Residential Volunteers - Otmoor Reserve

If you are looking for a career in environmental conservation, the residential volunteer placement at RSPB Otmoor is the perfect place to start. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to develop your existing skills, while learning the ins and outs of reserve management in a supportive and passionate team environment. All appropriate training will be provided and free accommodation (including bills) is included.

About the reserve

Situated just to the north-east of Oxford, Otmoor is a hidden gem in the Oxfordshire countryside. Combined with the neighbouring SSSI, and covering 485ha, the reserve represents one of the largest wetland complexes in central England, incorporating reedbed, wet grassland and over 21km of hedgerows.

With dynamic habitats such as reedbeds, wet grassland, scrub and hedgerows, Otmoor attracts a huge variety of wildlife. The reserve provides a perfect home for breeding birds such as Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe and Curlew and for wintering birds including Wigeon, Teal, Golden Plover, Pintail and Shoveler. The 25ha of reedbed attracts Bitterns, Water Rail and Marsh Harriers and hosts a 100,000 strong starling roost in the winter. During the summer months the hedges and scrubby areas are alive with warblers, and the wildflower meadows throng with insect life, including the nationally scarce Black and Brown Hairstreak butterflies.

Why We Want You

We are looking for 2 enthusiastic residential volunteers to join our friendly reserve team to help manage this fantastic and diverse nature reserve. Otmoor residential volunteers will play an important role in helping key species such as Bittern, Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing, Common Crane and many more, while maintaining the reserve for the thousands of visitors that enjoy the site annually.

What’s In It for You

Otmoor is a large, active reserve, which provides an ideal training ground for keen conservationists. We want you to help with the running and management of this exciting wetland site, a site that is teeming with wildlife and is seen as a showcase for innovative habitat management. Residential volunteers at Otmoor will become fully fledged team members, working alongside staff and passionate volunteers to deliver key conservation.

You will gain first-hand experience of the daily operation of a wetland reserve through a diverse range of activities that are essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in nature conservation. The placement may include the following:

• A wide range of biological recording, including breeding bird surveys, wader nest monitoring, Wetland Bird Surveys, wildflower surveys and many more.
• Monitoring of predators through trail cameras and night-time transects.
• Reedbed management including annual reed cuts and water control.
• Water level management, ranging from taking important regular water levels readings, to adjusting sluices and control structures, ensuring the breeding waders have the very best conditions in which to thrive.
• Visitor infrastructure construction and maintenance.
• Conducting regular checks and maintenance of reserve machinery and tools, ranging from sharpening lopper blades to conducting extensive checks on the tractor and associated equipment.
• Regular fencing and electric fencing jobs, including repairs, new builds, maintenance of 2 permanent predator exclusion fences and erecting small temporary predator fences around individual Curlew nests.
• Use of the RSPB’s internal mapping system Merlin, and developing skills in programmes such as MS Excel.
• Involvement in report writing, contributing to the annual reporting process where we summarise reserve activities and the breeding season.
• Gaining experience of working around livestock, particularly cattle and sheep, which can include moving them between field parcels, and regular welfare checks and counts.
• Opportunities to learn about key reserve management topics such as cross compliance, Agri-environment schemes and management planning.
• Ensuring the workshop and work areas remain clean, tidy and safe for all users.
• You will also gain first-hand knowledge of the workings of Europe's largest conservation charity.

Career development

You will enter a programme of training that could include first aid, brushcutter, chainsaw, tractor driving and implement operation, ATV and 4x4 off road. Training is provided seasonally and is dependent on the needs of the reserve and the ability and experience of the applicants.

You will receive coaching for the next steps in your conservation journey from experienced staff who have been in the very position that you are applying for, including assistance with application writing and improving interview techniques.

RSPB Residential Volunteering Scheme

There is no charge to take part in the scheme. It is your responsibility to cover the cost of your food during your stay.

The RSPB will provide accommodation, together with basic services, free of charge for the period you are volunteering, and cover any expenses incurred as a necessary part of your work on the reserve, such as vehicle mileage. You will also receive all necessary PPE and equipment to complete the role and associated tasks.

Accommodation

The reserve office and residential accommodation are in a converted farm bungalow situated in the eastern part of the reserve. The accommodation is provided free of charge and comprises of 2 individual bedrooms, open plan living room, kitchen and dining area and shared bathroom and utilities room. Utility bills are covered by the RSPB.

The accommodation has electricity, broadband, underfloor heating, and a shower. Bedding can be provided if required. There is a TV, washing machine, tumble drier, cooker, microwave, fridge and freezer.

The accommodation is quite isolated, so having your own car is essential. The office sits just outside the village of Horton-cum-Studley and is accessed down a 1km stone track. All local facilities are all within a 20-minute drive and public transport is limited.

The Skills you need

This is a voluntary position. We are seeking individuals who can fulfil the following criteria:

• You must be over 18.
• You should have a keen interest in British wildlife and conservation.
• You should have the energy, enthusiasm and desire to succeed in a career in conservation.
• No previous experience is necessary, but a degree in a conservation or related area is desirable and a knowledge of wildlife is useful.
• You must be able and prepared to undertake physical work outside in all weathers.
• You should be prepared to work early mornings and late nights to complete tasks such as breeding bird surveys.
• You must be prepared to engage in essential aspects of predator control.
• You must be entitled to live and work in the UK.
• You must hold a full, clean and manual driving licence. Applications from people who do not have a driving licence will not be accepted.

Your time

Minimum commitment- 6 months, 4-5 days per week. Duration: 6-12 months. We encourage applicants to see the reserve through the whole year where possible, to experience all seasons and the varied work on the reserve. Period: From March 2026.

Deadline: 28 February 2026
Interviews: w/c 9 March 2026