Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (RSPB Blacktoft Sands - 6 Months)

Commitment:

Flexible - 6 Months: October 2024 - March 2025 - Full time (5 Days Per Week) – Residential

RSPB Blacktoft Sands:

Blacktoft Sands is the largest tidal reedbed in England, the reserve also hosts six shallow lagoons, an extensive grazing marsh and areas of scrubland. The reserve is homed to a host of breeding species including Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit, Avocet, Tree Sparrow and a range of wildfowl species among many others. The reserve also attracts many rare migrants, particularly waders who stop to feed in the lagoons.

Why We Want You:

We are looking for an enthusiastic residential volunteer to join our team of reserve wardens. Help with reserve management, monitoring and visitor work on this internationally important reserve. You will be a key member of the team assisting with our Autumn and Winter work programmes at several sites across the Humber region.

What’s In It For You:

This is a chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation. During your stay you will play a key role in practical conservation tasks and gain a wealth of experience running and managing a nature reserve, working alongside experienced staff and volunteers.

Volunteers can expect training and experience in a broad range of skills including the following:

• gain a valuable insight into the workings of Europe’s largest conservation charity.

• Gain an understanding of key habitat management techniques used across several sites and a range of habitats in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

• The opportunity to obtain formal qualifications including Brush-cutter/Trimmer use.

• Develop species monitoring skills including wetland and saltmarsh surveys.

• On the job training in the use of a range of tools and machinery.

• Training in a range of practical skills used to manage the reserves infrastructure.

• Gain experience leading volunteers and working independently.

The experience will provide an excellent base from which to pursue a career in conservation. Free accommodation including utilities is provided close to the reserve and office premises. Pre-agreed expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary.

Requirements:

• You must be aged over 18.

• have an interest in conservation and a desire to have fun while taking part in practical outdoor work.

• You must have the ability to work as part of a team.

• A full clean driving licence is essential.

Notes:

There is no charge to take part in the scheme. It is your responsibility to cover the cost of your transport to and from the reserve, and to provide and cover the cost of your food during your stay. The RSPB will provide accommodation, together with basic services, free of charge for the period you are volunteering, and cover any expenses incurred as a necessary part of your work on the reserve.

Deadline:

Applications and interviews are ongoing