Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Cirl Bunting Territory Surveyor - Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset)

Thank you for your interest in being a Cirl Bunting surveyor. Many bird, plant and other animal species are declining, in order to conserve them we need to understand more about their populations and their breeding numbers.

We need your help to complete our annual surveys to collect essential data about Cirl Buntings to monitor population trends and help inform the science behind our work.

Check out our Action Hub for more information and to find your nearest avaliable survey area (Tetrad)

We want to connect more people to nature and are able to train and support people who are new to surveying and provide all the guidance you need to gain confidence. This science will then contribute to habitat management plans, inform policy decisions and help influence external organisations.

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

• Ability to walk 5- 8km, sometimes on uneven terrain.
• Identification skills of Cirl Buntings species. Or an interest in increasing your identification and survey knowledge.
• Ability to complete the surveys as an individual or in small groups.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ THE ATTACHED METHODS BEFORE APPLYING

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact for species, nature and the environment. You will have a chance to develop hands on experience and skills around surveying. An opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors. You will have to observe wildlife closely, which is wonderful if you take enjoyment from the natural world. Monitoring can often take you to the same places time and again, so you will see the season changes.

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.

Application Process

1. Press the 'Click here to Apply' button on the right of this page.
2. Complete the application form, if you are already one of our volunteers then you can log in.
3. During the application process please let us know which tetrad/s you are interested in by adding them to your answer in the 'About' box.
4. We receive your application and a member of our team push it though our application stages (you may receive several notification emails of your application moving through stages - no action is required). Please note this may be a few days - depending on when our team can get to your application.
5. You will receive an 'Application Successful' confirmation email which will contain a link to download your survey pack.
6. Complete the quick form and our automatic system will email you your tetrad survey forms, our guidance and other essential documentation. It will also ask you if you want to join on one of our training days in April/May. Please note that your tetrad is not allocated (and therefore could be taken by someone else) to you until you receive this pack.

Completing your Survey

You will be provided with your survey form, guidance and instructions as well as face to face training (if you choose). You will be required to complete 2 visits to your tetrad area to survey the presence and behaviour of Cirl Buntings and any other species (separate form supplied). Please the attached Survey Guidance for a better understanding of whats involved.

Submitting your results

Simply submit using our online form, upload any pictures and scan in your survey maps - that's it!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask us on cirlbunting@rspb.org.uk and we will do our best to help.

Thanks