Off-Reserve Surveyor (Volunteer Monitoring of Farm Wildlife (VMFW))
If you are keen to get closer to nature and are interested in what farmers can do to help conserve it, this could be the role for you.
The Volunteer Monitoring of Farm Wildlife (VMFW) project is looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to carry out farmland bird surveys on farms in their area. Both experienced and new surveyors are welcome.
Why we need you
Many bird, plant and other wildlife species are declining, and with farmland covering around 70% of the UK, farming practices hold the key to the fate of many species and ecosystems.
Our aim is to provide farmers with an understanding of the birds on their farm to encourage them to take more action for nature. The reports we produce from the data collected by our volunteers is crucial to providing the means to visualise the data and inspire farmers to adopt more nature-friendly farming practices.
The more volunteers we have, the more surveys we can carry out, and the more we can do to help wildlife thrive on farmland.
What you’ll be doing
- Undertaking bird surveys requiring three visits to a farm during spring/summer
- Liaising with the farmer to arrange site visits
- Recording the results on a recording form and map in the field
- Submitting the results to us via the BirdTrack system or by email
Skills needed
- Reasonable fitness level, to walk up to 5km across farmland
- Basic bird identification skills or an interest in increasing identification and survey knowledge
- Enthusiasm for conservation and acting as an ambassador for the RSPB
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work within confidentiality and data protection guidelines
What’s in it for you
An opportunity to:
- be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing.
- observe wildlife closely, in areas you would not normally have access to.
- gain hands-on experience and develop skills around surveying.
- connect with like-minded people.
- use your skills to make a direct impact for species, nature, and the environment.
If you are confident in your bird identification skills and would like to help others improve theirs, there may be the opportunity to act as a mentor for less-experienced surveyors.
Experience level
Comprehensive instructions on how to complete the survey will be provided. Note that we do not currently offer any formal training for the role, but if you require support to complete the survey we will try to find you a 1:1 buddy or mentor.
In the application form, we ask you about your level of bird surveying experience. As part of your response to this question, please indicate whether you would like someone to accompany you in the field to help you complete the survey.
Please also tell us if you would be willing to accompany a less-experienced surveyor, to help them improve their skills.
If neither is the case, we will assume you would like to be an independent surveyor and conduct the survey on your own.
Additional information
The active survey season runs from 1st April to 30th June. Farmers will register their interest before survey volunteers are sought, and the location of the farms will determine who will be matched to a particular farm.
When matching you to a survey, we try not to exceed 25 miles travelling distance, which means that sometimes there will not a be suitable farm which is close enough to your home. If this is the case, we will let you know and will keep looking for a suitable farm, but it may be some time before you are matched.
We do not offer annual surveys to our farmers, but work on a 3-5 year rotation basis. If you remain with us in the longer term, we would try to find you a new farm each season. However, if any of ‘your’ farmers is having a follow-up survey, you may be able to return to the same farm in the future.
This role is suitable for ages 18 and above. We will reimburse you for travel expenses if you wish.
Please note the following:
- The 'More about…' link below is for a generic 'RSPB Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) role' and is not specific to VMFW.
- If there are any questions you would rather not answer on the application form, you are welcome to answer neutrally, e.g. 'Prefer not to say'.