Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Bowland Breeding Wader Surveyor)

Where: Farmland in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape

When: 3 to 5 visits between April-July 2025

Commitment: minimum 5 hours per month

Why we want you: The RSPB has been conducting annual surveys of breeding curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe and oystercatcher in Bowland for many years, providing invaluable information about the impact of wildlife friendly farming practices on the survival of these amazing birds. We are looking for volunteers to continue this survey work in the spring/summer of 2025. This is a great opportunity to get involved in a long-term conservation project.

Skills/Talents you will need: You need the ability to identify the target species of curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe and oystercatcher by sight and call. You also need to be:

• Confident reading a map and following written instructions.

• Self-motivated, conscientious and reliable.

• Willing to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people.

• Willing to participate in health and safety training and undertake lone work in a safe and conscientious manner.

Fieldwork will require binoculars, sturdy and waterproof footwear, waterproof clothing, insect repellent, sun cream and a hat. The weather can be very changeable in the Forest of Bowland so you've got to be prepared! You will need your own transport as the majority of the farms are in isolated locations and cannot be reached by public transportation.

Notes: Surveys are conducted first thing in the morning. The surveys last 2-3 hours on average and are repeated three times on the same farm, with at least two weeks between visits as follows:

Visit one: 15 April – 30 April

Visit two: 1 May - 21 May

Visit three: 22 May - 18 June

Please only apply if you're available for all three visits as these are mandatory for the validity of the data collection.

Extra visits from 18 June - if nests are found on your farm, extended optional visits are then done weekly to monitor the nest and chicks for up to four weeks. These surveys take about an hour.

Appropriate in-person training will be provided, and expenses will be reimbursed where necessary. The mandatory in-person training session normally takes place on Friday in the first two weeks of April.

What's in it for you

You will be volunteering in the beautiful and dramatic Forest of Bowland, surveying some of our most charismatic bird species. You will meet farmers who are engaged in wildlife friendly farm management, and you will be part of a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. This is an opportunity to develop field skills and make a practical and substantial contribution to the conservation of vulnerable and declining species. You will be trained in chick and nest identification and survey methodology.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact for species, nature and the environment. You will have a chance to develop hands on experience and skills around surveying. An opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors. You will have to observe wildlife closely, which is wonderful if you take enjoyment from the natural world. There are opportunities for getting involved in nest monitoring and protection in addition to the survey work. Monitoring takes you to the same places time and again, so you will see the season changes. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering with the RSPB and contribute to our Saving Nature strategy by taking on this role.

Contact hilary.mcguire@rspb.org.uk with any questions about this role.