Kestrel Transect Volunteers
The Hawk Conservancy Trust urgently need volunteers in Kent to help with their Kestrel Conservation Monitoring across south east England. European Kestrels are now an Amber-listed species of conservation concern in the UK due to recent decline in the breeding population.
What does it involve: The work involves walking pre-determined routes of approximately 8-12km, starting before 10AM, and recording sightings of birds of prey.
Who should apply: Volunteers should be fit and have their own transport. Volunteers are most needed across Kent County but also in East/West Sussex and Surrey if people live near the county border.
What commitment must I make: We ask that volunteers can commit to at least 5 transects between now and end of December
What skills do I need: volunteers should be keen birders, confident in bird of prey identification. You will need your own binoculars, otherwise all survey equipment is provided.
The ideal volunteer would have:
- Very good bird identification skills, keen birders are best suited to this type of survey
- Full driving licence and access to own transport – most insurers would consider this a hobby however we recommend checking with your insurance company in case business insurance is required
- Willingness to commit to completing a minimum of 5 transects in the autumn
- Commitment to start before 10am, each transect will take 4-5 hours.
- A reasonable level of fitness as each transect will involve walking 6-12km
The Hawk Conservancy Trust are planning training days at the Trust’s Centre in Hampshire but can hold that training in Kent if needed. For people who are committed, this is a long-term project which will carry on into 2021.
When does it start: Training happening by end September then start immediately.
Where will I do the survey: You will be allocated an area that is convenient for you, usually within approximately 30km of where you live.
Terms: This is unpaid and voluntary
For further enquiries or to register your interest in volunteering, please email Hannah Shaw hannah@hawkconservancy.org
You can learn more about the European Kestrel and the work that the Hawk Conservancy Trust are doing here: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/conservation-research/uk/kestrel-conservation/
The link to the volunteer opportunity is here: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/conservation-research/volunteering/