Site Checks and Maintenance Volunteer (Sumburgh trees volunteer)

Volunteer role: Sumburgh trees maintenance volunteer

Volunteer manager: Shetland reserves Assistant Warden

Where will you be based: Sumburgh head

Why we want you

Site checks and maintenance volunteers, sometimes known as rangers or wardens, play an important role. We are looking for people who can help us out by taking on a regular shift walking the reserve and undertaking a selection of small tasks.

Our nature reserves are very special places for people and wildlife. Right across the UK the RSPB manages woodlands and wetlands, heathlands and meadows. A real mosaic of different kinds of habitats for a wide range of wildlife.

The RSPB is the UK's largest nature conservation charity! Join our fantastic volunteers who are helping to inspire everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife. We will help you gain skills and give you an invaluable insight into our essential work.

What you will be doing

We are looking for someone to help look after and maintain our tree enclosure, known as “Daves trees” at our Sumburgh head reserve.

In 2024 we planted some trees in a small, enclosed area in one of our parks at Sumburgh head. Being one of the most southerly points in Shetland it is the first (or last) bit of land for a considerable distance and therefore is an important location for migratory birds to take shelter and feed. Because of this we decided to plant some trees to provide cover for birds on migration along their usual migration routes or for birds blown much further off course in strong winds and bad weather. The area was also fenced off and wooden pallets were used to line the fence and make smaller enclosures to try and shelter the trees as much as possible from the harsh climate. This was also done to keep sheep and rabbits from grazing the area and the smaller trees, giving them as much chance to grow as possible.

Due to the nature of the winds up on Sumburgh head we are looking for a volunteer to help with the maintenance of this area.

What will it involve

• Checking stability of fences and pallets. • Repairing or replacing posts and pallets and propping them back up. • Planting more trees when available. • Weeding around smaller trees during the growing season • Keeping an eye out for any birds using the area and keeping a record.

Ideally, we are looking for someone who can come along for an hour or so once every month to check over the area and make any repairs as required alongside site staff, if necessary, plus spend some time weeding around the smaller trees to give them the best chance of growing.

A full induction and training will be given.

**What’s in it for you **

You will enjoy doing your role in a beautiful wildlife rich setting, the great outdoors will be your place of work, and you will be able to take it at your own pace. By talking to visitors as you go along, you'll have the pleasure of helping people learn more about the reserve and the work of the RSPB or just be a familiar friendly face to our regulars.

You will be making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, and you might find it rewarding to safeguard nature in the area you are working to protect. This role will involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so it will enable you to keep your fitness levels high.

Disclaimer

The RSPB will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses travel expenses, we will provide the equipment, training and any uniform needed for you to complete the role.

We’re now the largest nature conservation charity in the country, consistently delivering successful conservation, forging powerful new partnerships with other organisations and inspiring others to stand up and give nature the home it deserves. We rely on the support and generosity of our volunteers to make a difference.

Our work stretches far beyond the UK. Wherever wildlife is in threat, we'll work with partners across the globe to help save it and give it a home.