Species Protection (Volunteer Site Ranger - Hayling Island - Gunner Point -)

What we are looking for:

We are looking for volunteer rangers to help patrol Gunner Point on Hayling Island during the breeding season to protect the vulnerable nesting ringed plovers.

In the spring, our beach nesting birds arrive. Just like us, shorebirds love spending time on the beach in summer, but they use the beach to nest and raise their chicks. They create their nests directly on the sand and shingle, incubate their eggs and raise chicks along our beaches.

Due to development and population increases along the coast, more recreational activities are occurring that can cause disturbance to our birds with detrimental effects. These birds need our help, and we want to make sure they get the best possible chance of survival. This is where you come in!

You will be able to choose when you patrol when you sign up to the RSPB rota.

Primary tasks would include:

• Spending your days at Gunner Point, being additional eyes on the ground, talking to our visitors and watching the wildlife.

• Helping to protect the shorebird nesting site on Hayling Island by engaging with site visitors to reduce disturbance by encouraging them to stay away from nesting areas, behaving in an environmentally conscious way, and keeping dogs under control in sensitive locations.

• To enhance the enjoyment of the coastal sites for all visitors, from all user groups, of all ages and all levels of experience/knowledge of nature, using positive face-to-face engagement with visitors.

• Keeping a look out for bird disturbance and making people aware about its impact on the birds, promoting behaviour change and how everyone can do their bit to protect them.

• Disturbance and visitor engagement data recording and collection.

• Reporting any incidents or issues on site to staff.

• Where appropriate and safe, to deal with any misuse of the site and provide guidance in proper use to visitors with the support of RSPB and partner staff.

• Engaging with the public, helping with bird identification, directions, guidance, where to go, what to see and encouraging the sharing of information.

• Reconnecting people with nature and helping to update our bird sightings update board to share with visitors.

Secondary tasks could include:

• Encouraging visitors to offer feedback – we will be running a visitor feedback survey at the start and end of the breeding season.

• Making various checks (for example making sure the temporary/seasonal fencing is intact).

• Enjoying a spot of bird watching and fresh air yourself!

• Assisting the team with pop up events and updating the status board (Plover Periodical)

• Helping to develop interpretation around the site and ensuring that it is always relevant and in good condition, as well as making suggestions for placement and content to achieve optimum impact.

• Assisting with keeping the site tidy by helping with litter picking.

• Photography of breeding birds and nest sites for use on signage to keep visitors informed on the breeding season when you are not on patrol.

• Locating and monitoring nests from a distance using telescopes to keep up to date information on number of nests and chicks.

We will provide induction and training before starting and, of course, provide you with ongoing support. NOTE: If this specific role of public engagement does not suit you currently, we encourage you to contact us if you have other skills in practical conservation, community engagement, organisation and administration. You could still play an essential role in supporting the ranger team.

The skills you need:

• The ability to positively interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.

• You will have an approachable and friendly manner, good people skills and outgoing personality.

• You will have confidence and be happy to welcome and initiate positive conversations with visitors about key areas, such as the work of the RSPB and how they can support us.

• You will have a natural enthusiasm for wildlife and for be inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds for wildlife - a basic knowledge of some of the wildlife on the reserve would be an advantage.

• You will need to be able to negotiate rough terrain (especially shingle beaches) for some aspects of this role.

• You need to be comfortable visiting the open coast in all weather conditions.

• You will be keen and willing to learn about breeding shorebirds including terns, gulls and waders and how we can protect them.

• You will be prepared to work alone occasionally if required (optional).

Your time:

Minimum: Minimum half a day per week/one day per fortnight Duration: Ongoing, during the breeding season (April-July) Period: April-July

What's in it for you?

• Are you keen to improve coastal wildlife knowledge whilst gaining a sense of achievement by helping to give our winter and summer birds a home?

• Do you want the opportunity to develop skills?

• Would you like to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation?

Then this could be the role for you! As an RSPB volunteer, you are part of something big: a team of amazing and dedicated people who donate their time, energy, talent, and skills to help birds and other wildlife. Imagine spending time at Gunner Point contributing to the conservation of these wonderful birds. Full training is provided, and as part of the team, you will learn more about the RSPB’s conservation work and make a real difference to our work protecting our beach nesting birds.

Notes:

We will reimburse you for out-of-pocket travel expenses (up to a radius of 25 miles) and we will of course provide you with ongoing support. The RSPB works for a healthy environment rich in birds and wildlife. It relies on the support and generosity of volunteers to make a difference. The RSPB is the largest UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB, and it would be great if you could join us.