Species Protection (Volunteer Beach Warden)

We need you to help us save some of our most iconic birds, Little Terns, Ringed Plover and Oystercatchers. These birds, which nest on our beaches, are finding it harder than ever than ever to find safe places to nest and raise their families. This is due to a rise in visitors to coastal places, loss of habitat, and climate change.

You have the chance to be part of an exciting project on the East Norfolk and North Suffolk coast. The beach-nesting bird colonies on this coastline have become some of the largest and most important in the UK for Little Terns, as well as hosting good numbers of Ringed Plovers, Oystercatchers, and Avocets. We have had lots of success protecting these birds in recent years, but they are still vulnerable and we need your help we want to continue this success!

We are offering a range of volunteering opportunities which will help protect beach-nesting birds that can be done either remotely, on the beach, or in local communities. You will also be working closely with our existing team of experienced volunteers and RSPB staff. The key colony sites are Winterton-On-Sea and Eccles-On-Sea in Norfolk and Kessingland in Suffolk; The birds are also showing interest again at a former site North Denes Great Yarmouth so we would also like additional support here too however, we need your help to provide the project with the flexibility to protect the birds wherever breeding activity occurs.

This role is from March-September ideally for one shift a week (however this can be flexible to fit around your commitments) and there will also be opportunities for volunteering outside of this time. Travel will be required to the project locations. Any expenses incurred as part of the role will be reimbursed.

What will you be doing?

There are various activities available throughout the year to suit a wide range of applicants, either remotely, on the beach, or in local communities. Your role could involve:

• Monitoring and protecting important colonies of beach-nesting birds
• Engaging with beach users and residents in the local communities about the threats that the birds face and what everyone can do to protect them.
• Practical activities including fencing work parties and equipment maintenance.
• Getting involved with other aspects of the project including community work, communications, or aerial predator monitoring

If you think that the beach-warden role is not for you, but you are still interested in getting involved, or have other skills that you think might be useful to the project, please get in touch.

What will you get out of it?

• As a Volunteer Beach Warden, you will have a chance to work as part of a team and meet new, like-minded people whilst gaining hands on experience of specific species protection.
• If you enjoy being outdoors, then this role will be the perfect opportunity for you. The beach warden role will involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so it will enable you to keep your fitness levels high, as well as helping your mental health and wellbeing.
• You will be making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, and you will find it rewarding to protect your local wildlife.
• We are a friendly and supportive team, so you can make new friends too. If you are volunteering to learn new skills and gain knowledge about wildlife conservation work, you will find that our team will be more than happy to help you on that journey. We make sure that our volunteers have the opportunity to learn new skills and always have a rewarding experience.

What skills/experience do you need?

• You will need to be able to visit a colony and undertake regular shifts which will be booked via a team rota. This may require walking long distances, often along a beach and possibly negotiating steps down to the beach. You should also be comfortable visiting the colonies in all weather conditions.
• An enthusiasm for coastal wildlife would be beneficial, however, full training will be given allowing you to talk knowledgably to beach users about the project and how to make space for nature so that everyone can enjoy the beach and the local wildlife whilst minimising the impact on the colony’s success.
• Willingness to learn and assist with the various activities that the RSPB undertakes to protect beach-nesting birds.
• Flexibility to volunteer during weekdays, evenings and weekends, as required, to fit in with your availability and situation.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a small team.
• Locations are remote so access to own transport is desirable. Public transport or cycling may be options depending on your location.

Imagine spending time next summer on some of the most beautiful beaches on our coast, directly contributing to the conservation of these wonderful birds. If this sounds appealing, then we would love to hear from you! The RSPB will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses travel expenses, we will provide the equipment and any uniform needed for you to complete the role. Full induction, training and on-going support will also be provided.

Any questions please use the form on the right-hand side or email Pamela.hallesy@rspb.org.uk