Surveyor (Not on a Reserve) (Stormont Estate Biodiversity Volunteer)

The RSPB and idverde, one of Europe’s largest grounds maintenance companies, are in partnership in Northern Ireland. One of idverde’s clients is the Stormont Estate, this year the Estate is aiming to create a thorough biodiversity audit of their site and apply for a pollinator green flag award.

This is where you come in. We need your help to complete a number of biodiversity surveys over the coming months to collect essential data about various species of plant and invertebrates present throughout the Stormont Estate and help determine future maintenance and planting regimes.

We are looking for 16 volunteers with general surveying experience to carry out invertebrate and floral surveys at Stormont Estate once a week from April to September.

At an induction you will be assigned areas and paired with a buddy for surveying. This induction will include a demo survey and a refresher course on surveying. While knowledge of plant and invertebrate species is desirable, training in species id will be provided.

You will be provided with maps of your survey area, a blank list to record species and location. You will then walk across your assigned survey area(s) and record invertebrate and floral species, ground conditions and land features.

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

-General invertebrate and floral species knowledge and/or experience.
-Ability to complete the surveys in pairs. -Ability to travel to the Stormont Estate. -Are happy to pass on knowledge to volunteers looking to develop surveying skills

Essential Equipment: • A smartphone with digital camera to identify and/or send photos of unidentified species

As with all our volunteer roles we encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Should you require further information on the role please contact: conal.oneill@rspb.org.uk