Residential Summer Volunteers

Position: Residential Summer Volunteer – Little Tern Project
Location: Spurn Bird Observatory, Kilnsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Duration: Summer Season (15th June – 15th August)

About Spurn Bird Observatory

Spurn Bird Observatory was established in 1946 and is based in Kilnsea, just north of the Spurn Peninsula in East Yorkshire. The Observatory plays an important role in monitoring and protecting wildlife on the Humber Estuary, including supporting conservation work for beach-nesting birds such as Little Terns.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Residential Summer Volunteer to assist with the Little Tern protection project at Beacon Lagoons during the peak breeding season.

Working alongside the Little Tern wardening team, the volunteer will help monitor and protect the nesting colony and other beach-nesting birds, collect monitoring data, and assist with public engagement around the site.

A reasonable level of bird identification skills is required, particularly for seabirds and waders. As the role involves regular interaction with visitors near the colony, it is important that the volunteer is confident approaching members of the public and can communicate in a clear, friendly and non-confrontational way.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in practical conservation and species protection work.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the Little Tern wardening team with protection and monitoring of the breeding colony at Beacon Lagoons.
• Monitoring Little Tern nests, chicks, and other beach-nesting birds, and assisting with data collection and recording.
• Helping maintain protective infrastructure such as fencing, signage and access routes around the colony.
• Assisting with daily checks of the nesting area and reporting any issues such as disturbance or predation.
• Engaging with visitors to explain the Little Tern project and the importance of protecting beach-nesting birds.
• Supporting wardens with general field tasks associated with the management of the Little Tern colony.

Requirements

• Passion for wildlife conservation and a strong interest in birds.
• Good bird identification skills, particularly for seabirds and waders.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in variable weather conditions.
• Confident and friendly communication skills, particularly when speaking with visitors around the nesting area.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to contribute to the success of the project.

Benefits

• Accommodation provided at Spurn Bird Observatory.
• Reasonable food and travel expenses covered.
• Hands-on experience in species protection, bird monitoring and practical conservation.
• The opportunity to work closely with an experienced wardening team.
• Experience working with a nationally important Little Tern colony.

Note

This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers will receive training, accommodation, food and travel expenses, along with valuable experience contributing to the protection of Little Terns and other beach-nesting birds.

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 12th April.

To apply, please send a CV and short cover letter outlining your interest in the position and any relevant experience to: info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk