Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Upper Lough Erne)
Breeding wader species in the UK have seen major population declines due to large-scale landscape changes throughout the 20th century which has resulted in habitat loss and increased generalist predator numbers. Northern Ireland curlews specifically have declined by 82% since the 80’s, with only an estimated 250 pairs left we are in a race against time to stabilise and reverse this population decline.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals, preferably with some experience in monitoring breeding birds, to assist us with undertaking our annual programme of Breeding Wader Surveys on farmland sites around Upper Lough Erne.
We want to connect more people to nature and are able to train and support people who are new to breeding wader surveying and provide all the guidance you need to gain confidence. This science will then contribute to habitat management plans, inform policy decisions and help influence external organisations.
Survey Volunteers are required to complete dawn surveys for breeding waders following established transect routes between mid-April and mid-June. We offer training in breeding wader ID and survey skills to ensure that you are prepared for each individual survey. We can also offer opportunities to work with a peer buddy whilst you build up your confidence.
We are looking for volunteers with the following skills and experience:
- Ability to walk 5- 10km in remote, rural locations across frequently wet, muddy and uneven terrain.
- Identification skills of bird species, particularly breeding waders
- Or an interest in increasing your identification and survey knowledge.
- Ability to complete the surveys as an individual or in pairs.
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.
More about this role
Volunteer role | Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) |
Volunteer manager | RSPB Team |
Where you will be based | Community |
Why we want you
Many birds, plants, and other animal species are in decline. In order to understand why, make the best efforts to conserve them, and monitor our impact to help nature, we need to gather data throughout the year from surveying.
We need your help to complete a variety of surveys to collect essential data about various species to monitor population trends and help inform the science behind our work. We want to connect more people to nature and are able to train and support people who are new to surveying and provide all the guidance you need to gain confidence.
This science will then contribute to habitat management plans, inform policy decisions and help influence external organisations.
While this role profile gives a general description of what you might be doing, specific details may vary. Please contact the opportunity manager to find out more.
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 would like you to complete surveys of agreed species on a pre-agreed schedule. Although these surveys will take place during a set time of the year depending on species, there is flexibility to survey at any time within the day/evening that suits you.
- We can offer training in ID and survey skills to ensure that you are prepared for each individual survey. There may be opportunities to work with a peer buddy.
The skills you need
- Ability to walk a moderate distance (this may vary but expect to walk up to 5-8km), sometimes on uneven terrain.
- Whilst having identification skills of the species you'll be surveying (avian, flora or fauna) would be useful, this role is very suitable for those with an interest in increasing their identification and survey knowledge.
- Ability to complete the surveys as an individual or in small groups.
What's in it for you
- 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.
- A fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering with the RSPB and contribute to our Saving Nature strategy by taking on this role.
- The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a real difference.
Disclaimer
Suitable for under 18's. 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.
Other information
Community based
Location
Fermanagh And Omagh
