Practical Work Off Reserve (Giving Corncrake a Home- Habitat Creation)

We need your help to dig up and wash nettle rhizomes at various sites in Northern Ireland. These rhizomes are used to create essential habitat for Corncrake on Rathlin Island, their only known breeding site.

No experience of digging needed, everything is explained and demonstrated. We then wash the rhizomes and store them in bulk bags ready for collection. Washing the nettle rhizomes is essential making them easily transported and avoids bringing unwanted seeds and invertebrates onto Rathlin. Digging is a challenging task but we will have a lunch break to refuel. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Toilets facilities are available at all site's.

As this work takes place outside in the autumn/winter months warm layers, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are essential. All digging equipment needed will be provided including gloves but you can bring your own if you wish. We can also provide some waterproof's and wellie's for anyone who would like to volunteer but who may not have these items. The RSPB and our volunteers have been working hard to turn the fortunes of this species around, but we must continue to create large areas of Corncrake cover on Rathlin in an effort to attract greater numbers to breed.

So come join a dedicated team of RSPB staff and regular volunteers, learn more about 'Give Corncrake a Home' project, meet new people, gain experience in conservation, and have lots of "Crex" (Corncrake lingo) in the process! This role is suitable for under 18’s.