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.

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

Volunteer manager: RSPB Project Team

Where you will be based: Community

Why we want you

Our nature reserves are incredibly special places for people and wildlife, but our work is expanding outside of these protected places to ensure that the work we do helps wildlife across the country, helping ensure that species get the protection they need wherever they are found.

Right across the UK the RSPB is working in collaboration with others who manage woodlands, wetlands, heathland, meadows, farmland, and increasingly in urban areas. A real mosaic of different kinds of habitats for a wide range of wildlife.

We rely on volunteers, to work in collaboration with others, to undertake various practical tasks that help maintain and look after these habitats or, alternatively, take part in projects that are assisting with individual species. It is work that never stops.

We need more volunteers to join our invaluable practical work party teams or work on practical tasks. These opportunities run in a variety of locations from the north of the country to the south, but you can always choose how much you get involved and in which locations.

This is where you come in. We need volunteers from all sorts of backgrounds to engage with this work to help us save nature. The practical work can be varied and will depend on the project, so please do read further, or make contact for more information. We are always happy to help you discover whether this role or another is a better suited to your needs.

By volunteering your time, you will not only help wildlife, you will also get to connect to others, spend time in nature, learn new skills, as well as being able to utilise the skills you already have. Volunteering has also been proven to improve your all-round well-being.

Suitable for under 18's.

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

If you would like to understand more about the physical activity required, please get in touch, as it will be possible to identify different tasks (such as maintaining tools or gardening in wildlife garden areas).

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. Please do contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

What you will be doing

Joining a regular practical work party team to undertake practical habitat management tasks. This often includes but is not limited to cutting and clearing vegetation but can also involve habitat creation, for example developing weed patches for turtle doves or building and positioning nest boxes for swifts.
Maintaining and managing tools and equipment.
Considering annual work plans and joining with others, both staff and volunteers, to help develop next steps.
Following our Health and Safety protocols.
Taking regular tea breaks with the team and taking a moment out of your day to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
You could also be asked to complete ad hoc tasks as they are required by the team or project you are volunteering for.

The skills you need

Essential - The ability to carry out a reasonable level of physical activity (not all tasks are very strenuous).
Beneficial - Prior practical skills knowledge welcomed.

What's in it for you

If you enjoy being outdoors, then this role could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The role will involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, helping you to maintain or improve your fitness levels.
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 is a great flexible opportunity as you can get involved on days and in locations that suit you.
We are a friendly and supportive team, so you might make new friends too.
If you are volunteering to learn new skills and gain knowledge about wildlife conservation work, you will find that our team will be more than happy to help you on that journey.
Volunteering can help you improve your mental health and well-being as it addresses the well-recognised five ways to well-being, which are keep learning, give, be active, connect, and take notice.
The RSPB has a Volunteering Expenses Policy that covers most out-of-pocket expenses that you might incur whilst volunteering for us.

Disclaimer

Protecting habitats, saving species and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it.

Environment & Conservation jobs in Ballymena

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