Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Exe Estuary)

Why We Want You:

Do you want to get into a career in reserve management and conservation? We are looking for an enthusiastic residential volunteer to join our Exe Estuary Reserves Team, based at the Exminster Marshes. The Exe Estuary reserves are internationally recognised as important sites for thousands of ducks, geese and waders, along with many rare dragonfly, aquatic plant and mammal species. You will gain knowledge and experience of managing nature reserves especially wet grassland sites. Your focus will be on a suite of habitats centred around the Exe Estuary, targeting breeding Lapwing, wintering wildfowl and freshwater ecosystems as well as farmland birds including the iconic Cirl Bunting at our Labrador Bay reserve. Although posted in Exminster, the team manages nine diverse reserves, including marshes, woodland, mudflat and agricultural land. As a residential volunteer, you will play an integral role in surveying, maintaining and running the reserves so that they provide the perfect home for nature and a fantastic experience for people.

What’s In It For You:

Typically, the placement centres around practical habitat management and estate work tasks ranging from hedge laying, fencing, moving cattle, mowing and coppicing. We also undertake a range of survey work from breeding bird surveys to butterfly transects. There are visitor engagement opportunities, chances to develop leadership skills and more. This is a fantastic opportunity to be supported and develop your existing skills. If you are looking for a career in environmental conservation this is a great place to start. All appropriate training is given and free accommodation provided.

Requirements:

You must be enthusiastic, have the ability to work as part of a team and a keen interest in wildlife and conservation. An ability to work outside in all weathers and undertake strenuous manual labour, as work can be physically demanding especially in winter. If you’re resourceful, willing to learn as much as to contribute, we’ll encourage and enable you to get the most out of your experience with us. This role is appropriate for anyone completely new to practical work, but also for those with prior practical or farming experience who are looking to develop their skill set or move into conservation. We would welcome mature applicants or those from different career backgrounds with transferrable skills.

Minimum age 18 and a full clean driving license is essential. Further start dates available thought the year so please get in touch to discuss.

Notes

Appropriate training will be provided and pre-agreed expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. There is no charge to take part in the scheme. It is your responsibility to cover the cost of your transport to and from the reserve, and to provide and cover the cost of your food during your stay. The RSPB will provide accommodation, together with basic services, free of charge for the period you are volunteering, and cover any expenses incurred as a necessary part of your work on the reserve.The RSPB is the 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.