Residential Volunteer - Long term placement - Ynys-hir

Ynys Hir

Why we want you

We are looking for an enthusiastic all-rounder to help us with a very varied programme of people engagement, habitat management, survey and monitoring, estate work, and livestock management. Ynys-Hir is sited on the southern side of the Dyfi estuary, a UNESCO World Biosphere site. The reserve is stunningly beautiful and supports a unique mix of habitats, ranging from upland heath, ffridd and western oak woodlands to estuarine bogs, reed-bed, lowland wet grassland, and the saltmarshes of the Dyfi. It is the most important site for breeding lapwing in Wales. Other key species include pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler, tree pipit and lesser spotted woodpecker, otter, dormouse, several nationally important invertebrates, and 10 species of bat.

Whats in it for you?

As part of the reserve team, you will gain practical experience of a wide range of activities - from people engagement to counting ponies to repairing fences. You will develop an understanding of our rationale for management, the ecology of our target species and our management options. You will receive hands-on training in estate tasks (e.g. fencing, livestock management), bird survey work, and you will gain valuable experience of managing the visitor centre, taking part in our busy schedule of events (walks, talks, etc). The accommodation is a 2-bedroom bungalow, less than a mile from the reserve, and you will be sharing.

The skills you need

You should be comfortable talking to people and dealing with enquiries, and a good team player. Tasks can be physically demanding, and you will need to be prepared to work outside in all weathers. You must be at least 18 years old and have a sense of humour. We are looking for someone who is flexible and enthusiastic, and able to use their initiative. Your own car or bicycle will be useful.

Your time
Minimum commitment: 6 months Duration: March - September 2014 Period: All year round

Downloads
Application form (PDF) To be completed and returned to us before a booking can be made

Brochure about residential volunteering (PDF) Find out more about residential volunteering on this, and our other reserves within this scheme. Also included are answers to the most frequently asked questions

Who to contact
Kate Tycer Tel: 01767 680551 E-mail: volunteers@rspb.org.uk

Notes
Appropriate training will be provided and pre-agreed expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. Click here to join today www.RSPB.org.uk/join The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654
Reference number: 319