Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (North and West Norfolk - Joint RSPB and NE Placement)

RSPB Northwest Norfolk Team and Natural England North and West Norfolk NNR Team are excited to announce a new joint residential volunteering experience in North and West Norfolk.

This opportunity will provide volunteers with experience of working on numerous nature reserves in North and West Norfolk (including Titchwell Marsh, Snettisham, Dersingham Bog and Swanton Novers), with varying habitats from saline lagoons, saltmarsh, freshwater reedbed, bog and heathland to some of the best ancient woodland in England. Volunteers will gain an understanding of the art of managing reserves for different species and experience of working on sites with varied levels of visitor access. The working week will be split between working with the teams from RSPB and Natural England, with days spent with each team dependant on season and workload.

What’s In It For You - You will be a part of two busy reserve teams, so you will play an active role in the practical management and running of these bustling nature reserves. You will also gain valuable insight into working within two of the UK's largest conservation organisations.

The daily work can range from habitat management (across a wide array of habitat types) such as scrub removal & woodland coppicing, estate maintenance and assisting with a wide range of bird monitoring, including common bird census and beach-nesting bird monitoring. There may also be an opportunity to assist with the RSPB events programme.

During your time on the reserves you will be given a large amount of experience/training as appropriate, for example in use of power tools/machinery (including formal qualifications in brushcutter etc) and survey methods. You will also gain an insight into the workings of Europe's largest conservation charity and the role the RSPB plays internationally as the UK partner of the global federation of conservation organizations, Birdlife International.

Requirements - You need to be at least 18 years old and able to stay for 6 months (1-year placement also considered). Start date from mid-April (livestock training course booked for start of May, so ideally start before).

An enthusiastic approach to work, competent bird identification skills, interest in conservation, and an ability to work as part of a team. The tasks may be strenuous and you must be prepared to be outside in all weathers.

Excellent people skills; friendly, relaxed and able to engage with visitors would also be beneficial. There may be a requirement to work the occasional weekend day, though the normal working pattern will be Monday to Friday.

Notes - Appropriate training and accommodation (including bills and broadband) is provided and pre-agreed expenses reimbursed where necessary.

This placement will remain open to applications until the two available spaces have been filled.