Reserve Biodiversity Monitor and Surveyor (Gloucestershire Reserves - Nagshead & Highnam Woods Nestbox Surveyor)

Our nature reserves are special places for people and wildlife. We need volunteers to complete a variety of surveys to collect essential data. This science will contribute to habitat management, inform policy and help influence external organisations.

We are looking for 4 volunteers to survey nestboxes at Nagshead

This role will involve monitoring nest boxes between April and the end of June. You will identify nests, check them weekly and follow chicks through to fledging, recording your findings as you go. You will be working with one other person, and ladder climbing is involved.

You will need to be able to commit to checking your route on the same (or close to) day each week and be available from April to the end of June. You can choose which day of the week you carry out the nest box check. As this role involves working with another person, you might want to take it on with a family member or friend. You each need to apply and then let us know that you want to work together. If you don’t have someone to volunteer with, this isn’t a problem as we can pair you up with someone.

It can take between 2-3 hours to complete your route. As the nest boxes are situated in a woodland the terrain can be uneven and hilly.

We will offer full training for the role, including identifying birds and nests, and health and safety training in the safe use of ladders/working at heights.

Skills required for this role:

• Good wildlife identification and knowledge of wildlife, or the willingness to increase your identification skills

• Safe working, ability to follow safe working procedures

• Teamwork or pair work

• Care and sensitivity around wildlife

• Ability to clearly record information and findings

• Good physical fitness is needed, as climbing ladders and uneven terrain is involved

• Ability to navigate using a route map to locate nest boxes.

This is a really rewarding role and offers volunteers a chance to develop hands on experience and skills around surveying. The role also offers an opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing. It will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors.