What the task involves:

EDLRA Farm and Moorland Bird Surveyors can expect to survey for certain species, using the BTO Breeding Bird Survey methodology. Ideally, three visits will be made to the survey area within East Dartmoor. The first recce visit will be to understand the site and work out the best transect route. Volunteers will then need to make an early visit completed between April 1^st and May 15^th 2024, and a late visit between May 16^th and June 30^th 2024, at least 4 weeks after the early visit. Both surveys should ideally start between 6am and 7am, no later than 9am.

Volunteers will need to be happy to represent DWT and the project and may occasionally come into contact with farmers, landowners and the general public.

Skills and abilities:

EDLRA Farm and Moorland Bird Surveyors will need to be able to identify the following bird species by sight and sound:

• Cuckoo
• Whinchat
• Meadow Pipit
• Curlew
• Snipe
• Pied Flycatcher
• Spotted Flycatcher
• Willow Tit
• Marsh Tit
• Nightjar
• Common redstart

Volunteers will need to be able walk long distances on uneven terrain whilst following the BTO Breeding Bird Survey methodology to note down any birds of interest as they walk a specific transect. Experience in surveying birds would be advantageous, but training will be provided in the specific methodology.

Volunteers will need to be able to drive and get themselves to the survey site early in the morning. They will also need appropriate outdoor shoes and waterproof clothing. It would be helpful for volunteers to have a smartphone too.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity are important to DWT. We recognise that some people may need additional support or adaptations to volunteer in this role. If this could be you, do please tell us.