Reserve Biodiversity Monitor and Surveyor (Peak District National Park)

At Dove stone, we are at the forefront of essential work to restore the UK’s peatlands, an essential aspect of the fight against climate change. We are looking to recruit volunteers to be involved in a dedicated Team with an interest on research and monitoring in a mainly upland setting at Dove Stone Reserve, to help set-up and collect long-term data on the effects that our restoration work is having on the site and its flora and fauna. Our nature reserves are special places for people and wildlife. We need volunteers to collect monitoring data and complete a variety of surveys to collect essential data. This science will contribute to habitat management, inform policy and help influence external organisations.

If you’re looking for experience in peatland science or are looking to use your existing research skills to help us with our work, then get in touch and join our Team, or get in touch if you need any more information.

The role involves being part of a dedicated research and monitoring volunteering team that will get involved in both setting-up new, and collect data from existing research and monitoring work across the Reserve. This includes an exciting new project to look at the effect of peat dams and monitor the effects of dams on improving the water-table and vegetation especially scrub as well as:

• Hydrological monitoring - water table
• Vegetation surveys
• Peat formation/loss surveys
• Peat depth surveys
• Fixed-point photography
• Site surveys for dams, tree planting, etc.
• Summer species monitoring - breeding waders, ring ouzel, dipper, butterflies, bumblebees, fungi, etc.
• Disturbance & predators
• Water vole surveys
• GIS & data handling
• …or even set-up your own surveys or projects where needed.

Site work (data collection) Volunteer safety is paramount, and this work is in an upland setting at altitude throughout the year, where winter conditions can be extreme. Access to most of the site is by foot across rough terrain, therefore a fairly good level of fitness is required, which may involve walking several miles a day across rough ground (although you can work on your fitness for this over time). Suitable clothing is essential (waterproof coat, over-trousers and sturdy boots and/or wellingtons along with LOTS of layers).

You do not need a background in science, the methodologies that we use are easy to learn and we can provide you with full training to develop the skills you will need to make an essential contribution not only to the RSPB, but to the wider peatland restoration community.

• Some of the following skills would be desirable:
• Some navigational skills preferred (but training will be provided).
• Experience observing wildlife and a good knowledge of wildlife (or a willingness to increase your identification and/or survey knowledge to undertake this role).
• Organisation skills, to be able to keep reliable records of what has been seen. IT skills for submitting records and keeping in touch.
• Ability to work independently, or possibly in a small team.

This is a really rewarding role and offers volunteers a chance to develop hands on experience and skills around moorland monitoring and surveying. The role also offers an opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing. It will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors and volunteers 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.

You will be contributing to Saving Nature; our survey and monitoring work helps provide vital knowledge, so we are able to better protect these places for nature long into the future.