Coastal Breeding Wader Project – Monitoring Volunteers
Coastal Breeding Wader Project – Monitoring Volunteers
Location: Hurst Spit: Hurst Spit is a one-mile-long (1.6 km) shingle bank near the village of Keyhaven, at the western end of the Solent. The spit shelters an area of saltmarsh and mudflats known as Keyhaven and Pennington marshes.
Times, days and frequency we'd like you to be available: The project runs from March to August 2025. Key times: breeding season April – July. Minimum of half day per week. Key times, such as mornings, evenings in spring/summer, weekends, bank holidays when the area is 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 monitoring and observing waders that are nesting on the habitats of Hurst Spit, Milford-on-Sea. Working alongside our Coastal Engagement Volunteers, who are 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.
Tasks involved in this opportunity: You will work as part of a team, undertaking shifts to monitor, protect and record breeding waders. Using binoculars and telescope you will scan the determined area and identify any potential nesting attempts by breeding waders. Known nests will be monitored daily on shifts to help protect them from disturbance and to record outcomes. Known nest sites will have restricted access. We encourage positive engagement with visitors to Hurst Spit, to show them birds through the telescope and to raise awareness, to build a sense of ownership among frequent users of the area to help protect the nesting waders. You will be recording sightings of breeding birds, mapping locations, and recording information.
Skills and abilities needed:
- 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.
- 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).
- 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?
- Pride in helping to protect and increase numbers of our diminishing coastal birds!
- Training; H&S; area conservation status, designations and meanings; use of optical equipment.
- Binoculars, telescope and tripod can be provided if needed.
- Gain experience of working within a Charity, being involved with the Wildlife Trust and meeting new people.
- This post could be combined with wildlife photography.