Practical Reserve Work (Campfield Marsh, Bowness On Solway)
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the RSPB. Their contribution to our work to save nature is vital. We are on the lookout for new volunteers at RSPB Campfield Marsh to help us in our effort to restore key habitats, including lowland wet grassland, lowland raised bog, and saltmarsh. In doing so, you will be aiding the RSPB achieve some of its key objectives: species recovery and climate change adaptation and mitigation. If you want to contribute to the saving of lapwing, redshank, curlew, and the marsh fritillary, please get in touch. If you want to play a key role in the restoration of wetlands crucial in combatting climate change, get in touch!
The sorts of tasks you can expect to carry out whilst volunteering with us include: • Using hand tools to create new habitat for wildlife and keep existing habitat in tip top condition • Planting wildflowers for insects, including the rare marsh fritillary butterfly • Working with the wardens and other volunteers to set up the temporary electric fence on the salt marsh; cutting and pulling vegetation around the electric fence to keep ground nesting birds safe • In summer, surveying flora and fauna around the site to monitor the success of our habitat work • Painting and fixing hides and fences, maintaining footpaths and boardwalks, for the benefit of visitors • Keeping the garden at the visitor centre looking vibrant and healthy, for the benefit of insects and the enjoyment of our visitors.
Volunteering at RSPB Campfield Marsh brings with it a whole host of benefits: an improved connection with nature and people; opportunities to develop existing practical skills and learn new ones; a sense of purpose as you help to improve the state of nature on the reserve; better physical and mental health resulting from time spent being active in nature; and many more! If you are interested in pursuing a career in conservation, volunteering with us would be an ideal opportunity to gain vital hands-on experience. Full induction and training will be provided in the use of tools, site orientation, and survey skills on an ongoing basis so don’t worry if you have not used them before!
In short, we are looking for anyone with an interest in contributing to nature conservation on the reserve. Whoever you are, whatever your background, ability, or motivations, we are interested in hearing from and working with you. If you can make our weekly Thursday work party and if you are keen to work outdoors with others and possess a willingness to learn and lashings of positivity, please get in touch! Good physical fitness is advantageous, but we always endeavour to allocate the work accordingly and encourage everyone to go at their own pace.
Come and play your part in ensuring that the Solway Plain continues to consist of an array of wetland habitats playing host to an abundance of wildlife and storing huge quantities of carbon, slowing down and reversing climate change. You can make a big difference to nature!