Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (LIFE Raft Fieldworker Volunteer (Rathlin))

Please note that this application is to be added to a reserve list in case any openings become available in our residential volunteering programme. The programme is currently at full capacity, but we are looking for people who would like to be contacted in the event of any spaces opening up.

You will be sharing bedrooms with other people of the same gender. You will need to tick 'willing to share' for your application to be processed.

Why We Want You: This is a unique chance to be part of one of the most ambitious projects to save seabirds across the UK.

Rathlin Island has the largest seabird breeding colony in Northern Ireland, including Puffins, Razorbills, and the largest population of Guillemots across the whole of the UK and Ireland. Their future is threatened, however, by invasive non-native species, namely rats and ferrets. Last year only one in three Puffin chicks survived long enough to leave the nest.

The LIFE Raft project aims to protect these seabirds by eradicating the rats and ferrets, and this volunteering opportunity is critical to making this project a success.

Last September we placed about 6,000 bait stations across the island. These are now live and baited with rodenticide, the volunteers are working as part of a wider team that checks and rebaits each station every two weeks.

What’s In It For You

As an RSPB volunteer you’ll be part of something big – a team of amazing and dedicated people who donate their time, energy, talent and skills to help birds and other wildlife.

Rathlin is a beautiful island with a close-knit community of about 150 people. There is a hotel, a cooperatively run store, shops with local products, a pub and café, and regular yoga and film nights and other community events.

There is also lots for the wildlife enthusiast. While the seabirds are a strong draw in the spring and the summer, there are oystercatchers, eider ducks and seals all year round, and dolphins are regularly seen from the ferries and harbours.

Rathlin’s dark skies also allow for stunning views of the stars. 2024 proved to be a particularly good year for the northern lights, it’s a great time to be spending time on island.

Accommodation is provided in a hostel just half a mile from the harbour, or in an old cottage about five kilometres inland. You will be sharing a room with members of the same gender, or if you apply as a couple you can share one of the smaller rooms.

Requirements

Minimum age 18. Enthusiasm and ability to work both on your own initiative and as part of a team are necessities – but perhaps most importantly, you must be good with people and physically fit and active.

Please take into account that volunteers hike over rough and varied terrain in the winter, through all weathers. It also requires lots of working with your hands in the cold, and wearing gloves is not always possible due to the nature of the work. It is physically tough but incredibly rewarding.

There are about 150 people who live on Rathlin Island and volunteers get to know people well over the course of the programme. You will be informal ambassadors for the project, even while off-duty, and it is expected that you will be respectful and considerate of the community at all times.

Notes

There is no charge to take part in the scheme. All accommodation and a contribution to food (sufficient to cover three meals a day) will be provided, as well as initial travel to Rathlin from anywhere in the UK or Ireland. Travel on and off the island at the weekends is not covered, and as it is dependant on the weather and ferry availability, should be undertaken only occasionally. We are not able to cover the cost of off-island accommodation or other expenses should you be unable to return due to ferry cancellations.

Volunteers will be expected to work 5-day weeks.