Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Species on the Edge Wader Surveyor)

Waders such as Curlew and Lapwing have experienced staggering declines across the UK, with Curlew experiencing a 50% reduction in breeding numbers between 1995-2015, for example. Shetland, and other Scottish coastal and island habitats, can be strongholds for waders, with the traditional, less-intensive farming practices of these areas contributing to their continued success.

To conserve waders in Shetland and across Scotland we need to understand more about their population size and distribution. The Species on the Edge programme is taking action for waders in Shetland and across other target areas, and we would love for you to be a part of this.

We need your help to complete breeding wader surveys to collect essential data about waders to monitor population trends, improve knowledge of species and help inform better conservation work. We want to connect more people to nature and can train and support people who are new to surveying and provide all the guidance you need to gain confidence.

How you can help

We would like you to complete breeding wader surveys with three visits in April-June.

We will provide training in bird identification and survey skills, continued support and a volunteer surveyor pack to ensure you are prepared and confident to conduct surveys.

As you gain knowledge and confidence there may be opportunity to become a mentor to support new volunteer surveyors, or even a Species Champion for the species you survey.

If you have more skills you’d like to support us with, we’d love to hear from you!

What you will gain from the experience

• As a volunteer, you can claim expenses, such as for mileage, in connection with your volunteering for Species on the Edge.

• We will support you to develop hands-on experience and skills around surveying.

• You’ll have the opportunity to be out in nature to benefit your own health and wellbeing. You will observe waders closely, which is wonderful if you take enjoyment from the natural world.

• You will be working within a friendly team, connecting with like-minded individuals, and contributing to conservation action in Shetland with Species on the Edge. Our surveying work provides vital knowledge, so we can better protect these species for well into the future.

The skills we need

• Comfortable walking outdoors across mixed terrain.

• An interest in identifying wading birds and developing survey skills. You will be fully supported and provided with the training that you need to perform this role.

• A willingness to follow survey guidance and complete surveys as an individual or in small groups.

• Organisation skills to maintain and submit reliable records of what you have seen. The data you collect is vital for Shetland’s conservation work.

To find out more please get in touch!

Gareth Powell, RSPB People Engagement Officer, Species on the Edge gareth.powell@rspb.org.uk

*Species on the Edge is a partnership programme of eight organisations, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The partnership consists of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, The Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife and RSPB Scotland. *