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Voluntary Opprtunities: Ecology and Biodiversity

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Ecology voluntary roles: covering ecology, biodiversity, mitigation, consultancy; may include tasks as such helping with fieldwork and surveys

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JOB: Trustees
BE4: 22-04-2024 9am
IV: 09-05-2024
LOC: Hertfordshire and Middlesex
PAY: This is a voluntary role but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
FOR: Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

We are looking for two exceptional people to join our Board of Trustees. You would oversee our strategy, risk management and financial sustainability, and be an advocate for the Trust, playing a vital role in influencing our supporters, partners, funders and key stakeholders. You will provide advice and support to the dedicated and highly skilled staff team who run the organisation day-to-day, stand up for nature, and deliver on our objectives. You will need to have a passion for ensuring a positive future for wildlife, and be able to think strategically. You will need to attend quarterly Council meetings and the AGM. We are a welcoming and open organisation, committed to the principles of Equality Diversity and Inclusion. While all applications will be considered on merit, we would strongly encourage anyone from a minority background to consider applying as we need all perspectives if we are to succeed in our mission. More generally, we would particularly like to hear from people who have skills in one or more of the following areas – ecology, land management, business development, and philanthropic giving. Trustees can be appointed for up to three consecutive three-year terms. If you’d like to help make a difference for wildlife in Herts and Middlesex as one of our Trustees, please contact Becky at becky.vernon-clinch@hmwt.org for an information pack. Please visit our website for more information about the Trust - www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

JOB: Peat Dragonfly Monitor Volunteer
BE4: 08-04-2024 5pm
IV: --
LOC: Swarth Moor, Yorkshire Dales
PAY: Full training will be provided
FOR: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Do you want to be involved in helping monitor populations of dragonflies and damselflies across Yorkshire’s peatland habitats? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors off the beaten track in sunny weather? How about contributing to data collection efforts to help with dragonfly conservation? If so, then this role will be perfect for you! Around half of our British dragonflies and damselflies depend upon peatlands, bogs and mires. The biological records in these surveys will contribute to our ‘Dragons in the Dales’ project for the Species Recovery Programme, which is focused on the red-listed white faced darter dragonfly (currently extinct from Yorkshire). We need your help to monitor these species to contribute to dragonfly iRecord records for the British Dragonfly Society, and for field research into peatbog dragonflies to allow peatlands to thrive! For more information and to apply visit Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website

JOB: British Dragonfly Monitoring Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Stover Country Park
PAY: Training from a Dragonfly expert, BDS membership, out of pocket expenses.
FOR: Stover Country Park, Devon County Council

Are you aged 16-25 years old and living near to Stover Country Park? Gain more knowledge and experience in identification and monitoring skills in the field with an expert and help us survey our Dragonfly population. One Sunday a month between May-September. For more information: volunteer or contact us at restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk or 07971797658. Made possible with Heritage Lottery Fund and support of British Dragonfly Society.

JOB: Volunteer Officer
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Stave Hill Ecology Park
PAY: Free training tailored to your needs and interests, supervision and career development, travel expenses reimbursed.
FOR: The Conservation Volunteers

Gain valuable experience in the conservation sector from professional countryside managers and ecologists within a beautiful nature reserve in South London. At Stave Hill Ecology Park, you will be carrying out habitat creation and management projects, survey and monitoring tasks. Experience not necessary, training given. A fantastic opportunity to learn site management techniques, practical conservation skills, and project management. Two days per week commitment required, for one year. You’ll be working with an established group of volunteers, and will have the opportunity to carry out your own research and projects. Volunteers will be attached to The Conservation Volunteers volunteer officer programme, and will be given full access to TCV training courses. Contact Rebeka Clark – r.clark@tcv.org.uk.

JOB: Senior Planning Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV:
LOC: Welwyn, Herts and home-based
PAY:
FOR: CPRE Hertfordshire

Are you a Planning professional who's retired or working part-time? Come join our volunteer team, and apply your knowledge and expertise in our friendly charity. You'll be helping to research and respond to the most significant development proposals across Hertfordshire. Typically, the salient issues may include designated protected land such as the Green Belt or AONB, and issues pertaining to landscape character, transport, water, biodiversity, heritage assets, and best and most versatile agricultural land. The role requires just a few hours each week at home or in our Welwyn office, and offers plenty of flexibility to fit around your other commitments. Avg 2 - 3 hours per week. Find out more here.

JOB: Various Volunteering Opportunities
BE4:
IV:
LOC: Huntingdonshire
PAY:
FOR: Huntingdonshire District Council

Huntingdonshire District Council are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to get involved! Our visitor centre volunteers provide a welcoming friendly environment where people can relax after the rigours of exercise or wildlife watching. Our events team volunteers provide so much pleasure and excitement for young and old alike. You can also get involved with wildlife surveying. We are looking to survey as many different wildlife groups as we can, including insects, birds and fungi. No experience is needed for this, just enthusiasm for learning about wildlife! Join our weekly work parties and help with practical conservation work at our Green Flag award winning sites in Huntingdon and St Neots. With us, you can gain experience in tool use and habitat management within woodland, grassland and wetland areas, whilst having fun in the great outdoors Please contact Russell Taylor at russell.taylor@huntingdonshire.gov.uk to arrange an informal chat about the opportunities available.

JOB: Meadow Survey Volunteers
BE4: 13/09/24
IV: --
LOC: Cumbria wide
PAY: Materials, training and support will be provided
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Would you like to help us monitor our restored hay meadows? Do you have some plant ID skills or are keen to develop your skills? Then join our team of meadow surveyors. Surveying grassland hay meadows that Cumbria Wildlife Trust has restored, or has the potential to restore. This involves counting the cover of wildflower species and grass species within celled quadrats at random locations across the site. Previous botanical ID skills would be ideal but not essential if the participant is happy to learn. Survey skills using quadrats will be required to carry out the task but these skills can be taught too. A willingness to work with other volunteers as a pair to carry out the survey. We would like to ask for a minimum of one botanical survey (2 full days of surveying) per year. Interested? then find more details and sign up here

JOB: Marine Champion - Survey Leader
BE4: 13-09-2024
IV: --
LOC: Cumbria coast
PAY: Training, equipment and of pocket travel costs between home and volunteering place will be paid up to a set amount
FOR: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Help to take action for our coasts by helping to lead marine wildlife surveys on the North West Coast! No previous experience needed, other than a passion for the marine environment and a keenness to get involved in assisting or leading surveys! The training day will take you through how to set up, run and record a Shoresearch survey. We will also focus on coastal awareness and species ID, as well as group management, communication and leadership skills. After training day, you can choose to attend surveys. You can find out more about our upcoming survey days here This role is available for those aged 16 years or above. We hope to run another training day at a future date - so contact us if you would be interested. To confirm your interest in this role please email Amber Gould Amberg@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

JOB: Residential Conservation Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: RSPB Saltholme
PAY: Accommodation (including utility bills), appropriate machinery and vehicle training will be provided.
FOR: RSPB

We are looking for enthusiastic residential volunteers to join our friendly reserve team. You will be volunteering at the North East's flagship reserve helping key species such as common tern, avocet, lapwing, sand martin, bearded tit, bittern and so much more. As a residential volunteer, you will undertake all aspects of practical habitat management, survey and monitoring, estate management and species protection, and will be able to develop essential skills and experience necessary for a career in wildlife conservation. Time: Preferably 6 months. For more information or to apply, email matthew.scarborough@rspb.org.uk or click here.

JOB: Volunteer Internship - Conservation Education
BE4: Open until filled
IV: --
LOC: Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover
PAY: Daily expenses and free accommodation on-site is available if required.
FOR: Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Conservation Education Internship at the Hawk Conservancy Trust is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills in conservation education research and delivery. The Intern will help the Conservation, Research and Education Department and activities may include: Public engagement and education for conservation. Assisting with education workshops/activities and other daily activities. Contributing to educational resources. Conservation education research. Contributing to social media. Reviewing literature and online media. Data management and analysis. Start from May/June 2024 onwards. The ideal intern would have: A passion for nature and sharing this with people. Interest in citizen or behavioural science. Very good people skills. Experience with talking to groups. Enthusiasm, commitment and reliability. Email education@hawkconservancy.org with your CV (maximum three pages) and a one page cover letter detailing how you fit the specifications and what skills you hope to gain. More information: https://c-js.co.uk/3Iu49YU

JOB: Catchment Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: Doncaster
PAY: Expense and training
FOR: Don Catchment Rivers Trust

With DCRT staff you will help to make physical improvements to the rivers in the catchment. This will include improving access, litter picking, removing invasive non-native species (INNS) and small scale works in rivers. You will be able to get outside, learn about local watercourses, develop skills and spend time in nature. This role will suit people who want to get outdoors and learn about their natural heritage, are willing to be part of a team, and share experience and knowledge with other volunteers. Various locations and dates in Doncaster. Training, support, uniform, refreshments and travel expenses. This role is a part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project All Hands on the Don. Use this link to apply: https://c-js.co.uk/3HJnTXV

JOB: Citizen Science Volunteer with DCRT
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: Doncaster
PAY: Free training, travel expenses, refreshments, uniform
FOR: Don Catchment Rivers Trust

DCRT are restoring two wetland sites in Doncaster as part of the National Lottery Funded "All Hands on the Don" project. Volunteers with a passion for wildlife are needed to help survey the sites before and after the creation of two wetland conservation schemes. Take part in a monthly wetland bird survey, waterway bat surveys, moth-trapping, botanical surveys, water-vole surveying, re-introduction of plants, and more across the Doncaster area. Help us to survey nature, take part in free training courses and meet new people! All welcome, from beginner's wanting to learn new skills to nature-experts wishing to share their knowledge. Time: 2-4 hours a month. Volunteers can find out more by emailing volunteer@dcrt.org.uk or visiting https://c-js.co.uk/3HJnTXV

JOB: Monitoring Assistant
BE4: May 2024
IV: --
LOC: Wales (Clwydian and Dee Valley AONB, Montgomeryshire and Bannau Brychieniog National Park)
PAY: Training provided and expenses where possible.
FOR: Curlew Connections Wales Project

The monitoring assistant will work in the respective area to monitor located curlew pairs, their behaviour and movements. Training will be provided for all aspects of the role and areas can be allocated to best suitable location and accessibility. Key elements: Visiting previous and potential sites to identify curlew territories. Regular visits to identified territories to monitor behaviour, understand territories, locate potential nesting sites. Collecting and reporting data. Developing and maintaining relationships with volunteers, landowners and farmers. Essential skills: An interest in conservation and a passion for wildlife. Enjoyment of working outdoors. Vehicle access. Desirable skills: Basic bird and animal ID skills (training will be provided). Previous experience (training will be provided). Knowledge of local area. Relationships with local community and landowners. This role is open to anyone that is interested, although currently capped at 20 individuals. Time: Flexible. For more information or to apply please email Katie - kappleby@gwct.org.uk

JOB: Survey Assistant
BE4: May 2024
IV: --
LOC: Wales (Clwydian and Dee Valley AONB, Montgomeryshire and Bannau Brychieniog National Park)
PAY: Training provided and expenses where possible.
FOR: Curlew Connections Wales Project

The survey assistant will work with the Curlew and People Officer in the respective area to conduct transect surveys, habitat assessments and bird surveys. Training will be provided for all aspects of the surveys. Completing transect surveys to determine signs of predators. Preforming habitat assessments. Determine curlew territories and behaviours. Collecting and reporting data. Developing and maintaining relationships with volunteers, landowners and farmers. Essential skills: An interest in conservation and a passion for wildlife. Enjoyment of working outdoors. Comfortable walking varied distances. Access to at least one of the three key project areas. Desirable skills: Basic bird and animal ID skills (training will be provided). Previous experience (training will be provided). Knowledge of local area. Relationships with local community and landowners. The role is open to as many people as are interested, although currently capped at 20 applicants for the time being. Time: Flexible. For more information or to apply please email Katie - kappleby@gwct.org.uk

JOB: Part time volunteers. Monitoring of breeding curlew
BE4: 01-07-2024
IV: --
LOC: All Wales
PAY: Contributions towards travelling expenses will be considered and training provided depending on location
FOR: Gylfinir Cymru - Curlew Wales

Gylfinir Cymru / Curlew Wales are fourteen different organisations working together for curlew in Wales Conservation Partnership | Curlew Wales The population of this iconic bird is in steep decline in Wales. Survey work is vital in finding curlew during the breeding season to allow conservation measures to be put in place. There are now projects to benefit curlew running throughout Wales. You will be volunteering alongside project staff and other dedicated individuals. Training will be available in many parts of Wales, depending on your location. Suitable for students looking to improve their bird identification skills, to gain further experience in the conservation sector or other individuals looking to help save curlew in Wales. Time: Ad hoc, weekdays or weekends. Please send an email to hello@curlewwales.org and we will be in touch to discuss which area of Wales is best for you.

JOB: Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: UK
PAY: Training
FOR: Butterfly Conservation

Walk pre-selected survey sites in your area and record butterflies twice between July and August. You will need to survey independently and have butterfly identification skills. An information pack and support is provided. Time: 2 days per year. For info visit the scheme website or contact Rachael Conway at rconway@butterfly-conservation.org

JOB: Leckford Biodiversity Volunteers
BE4: 31-03-2024
IV: --
LOC: The Waitrose Farm, Leckford Estate, Stockbridge, Hampshire
PAY: Expand your knowledge and identification of local habitats and wildlife. Tools training and refreshments provided.
FOR: Waitrose & Partners

Leckford Estate spans 2800 acres of the Hampshire countryside and is made up of beautiful chalk downland, the famous River Test and water meadows, pockets of woodland and mixed farmland. As The Waitrose Farm, we are the only supermarket owned farm in the UK and are committed to working alongside nature, with an aim to enhance biodiversity through regenerative farming. We are looking for volunteers who would like the opportunity to assist the estate’s Biodiversity Officer with essential habitat management and wildlife monitoring of Leckford’s priority habitats. Practical conservation tasks: Scrub clearance on our SSSI’s, vegetation cut-backs around our grazing units, building nest boxes, hedge-laying and coppicing. Wildlife monitoring tasks: Group surveys for a range of species, including; brown hairstreaks, harvest mice and brown hares. Volunteer days are twice monthly on a Sunday from 10am. Please contact Kath Hernon, Biodiversity Officer, to express your interest kath.hernon@waitrose.co.uk

JOB: Conservation Placement Volunteer
BE4: 22-04-2024
IV: --
LOC: Wokingham
PAY: Training, travel and lunch expenses paid.
FOR: Wokingham Borough Council

WBC Countryside Service are seeking 3 enthusiastic volunteers wanting to gain practical conservation experience to help develop a future career in the countryside sector. You will work alongside the Ranger team enhancing our wonderful Country Parks, maintaining our Public Right of Way network and helping to safeguard the borough’s nature reserves and wildlife. Starting Aug/Sept for a 3 days a week, 44 week placement. You’ll be given a range of skills and training to manage a variety of habitats including large wetland and ancient woodland areas, SSSI heathlands and conservation grazed grasslands. Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to gain qualifications and experience in chainsaws and tractor driving operations. Requirements: 18+, driving license (preferable). Please email your CV and cover letter to scott.hudson@wokingham.gov.uk

JOB: Rosliston Rangers
BE4: N/A
IV: --
LOC: Rosliston Forestry Centre, Burton Road, Rosliston, Swadlincote DE12 8JX
PAY: Training
FOR: South Derbyshire District Council Environmental Education Project

2nd and 4th Tuesdays 10am to 4pm. Make a regular date or drop in as you please to help with site maintenance projects, tree work, conservation and wildlife surveys. Training provided. Bring your lunch & drinks and, if possible, gloves. Please contact us to book your first visit - rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk 01283 535039

JOB: Sherbourne Valley, Wildlife Monitoring Volunteer
BE4: N/A
IV: --
LOC: Various locations throughout Coventry
PAY: Full Training Provided
FOR: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

The Sherbourne Valley Project is run by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, with the aims of reconnecting the people of Coventry with the city’s river whilst helping to restore the river for wildlife. As a Wildlife Monitoring Volunteer, you will assist the Sherbourne Valley Project team with wildlife monitoring tasks, helping us to keep track of how well the wildlife is doing within the areas of the Sherbourne Valley. You will be helping to monitor the wildlife along the Sherbourne Valley, this may include identifying and counting invertebrates found in the river, counting birds or wild flowers and/or any other tasks associated with keeping track of wildlife within the area. Prior knowledge or experience of wildlife identification would be useful but not essential as training and guidance will be offered. Various times throughout the year. 1-4 hours per session. For more information and to apply: https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/become-volunteer

JOB: Survey Force
BE4: N/A
IV: --
LOC: Local reserves throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull
PAY: Full Training Provided
FOR: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

To assist with habitat and species surveying and monitoring on Warwickshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves. Surveys you will be involved with: botany (national vegetation classification and habitat condition); pond / amphibian; invertebrates (butterflies, dragonflies and moths); birds and breeding bird populations; small mammals; fungi; bioblitz. As a Survey Force volunteer, you have the option to join our regular larger group sessions which take place on alternate Mondays* during the survey season (April – September, 10:00 - 15:00 approximately) or if you would prefer and opportunities are available, you may survey by yourself or in smaller groups at a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve of your choice at a time more suited to you (please note that the exception to this is that some surveys are required to be done at certain times of the day and year). For more information and to apply: https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/become-volunteer

JOB: Roadside Nature Reserves Volunteer Warden
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: Suffolk
PAY: 0
FOR: Suffolk County Council

Suffolk has a network of 116 Roadside Nature Reserves which support rare and unusual plants and fungi, and species rich grasslands unique to Suffolk. This is an exciting opportunity to help conserve these important sites and join a dedicated team of volunteer wardens. The role involves keeping a regular eye on your verge/s and letting us know if anything happens to them, as well as raking the cuttings off once a year, to remove nutrients. We would also welcome contributions to our regular newsletter. Equipment and training will be provided, and you will be supported in your role by the Ecology Team. You will need to live locally to your verge. For more details about the role and to see our interactive map of RNRs please visit https://c-js.co.uk/3aVnbW6 please contact RNRs@suffolk.gov.uk to register your interest.

JOB: Conservation Volunteer
BE4: Ongoing
IV: --
LOC: Fenn's, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses NNR, & NNR Base (N Shropshire)
PAY: Travel expenses / Training
FOR: Natural England

A great opportunity to assist with the management and ongoing restoration of Britain’s 3rd largest lowland raised peat bog. The National Nature Reserve is 690ha & straddles the English / Welsh border, 4 miles from Whitchurch, Shropshire & 10 miles from Wrexham. Role is varied & can include practical estate & habitat management tasks, surveying / monitoring, assisting with events / guided walks & office projects. Protective clothing & some formal courses & in-house training provided. Suitable for students looking for a work placement or someone wanting to gain further experience in the conservation sector. To discuss, please contact Steve Dobbin, Reserve Manager; steve.dobbin@naturalengland.org.uk, 07826 530767

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