Species Protection (Humber Beach Nesting Bird Warden)

Why we need you

Can you help us protect Beach nesting birds at Spurn Point?

Little Tern, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher are unable to breed successfully due to disturbance and vulnerability to predators. The RSPB is tackling these problems and needs your help to ensure these special birds can breed and raise their chicks successfully.

Most of the disturbance we see is accidental, so we work with local communities and interest groups to raise awareness and provide solutions. We also protect species more directly with electric fencing and habitat management and monitor outcomes to give us a better understanding of how these birds are doing.

What will you be doing? • Looking for breeding behaviour in Little Terns, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher on the site (training can be given) • Locating and identifying nesting areas. • Setting and maintain camera traps. • Monitoring and recording any human disturbance or predators. • Engaging with the public to raise awareness and encourage minimal disturbance.

What skills do you need?

**A full induction, training and on-going support will be provided. **

You don’t need to be a bird expert as we will show you what you’re looking for. You do need • Willingness to learn and follow the various steps the RSPB is taking to save a species. • To be happy talking to members of the public. • Flexibility in when you can volunteer. The main season is May to August and volunteers are particularly needed weekends and mornings, but you can choose which shifts work for you. • Able to work independently or as part of a small team. • Access to own transport is very useful, as sites are remote with little public transport, but alternative arrangements may be possible (please get in touch to see if we can work something out!) • A good level of physical fitness and the ability to walk over sand for potentially long distances. What will you get out of it? • This role can be flexible, meaning you can work around your other commitments and is a chance to get outside into the peace of nature. • We will provide you with training to help you learn new skills and make sure you are prepared for the role, as well as personal development opportunities. • You will be meeting like-minded people in the team and wider community. • It’s a fantastic opportunity to join a dedicated and enthusiastic team trying to save some of the most vulnerable bird species in the country. You will be making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, so if that is your motivation, this role will be very satisfying. • You will gain a better understanding of beach-nesting bird ecology and hands on experience of monitoring work. • The role will involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so it will enable you to keep your fitness levels high, as well as benefitting mental health and wellbeing. Being out in nature can offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the real world.

The RSPB will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses travel expenses, we will provide the equipment, training and any uniform needed for you to complete the role.

You will receive full training in the role and will be provided with a full induction. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the RSPB’s work on species recovery. If you are interested in the role, but want to learn more, please get in contact using the form on the right-hand side, or contact Liam Andrews – liam.andrews@rspb.org.uk