Wading birds are in decline across the UK but many Bowland farmers are working with the RSPB to try and reverse this trend. Monitoring wader numbers and their breeding success on farms in the Bowland Focus Area is a key element of our work and is largely undertaken by volunteers. It allows us to establish local trends for each species and helps ensure that farmers and land owners are receiving the best advice and support on managing their land for these special birds.
Sound identification skills of the five wading bird species that breed on Bowland's farmland are essential (lapwing, curlew, redshank, snipe and oystercatcher). Previous experience of carrying out surveys would be an advantage although training on survey methodology and wading bird identification is given at the start of every survey season in the form of a dry run of the survey on one of the project farms. Early morning visits to survey sites are required and the ability to read and navigate with maps is required. You must be fit enough to walk several kilometres over upland rough grassland and damp ground.
The RSPB is an active and exciting conservation charity, the largest in Europe! As a wader surveyor you will be assisting us with high priority conservation monitoring work and gaining a first hand insight into our work in the wider countryside. It's a great opportunity to improve your bird identification skills, increase your knowledge of wading bird ecology, learn more about livestock farming and get out and about in the beautiful Forest of Bowland AONB.
Gavin Thomas, Northern England Region Office, Lancaster
Tel: 01524 581000
Email: Gavin.Thomas@rspb.org.uk
Appropriate training will be provided and travel expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB and it would be great if you could join us. The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations.
Reference number 1192