Butterfly Surveyor – Budby South Forest

Budby South Forest is an intrinsic part of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve that forms part of an historic woodland and heathland landscape.

Budby is designated as a SSSI for its important invertebrate populations and special heathland qualities. Already an amazing place for wildlife, we are carrying out vital improvement work to further benefit the specialist heathland creatures here.

We’re looking for volunteers to help carry out ecological monitoring of our heathland and woodland butterfly species. You’ll be working directly with the Site Manager and other volunteers to carry out regular co-ordinated UKBMS surveys. The data you collect across the reserve will contribute to national datasets and give us a valuable insight to the affects of our habitat management and the health of our butterflies.

The skills you need

To be a butterfly surveyor you will need to be:

• Able to identify butterfly species in the field and record to specified methods after a short period of training.
• Physically capable of walking about 3 miles and prepared to work on rough terrain.
• Flexible with time commitments to adapt to appropriate survey conditions – butterfly surveys are weather dependant, so a need to be available when the sun shines is essential!
• Highly competent at map reading and the ability to work independently.
• Able to listen carefully and follow specific instructions (All training and guidance will be provided).
• Capable to basic administrative skills to keep good records and input data using a web based reporting system.
• A good communicator with RSPB staff, other volunteers and reserve visitors. As an RSPB volunteer, you’ll be representing the organisation and as such expected to act professionally and reinforce key RSPB messages when ‘on duty’.
• An enthusiasm for nature and a cheery disposition are always desirable!

Your time

Ideally one or more days per week, predominantly in breeding season (Feb-Sept).

What’s in it for you?

You’ll get to witness the reserve in all its glory as it transitions through the seasons. Its an opportunity to develop and enhance new field skills and knowledge of our Sherwood species – some of them being incredibly rare or vulnerable.

You will become a valued and supported team member, provided with full instructions and training opportunities. This is your chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation and gain a valuable insight into the workings of Europe’s largest nature conservation charity, witnessing the day to day management of this fantastic National Nature Reserve.

How to apply

Email: Chloe.Ryder@rspb.org.uk