Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Dark Bordered Beauty Surveyor - Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms)

The Dark Bordered Beauty is a rare and endangered moth found only in the Cairngorms. We need to know more about this special species to understand how we can help it.

We need your help to survey for the Dark Bordered Beauty this summer, as part of essential monitoring work being carried out by the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms project. Through this project we’ve been embarking on a captive breeding program with the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, you could be part of this new and exciting program by helping us to monitor for this species at the release sites.

We are looking for two or three people to help with monitoring by running overnight moth traps in woodland release sites in the Cairngorms. Data you collect will help us to determine the success of our release project.

This volunteer role will take place from late June through to late August. Ideally, volunteers will be able to go out roughly once per week during this period to deploy the moth trap. Moth traps will need to be run during good weather. The role can be carried out independently of project staff, but it will be essential to communicate with staff through the survey period. This role is best suited to people living in or around the Cairngorms.

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills and experience:

• Basic moth identification skills (you don’t need to be an expert, as full training will be given, but some awareness of different moth species will be helpful)
• Ability to walk 1-2km through rough terrain to deploy and collect a moth trap
• Ability to complete surveys, record observations and send data back to the project staff
• Ability to travel to remote sites in the Cairngorms. Note that you will need to be able to deploy the moth trap in the evening and return to the moth trap early in the morning to record the species present.

You do not need your own moth trap to take part in this role, but if you do have your own that would be helpful.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact for species, nature and the environment. You will have a chance to develop hands on experience and skills around surveying. An opportunity to be out in nature and benefit your own health and wellbeing, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors. You will have to observe wildlife closely, which is wonderful if you take enjoyment from the natural world. Monitoring can often take you to the same places time and again, so you will see the season changes. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering with the RSPB and contribute to our Saving Nature strategy by taking on this role.