Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Puffin Counts Volunteer (Rathlin Island))

Rathlin’s puffin population has declined by 74% since 1999. They are now at risk of being lost from the island altogether. It is vital that we are able to know how many puffins there are and where they are breeding so we can target our future conservation efforts. This work forms part of the LIFE Raft project. LIFE Raft is a partnership between RSPB NI; Rathlin Development and Community Association; Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; National Parks and Wildlife Service; Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust; and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Working closely with partners the overall aim of the project is to eradicate rats and ferrets from Rathlin Island for the benefit of its seabirds, like puffins.

As a Puffin Counts Volunteer you will help us to conduct an island-wide count of our puffins. This means we want to count every single puffin across all of Rathlin. To make sure we cover every part of the island we will be counting birds from cliff-top sites and from a boat. Puffins are easily identified by their colourful orange bill and orange legs. You certainly don’t need to be an expert to identify them!

You will have the opportunity to help us with our important conservation work in some of the wildest places on Rathlin. The land-based team will visit cliff-top sites with the chance of spotting Rathlin’s famous golden hares. The boat-based team will need their sea legs as they sail around the island. Besides seabirds, harbour porpoise are commonly encountered around the island’s coast.

You will gain experience in seabird surveys and field ID skills. You will get to work alongside experienced seabird researchers as part of an exciting project.

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills and experience:

• Ability to walk 5- 8km, sometimes on uneven terrain. Or be comfortable spending up to 6 hours on a boat.
• Identification of seabird species (especially puffins!).
• Or an interest in increasing your identification and survey knowledge.
• Ability to complete the surveys as an individual or in small groups.
• Comfortable with heights.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact for species, nature and the environment. An opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering with the RSPB and contribute to our Saving Nature strategy by taking on this role. With your help, we will be able to get a better idea of the size of the puffin population on Rathlin. This data will better inform our conservation efforts for the future and help to protect Rathlin’s puffins for years to come.