Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Willow Tit Surveyor)

We need you to help us save one of our fastest declining resident birds, the Willow Tit. Over the last 50 years, Willow Tit numbers have plummeted by an estimated 94%, a staggering decline which needs urgent action if we are to save them from going extinct in the UK.

You have the opportunity to be part of an exciting new project, ‘Where the Willow Tits Are’, which could help to secure the future of these threatened birds in an area on the southern and western edge of the Peak District that may be one of their strongholds in the North West.

As a Willow Tit Surveyor, you will be helping us to ground truth our knowledge on existing and potential Willow Tit sites in the project area to provide crucial evidence for conservation efforts. Sites will be located on the southern and western edge of the Peak District and more widely across Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.

This is a field-based role which will require visits to a particular site (or multiple sites) during February and March 2025, with training taking place in January 2025. Any expenses incurred as part of the role can be reimbursed.

What will you be doing?

The Willow tit is a shy and retiring bird and the only reliable method of confirming their presence is using playback recording in their breeding season. Your role will involve:

• Attending an in-person training session in mid January (date TBC)
• Conducting early morning playback surveys (twice per site) during February and March 2025
• Conducting a habitat assessment survey (once per site)
• Submitting survey results in a timely manner after completing site visits

What will you get out of it?

• You will be playing a key role in the conservation of one of our most vulnerable species, the Willow Tit
• You will be joining a network of like-minded people with an interest in helping birds and other wildlife thrive
• You will get the chance to develop role specific skills as well as other areas you are interested in learning
• You will gain experience of working with various conservation organisations in a partnership project
• Training and ongoing support will be provided. There will also be opportunities to get involved in other aspects of the project if you wish

What skills do you need?

We will provide full training and induction for this role; however, some requirements are:

• Willing and able to travel to potentially remote sites for early morning surveys in February and March 2025
• Able to work independently
• Able to follow the Countryside Code and behave appropriately whilst on survey visits
• Able to write up survey results accurately with attention to detail
• General fitness for getting to and around the survey site
• A basic knowledge of bird ecology/birdwatching experience desirable

This is an exciting new project that will make a key difference for Willow Tit conservation in the North West. If you want to play a key role in making this happen, we would love to hear from you!

If you are interested in the role, but want to learn more, please get in contact using the form on the right-hand side, or contact William Bevan - william.bevan@rspb.org.uk