Coastal Nature Reserve Engagement Volunteers

Location: Hurst Spit & Keyhaven Coast

Times/days and frequency we'd like you to be available: The need for this important public engagement could be year-round. Key times are April – July: the bird nesting season, and October – March: wintering bird populations are present. Minimum of half day per week. Key times, such as mornings, evenings in spring/summer, weekends, bank holidays are particularly busy with visitors. You will cover a pre-determined area – working in pairs or be in close contact with another volunteer in the surrounding area.  

Purpose of opportunity: This role is about raising awareness of the impact recreational disturbance can have on breeding and overwintering bird populations in the Hurst area and educating people how they can help to protect them. Most people are unaware of how their actions can be detrimental. This opportunity is about helping people to have the knowledge and understanding to make the right decisions, helping to save our coastal birds.  It could be as simple as keeping their dog alongside them in certain areas, so they do not chase the birds. Or landing their craft in an area away from nesting birds. Although many bird species no longer breed here, we are lucky to still have some red-listed waders trying to nest on our coast at Hurst Spit and Keyhaven. These birds are in severe decline nationally and their protection is of utmost importance. The area also attracts high numbers of visitors. We hope your presence will allow more successful breeding to occur.

Spring and Summer: family parties come for picnics, kite-surfers, kayaks, sailing craft that land along the Spit, walkers, runners and regular dog walkers plus many day trippers and holiday makers.  This is also the most important time for ground-nesting birds who select the shingle or the saltmarsh to nest and rear their young. With eggs that are very difficult to see, they can easily be trodden on or frightened away from their nest leaving the eggs to cool or be predated.

Autumn and Winter: less holiday makers but regular runners, dog walkers and day trippers that let their dogs exercise in the water. This is the key time when nationally important flocks of geese and waders migrate to these shores and are desperate to rest and feed up over the months, before heading back off to their breeding grounds in early Spring. Constant disturbance can mean life or death for these birds.

Tasks involved in this opportunity: You will show people birds through binoculars or telescope and seek to actively engage with them about the importance of the coast for these birds. As part of the role, you will be recording numbers and species of birds, recording recreational activities observed and frequency of disturbance to birds.

Skills and abilities needed: 

• The ability to positively interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• An approachable and friendly manner, good people skills and outgoing personality.
• Have confidence and be happy to welcome and initiate positive conversations with visitors, about the coastal birdlife, importance of the area, designations and how they can help protect rare shorebirds.
• Willingness to be identifiable as a Wildlife Trust volunteer by wearing Trust branded clothing.
• The ability to get to the Hurst Spit & Keyhaven coast to carry out the task.
• To be able to negotiate rough terrain (especially shingle) for some aspects of this role.
• To be comfortable visiting the open coast in all weather conditions (although will not be required to undertake volunteering in the rain).
• To use telescope, tripod and binoculars to show people birds.
• A natural enthusiasm for wildlife and for inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds about wildlife - a basic knowledge of the coastal wildlife in this area would be an advantage.
• Willingness to learn about breeding shorebirds including terns, gulls and waders and how we can protect them.
• You will be expected to comply with the Trusts policies and procedures and undertake any Training applicable to the post.

Specific considerations: You will be required to work in compliance with the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy at all times, taking appropriate action and reporting back on potential hazards or accidents.

What's in it for you?

• Training; H&S; area conservation status, designations and meanings; use of optical equipment.
• You will be provided with binoculars, telescope and tripod and shorebird guides to facilitate conversation and public engagement.
• Gain experience of working within a Charity, being involved with the Wildlife Trust and meeting new people.
• Get to visit and see new wildlife sites in your area. 
• This post could be combined with wildlife photography & sightings.
• Pride in helping to protect and increase numbers of our diminishing coastal birds!
• The opportunity to receive more comprehensive training to take up Lead Volunteer position for this group.

Apply now!