Species Protection (Upper Lough Erne)
Available from 01/04/2025 to 31/07/2025
Want to play a vital role in monitoring and protecting Curlew? Curlew struggle to breed successfully in many parts of the UK due to predation of their eggs and chicks by predators, disturbance and changes to their habitat. The RSPB has been working in the farmed landscape around Upper Lough Erne over a number of years to tackle these problems and is seeking help with some aspects of this work.
This role will could include some or all of the following:
- Monitoring suspected Curlew breeding sites to identify the location of pair territories.
- Assisting with the erection of temporary nest protection fences (if nests are found).
- Nest monitoring (if nests are found)
- Administration as required.
This role will require some key general skills, but a full induction, training and on-going support will be provided.
General skills and knowledge which would be useful include:
- Ability to identify Curlew
- Some knowledge of the species.
- Willingness to learn and follow the various steps the RSPB is taking to save Curlew.
- Able to work outdoors for prolonged periods of time as needed.
- Able to work independently or as part of a small team.
- Locations are remote and rural so access to own transport (or lift sharing) is essential.
This is a hugely rewarding role and offers the opportunity to make a real impact for nature and the environment. As a Species Protection Volunteer you will have a chance to work as part of a team and meet new, like-minded people whilst gaining hands on experience of specific species protection. We will offer training and induction to ensure that you are prepared for the specific needs for each habitat and species. You will be contributing to our Saving Nature work programme, so we are able to better protect these key species and their habitats long into the future. We like to think we're a friendly and welcoming team, so you'll have the opportunity to make new friends too.
More about this role
Volunteer role | Species Protection |
Volunteer manager | RSPB Team |
Where you will be based | Community |
Why we want you
Many species are unable to breed successfully due to persecution or disturbance to their habitat.
The RSPB has a long-running programme of work to tackle these problems and needs help with many aspects of it on an ongoing basis.
Some of the disturbance we see is accidental, so we work with local communities and interest groups to raise awareness and provide solutions.
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
- This role will vary depending on the species you are working to protect but could include the following:
- Patrols of a breeding area to minimise damage caused to habitats.
- Speaking to the local communities about the species and why we are working to protect it.
- Nest monitoring, for some species this would be over a 24 hour period during breeding season.
- Administration as required.
The skills you need
- This role will require some key general skills, but please note that we will offer full induction and training.
- You may need some specific species knowledge.
- Willingness to learn and follow the various steps the RSPB is taking to save a species.
- Ability to talk to members of the public.
- Able to volunteer during evenings and weekends as needed.
- Able to work independently or as part of a small team.
- Locations may be quite remote so access to transport is beneficial.
What's in it for you
- A chance to work part of a team and meet new like-minded people whilst gaining hands on experience of specific species protection.
- We will offer training and induction to ensure that you are prepared for the specific needs for each habitat and species.
- You will be contributing to our Saving Nature work programme, so we are able to better protect these key species and their habitats long into the future.
- We like to think we're a friendly and welcoming team, so you'll have the opportunity to make new friends too.
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.
Other information
Minimum age 18
Community based
Location
Fermanagh And Omagh
Apply
7 open spaces
