Community Volunteer (Greater Manchester Swift Champions (Community Engagement))

Why we need you

Every spring, Swifts return to our towns and cities after travelling thousands of miles from Africa where they spend the winter. These small birds with scythe-shaped wings have total mastery of the skies. They feed, drink, mate and sleep whilst flying, only landing to nest and raise chicks.

They prefer to build their nests in buildings across our towns and cities, but over time there have become fewer places they can use and their numbers in the UK are down by over half. They are in trouble and the distinctive cries of Swifts that once filled the skies in summer are dwindling.

Urgent action is needed to stop them disappearing from our skies, so we are building a network of Swift Champions across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of and take direct action for Swifts.

What tasks will you be doing?

As a Community engagement volunteer, you will play an important role in raising awareness and bringing communities together in support of Swifts and other urban wildlife.

There are many ways you can support Swifts in your community, and you can choose to do whichever actions that you are comfortable doing. Options include but are not limited to:

• Working with communities to facilitate nesting opportunities at scale through ‘Swift Streets’

• Organising and delivering Swift walks, talks and workshops with community groups

• Appearing at local events to talk about Swifts

• Building Swift nest boxes

• Publicising swifts via online media and in local news, magazines etc.

• Creating engaging activities for all age groups

What will you get out of it?

• By becoming a Swift Champion, you will join a network of people with an interest in helping wildlife thrive in their local communities in the Greater Manchester area, meeting new people and making new friends.

• You will gain experience of working for a conservation charity and make a real difference to the conservation of one of our most special birds.

• You will get the chance to develop role specific skills as well as other areas you are interested in learning.

• Training and ongoing support will be provided. There will also be opportunities to get involved in other RSPB work in the area should you wish.

What skills and experience do you need?

If you can spare some time and are interested in making a difference for Swifts in your local community, we’d love to hear from you. Full training and support will be provided. In this role we are especially looking for people who have:

• A friendly and approachable manner, enjoy engaging with people in their local communities

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail

• An ability to work independently and use initiative

This a flexible role and can be done around your other commitments. There will be a need to attend occasional face-to-face meetings and events in the Greater Manchester area. Any travel or out-of-pocket expenses for such activity will be provided.

This is an exciting new initiative that will make a difference for Swifts across the Greater Manchester area. If you want to play a key role in making this happen, we would love to hear from you.

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 Will Bevan - william.bevan@rspb.org.uk