Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Strumpshaw Fen and Broads Area reserves)

Where: Based at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, also covering Buckenham and Cantley Marshes, Berney Marshes, Sutton and Catfield Fens, all of which make up the RSPB managed Broads Area reserves.

When: We are currently looking for this volunteering position to start as soon as possible. 

Commitment: 5 days a week, 6 months (or similar, based on cottage availability)

Why We Want You: 

We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking residential volunteers to join our small, friendly team here to help with the delivery of both our practical and visitor experience work programmes across the Broads area reserves.

What’s in it for you: 

As a residential volunteer, the essential work you will carry out will benefit both people and wildlife. Under the expert guidance and mentoring of our site staff you will gain experience in all aspects of practical habitat management, survey and monitoring, estate management and species protection as well as visitor experience. – Tasks will vary depending on the time of the year and may include: 

• Practical reedbed and fen management for key species such as bittern, crane and swallowtail butterfly
• Scrub control management
• Wet grassland management incl. predator fencing for breeding waders and wintering wildfowl
• Machinery and tool usage and maintenance
• Livestock management for conservation grazing
• Wildlife surveys and biological recording 
• Leading volunteer work parties
• Predator fence management 
• Maintenance of reserve infrastructure, i.e. visitor paths, gateways and fences, cleaning benches and signage, etc. Reserve infrastructure monitoring and maintenance, such as gateways, fencing, pathways, benches and bird hides.

Enthusing and inspiring visitors about the wildlife they can see and experience at Strumpshaw Fen, as well as, the wider work of the RSPB, is equally as important as the practical work to create the spectacle and gain support for conservation. You will gain experience in supporting our visitor experience operations, including:

• Face to face visitor engagement.
• Contributing to our social media channels.
• Planning and delivering events.
• Developing signage and interpretation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation, bring people closer to nature and start a career in conservation. Surrounded by internationally important reedbed, fen, grazing marsh and wet woodland habitats you will be helping key species such as Bittern, Otter, Crane, breeding Lapwing, Bearded tit, the UK's largest and rarest Swallowtail butterfly and so many more. 

Accommodation is provided in our residential cottage in the heart of the Strumpshaw Fen reserve. The cottage can house up to three residential volunteers at any one time, with three bedrooms and a shared fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining room. 

Requirements:

Age 18+ 

Enthusiasm and an interest in conservation and wildlife. 

Ability to work as part of a team but equally important to be able to carry out independent work.

A ‘people person’, who enjoys meeting new people and is a confident communicator.

Comfortable working outside in all weather conditions. 

This is a very practical role, so a degree of physical fitness is also needed.

Willingness to carry out weekend work when needed. Time off during the week will be organised when weekend work is required. 

Familiarity with Microsoft office. 

Enthusiasm to learn a wide range of skills related to working on a nature reserve.

A manual driving license is also highly desirable.

*Notes: *

Appropriate training for both visitor and land management tasks will be provided. 

Strumpshaw Fen reserve and the accommodation is 6 miles east of Norwich, the nearby village of Brundall has good bus and rail connections with this vibrant city. 

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.  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.