Deadline: ongoing throughout the year
No. of volunteers needed: limit 10
Help the Reserve Warden with the maintenance of the East Coast Nature Reserve infrastructure associated with the public e.g. observation hides, paths & boardwalks. Assists with surveys.
Tasks may include:
- Painting and cleaning three observation hides
- Painting and maintaining 2km wooden boardwalks
- Mowing and maintaining 3km grass pathways
- Clearing and maintaining 2km woodland rides
- Maintaining other infrastructure (fences, gates, signs)
- Litter picking
To help with habitat management projects e.g.
- Cutting and clearing reeds in autumn
- Clearing brash
The East Coast Nature Reserve is a 220-acre mixed habitat site situated east of Newcastle, between 6 Mile and 5 Mile Point. The reserve includes grassland, woodland, freshwater marsh and fen. The reserve is managed throughout the year to the benefit of resident and migratory birds, particularly wintering wildfowl, together with a range of other wildlife species and habitats. The reserve promotes sustainable tourism and 3 observation hides and boardwalks are a feature to allow visitors to experience the wonders that it holds. Volunteers assist in developing the reserve for this purpose through working with the Reserve Warden in delivering the day to day tasks and running of the reserve, that includes engagement with visitors to the reserve.
- Personal development
- The opportunity to work in and learn about the conservation sector in Ireland
- The opportunity to improve their CV
- The opportunity to learn about and contribute towards the protection and conservation of threatened species
- The opportunity to contribute towards the knowledge and enjoyment of the visitor experience
- Ability to work as a member of a team and take direction from the Reserve Warden
- Competent at working with hand & power tools
- Competence in the use of equipment; for some, such as chainsaws requires up-to-date certification
- Willingness to carry out manual work and reserve maintenance tasks
- Able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people
- Physically fit
BirdWatch Ireland strives to be as inclusive as possible. If you have any additional needs and are unsure whether this role would be suitable for you, please do get in touch with the role coordinator (see ‘How to get involved’).
Minimum time commitment: Two weeks (1 day per week).
Hours required: 7 hours per week. Typically on a Thursday but other days available – dependant on skills and coincide with the work time of the Site Warden.
Ability to communicate efficiently in English.
Over 18s.
Screening of interest forms for suitable candidates.
- The Site Warden will be the direct supervisor for this role on site
- Will receive basic training in the use of hand tools etc as required
- All necessary tasks will be demonstrated, supervised, and checked
The main reserve entrance is located along Sea Road, Newcastle, Co Wicklow https://goo.gl/maps/woWW9i4YdqQCDzPP6. There is a small car parking area on the roadside.
Public transport: Bus routes number 133 (Bus Éireann) and 84 (Dublin Bus) stop in Newcastle village, it is then a 15-minute walk to the reserve entrance.
