Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Black-tailed Godwits and other Waders on Newton Marsh, Lancashire)

Breeding waders in the UK are in decline due to large-scale landscape changes which have resulted in habitat loss and an increase in predation. One species in particular, the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa limosa), is particularly vulnerable. The UK is home to a small breeding population of Black-tailed Godwits with around 50 pairs. Due to their small vulnerable population, these elegant wading birds are red-listed in the UK and are classified as Near Threatened globally, which unfortunately means that they are likely to be threatened with extinction in the near future. Newton Marsh represents one of only a handful of sites in the UK were these birds breed.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a good knowledge of wader identification and behaviour to help us monitor the Black-tailed Godwits and other wading birds at Newton Marsh and Freckleton Marsh throughout the breeding season (April-July). The data gained from monitoring will enable us to protect and conserve these fascinating birds.

What tasks you will be doing:

• Visiting and watching the birds on Newton Marsh and Freckleton Marsh preferably (but not restricted to) the evenings and weekend from April to July, 2025.

Using a specially designed form you will:

• Record what species and how many individuals are present • Record the behaviour of birds • Record where the birds are on the marsh • Note any predators and predator-bird interactions

Skills and Experience:

• Good wader identification skills • Some knowledge of wader behaviour • Have enthusiasm for being outdoors • Have their own binoculars and/or scope • Ability to get to the site Newton Marsh and Freckleton Marsh (Clifton, Preston, PR4 0XQ) • Be able to commit a minimum of 1.5 to 2 hours a week

This opportunity will help develop your wader ID skills, give you insight into their behaviour, as well as experience of monitoring wading birds in the field.

Thank you for reading this role description. Clicking on ‘more about this role’ and the downloadable pdf will give you just the generic role profile for this opportunity. A role profile is the family to which an opportunity belongs and informs vetting and training requirements and may not be an exact fit to the role described above.