Practical Reserve Work (Conservation Crew)

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers aged 13 to 18 to join our young practical Conservation Crew at Ribble Reserves National Nature Reserve (NNR), including Marshside and Hesketh Out Marsh, RSPB. RSPB nature reserves are special places for people and wildlife and we rely on volunteers to keeps these habitats thriving and in good condition.

It might seem like these wild places have always just been there. But quite often we have to work really hard to maintain habitats to be in the best condition for wildlife. We have lost a lot of wild landscapes, so the small places that we do have, need a bit of extra care.

As a Youth Reserve Work Party Volunteer you will be joining a regular practical work party team to undertake practical habitat management tasks:

• Cutting and clearing vegetation.
• Maintaining and managing tools and equipment.
• Creating and maintaining visitor infrastructure, such as paths, benches and hides.
• Following Health and Safety protocols.

If you enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people and hands on conservation work, then this role could be the perfect opportunity for you. Working alongside experienced staff and volunteers who will guide and teach you the importance of our work and how we all can make a difference to wildlife and people. You will be part of Marshside and Hesketh Out Marsh, RSPB Conservation Crew with like minded, enthusiastic and passionate individuals who share a love for wildlife. This role does involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so will enable you to keep your fitness levels high, as well as helping your mental health and wellbeing. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, and you might find it rewarding to safeguard nature in the area you are working to protect.

The Conservation Crew programme is aimed at 13 to 18 year olds. Sessions will be delivered on the first Sunday of each month. The Aim of the sessions is to give young people an opportunity to gain experience to learn and understand practical conservation within a conservation organisation. Thus, being able to learn additional skills and knowledge about habitat management and why it is so important.