Farming Cluster Volunteer Surveyor - Water Voles

Why we want you?

The RSPB conservation team (Cambs, Beds, Herts) focus on our conservation work outside of reserves. In Cambridgeshire, this falls into two key areas: nature-friendly farming and wetland creation / management.

Nature-friendly farming

The Ely Nature-Friendly Farming Zone (ENFFZ) is a farming cluster aiming to be an exemplar of a profitable, sustainable farming landscape demonstrating increasing levels of Fenland biodiversity. They are supported by the RSPB and are working to be known for inspiring, developing and sharing best practice in nature-friendly farming locally and nationally.

By ensuring all ENFFZ members are working to achieve the Farm Wildlife 6 key elements, farmers are doing their utmost for the wildlife within the Fens. The group provides members with a voice and an opportunity to show the public, farmers, landowners and both local and national ministers the great work being undertaken on their farms. You can find out more information about the cluster group here (site still in development): elynffarming.wordpress.com.

Wetland creation

The Ouse Washes Landscape Recovery Project (OWLRP) – farming for food, nature and climate – will be an ambitious 20-year partnership project, delivering habitat creation across the Fens. Currently in a two-year development phase, this project looks to build on decades of experience of successful habitat creation and management across numerous sites. Aiming to deliver vital nature-based solutions like habitats for key species and reductions in carbon emissions, this project will hopefully support both the once abundant Fenland species and build resilience in those now at risk from the pressure of increased flooding.

To support the ambitions of both the ENFFZ and the OWLRP, we are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to support us with baseline wildlife surveys (and repeated future surveys)! This role is specifically looking for people interested in surveying for Water Voles (more to come).

This is an exciting opportunity to help expand our impact and support the RSPB’s wider mission to create a world richer in nature. You will become part of a small team of RSPB staff, farmers, and volunteers, helping to create a sustainable monitoring legacy for the ENFFZ and OWLRP.

What will you be doing?

You will be supporting the RSPB conservation team to baseline the farms involved in the Ely Nature-Friendly Farming Zone and Ouse Washes Landscape Recovery Project.

The Water Vole survey follows an amended version of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species National Water Vole Monitoring Programme (NWVMP) methodology (see more here: ptes.org/get-involved/surveys/countryside/national-water-vole-monitoring-programme). (Methodology still TBC).

We are aiming to:

• Monitor Water Vole presence / absence, as well as relative abundance, across select farm ditches.
• Collect records of Mink or Otter presence at these sites, as well as information about whether Mink control is carried out.
• Collect habitat suitability data for Water Voles across select farm ditches.

You will:

• Need to be available to carry out two surveys across at least one farm ditch (to be allocated to you) between April and September (survey one: April – June; survey two: July – September).
• Complete the NWVMP survey.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the farmers and land managers.
• Facilitate support for nature-friendly land management.
• [Optional] Support less experienced volunteers by acting as a mentor OR support volunteers without access to their own transport.

The skills you need?

Essential

• Ability to walk a moderate distance (5-8km), likely on uneven terrain.
• An interest in increasing your identification and survey knowledge of Water Vole signs. Training provided.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with farmers.
• A great people person, friendly and approachable.
• Ability to work with sensitive data and adhere to GDPR guidelines.
• Reliable and committed.

Desirable

• Basic identification skills (Water Vole signs).
• Prior surveying experience (general).
• Prior Water Vole surveying experience.
• Full driving licence (many of our farms are difficult / not possible to travel to via public transport).

What’s in it for you?

• A fantastic opportunity to support a farming cluster working to provide a space for nature on their farms and a partnership of farmers creating wetland habitat to support our well-loved Fenland species.
• Training to help you learn new skills and make sure you are prepared for the role.
• Meeting like-minded people.
• Flexibility, meaning this role works around your other commitments.
• You will be making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, so if that is your motivation, you’ll find satisfaction in this role.
• You will learn all about how the RSPB works and gain experience working for an environmental charity.

Additional information?

• Appropriate training will be provided.
• Expenses reimbursed where necessary.
• Appropriate equipment provided (where necessary).
• Whilst this role is flexible, it is essential that the surveys are carried out according to their respective methodologies and within the required time frame.