, who is patient and able to concentrate for long periods and with a real interest conserving one of the UK`s highest priority species. Some experience in bird monitoring would be useful. You will be monitoring and interpreting bird behaviour to locate the nests and full training will be provided.

We need someone who enjoys working alone or in a small team and who can also collaborate and co-ordinate with other team members on a daily basis.

Additionally, you will need to be able to record data accurately and be comfortable interpreting maps. You will also need to have a basic level of fitness and mobility.

What’s In It For You:

During your stay, you will become an integral member of the reserve management team. You will contribute to practical conservation work and learn about running and managing West Sedgemoor, Swell Wood and Greylake Reserves. Our residential volunteers have an excellent record at finding future employment in conservation.

This residential volunteer.

We need you to find and monitor curlew nests and/or broods!

The role would carry out field work to assess curlew nest and chick survival rates on West Sedgemoor. The project will be supported by reserve staff.

Possible activities include:

• Early season field survey to locate breeding territories. • Curlew nest finding. • Placement and monitoring of temperature loggers and/or cameras in curlew nests. • Maintaining and putting up fencing around nests • Rope dragging. • Brood monitoring using standard methodology. • Accurate record keeping. • Support write up of field season results;

Later in the volunteering period the role will also assist with practical habitat and species management work, research, survey and monitoring and estate management, This type of work can vary from one day to the next, you may be looking after livestock, coppicing, hedge laying, repairing fences or carrying out other maintenance tasks depending on the time of year.

Full training will be provided as appropriate and depending on the season may include work with, ATV, 4WD, tractors and livestock handling.

This is an excellent chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation and get on the ladder towards a career in conservation. You will gain a valuable insight into the workings of Europe's largest conservation charity.

Requirements:

Minimum age 18. We need someone who has an enthusiastic and friendly personality and is a good team player a keen interest in nature and conservation is also essential. An ability to work outside in all weathers and undertake strenuous manual labour, as work can be physically demanding especially in winter.

Driving licence essential.

Ornithological experience is an advantage though not essential.

Notes:

Accommodation (including bills) provided.

Appropriate training will be provided and pre-agreed expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary.