Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (North and West Norfolk - Joint RSPB and Natural England Placement)

RSPB Northwest Norfolk Team and Natural England North and West Norfolk NNR Team are excited to announce our latest joint residential volunteering experience in North and West Norfolk for winter 2024/25.

This opportunity will provide volunteers with experience of working on numerous nature reserves in North and West Norfolk (including Titchwell Marsh, Snettisham, Dersingham Bog and Swanton Novers), with varying habitats from saline lagoons, saltmarsh, freshwater marsh/reedbed, bog and heathland to some of the best ancient woodland in England. Volunteers will gain an understanding of the art of managing reserves for different species and experience of working on sites with varied levels of visitor access. The working week will be split between working with the teams from RSPB and Natural England.

What’s In It For You - You will be a part of two busy reserve teams, so you will play an active role in the practical management and running of these bustling nature reserves. You will also gain valuable insight into working within two of the UK's largest conservation organisations.

The daily work can range from habitat management (across a wide array of habitat types) such as reedbed cutting & woodland coppicing, estate maintenance and assisting with a bird surveys including Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS) and Harrier roost counts. There may also be an opportunity to assist with the RSPB events programme.

During your time on the reserves you will be given a large amount of experience/training as appropriate, for example in use of power tools/machinery (including formal qualifications in brushcutter, offroad driving, first aid etc) and survey methods.

Requirements - You need to be at least 18 years old and be able to stay for up to six months. Start date: from early October, if possible. End date: Mid/late March. This placement is perfect for those looking to gain employment in the conservation sector and has a focus on getting you on to the next step in your career.

Practically-minded with a common sense approach to completing tasks. An enthusiastic attitude to work, interest in conservation, and an ability to work as part of a team. Competent bird identification skills desirable but definitely not essential as there will be plenty of opportunity for on-job learning. The tasks may be strenuous and you must be prepared to be outside in all weathers.

Excellent people skills; friendly, relaxed and able to engage with visitors would also be beneficial. There may be a requirement to work the occasional weekend day, though the normal working pattern will be Monday to Friday.

Full UK Driving Licence and ideally own vehicle.

Notes - Appropriate training and accommodation in Titchwell Village (including bills and broadband) is provided and pre-agreed expenses reimbursed where necessary.

Applications open until October 6th 2023.