About this role
Deadline: ASAP
No. of volunteers needed: 4+
In this role you would be helping our warden team set-up the colony at Kilcoole in advance of the Little Terns starting to nest. This largely involves erecting multiple layers of fencing around the colony to protect from people and predators.
Tasks:
- Carrying fencing equipment to the colony
- Erecting flexi-net fencing around the nesting area
- Working with the warden team
- Searching for Ringed Plover nests
- Erecting fences in strategic locations
The Kilcoole Little Tern Conservation Project is an NPWS project, carried out by BirdWatch Ireland. Years of conservation action at Kilcoole have made it Ireland’s largest Little Tern colony, at around 250 pairs which is over half of the Irish breeding population. The colony is wardened 24/7 from the start of May to start of August, for the protection and monitoring of the nesting Little Terns and Ringed Plovers. Your help in the first two weeks of the season will allow us to get the protective fences established quickly and efficiently, and ensure a smooth start to the season for the earliest-nesting pairs.
- You will get experience in the erection of temporary predator-proof fencing, which is increasingly being used to protect ground nesting birds including seabirds and waders.
- You will learn how to monitor nesting Ringed Plover.
- You may get additional experience with public engagement, discussing the project and conservation work with passing members of the public.
- Ability to carry out physical work in an outdoor environment (in this case, shingle beach).
- Ability to work safely in an outdoor environment, including carrying equipment and erecting fences.
- Ability to work as part of a team and take direction.
- Ability to volunteer for a minimum of one full day, but the more days the better as you will become more familiar with the operation.
- Previous experience with similar tasks would be beneficial, but not necessary.
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: One day.
Hours required: Average 8 hours per day.
Intermediate English or above.
Over 18s.
Screening of interest forms for suitable candidates.
- Assistance and supervision by the project manager and head warden.
- All necessary tasks will be demonstrated, supervised, and checked.
The colony is found on Kilcoole beach (Co. Wicklow), just north of ‘The Breaches’.
Own transport would be beneficial. Park at Kilcoole train platform. We may be able to provide lifts depending on location and if others are travelling.
Via public transport, one can take the 84 bus route to Kilcoole village.
