Residential volunteering at Mersehead is not only a great experience but can give you a great 'foot up' for a career in conservation, as two of its former volunteers explain...
“My first experience of long-term residential volunteering with the RSPB after I decided to change career was at Mersehead, and it was brilliant! Not only was it a wonderful place to be over the summer, right on the coast of the Solway Firth with huge flocks of Barnacle Geese either feeding in the fields or flying out to roost on the mudflats at dusk, but I learned so much while I was there. Bird and butterfly survey techniques, how to use a brushcutter, the essence of wetland and reedbed management, working with and leading the short-term residential volunteers, being duty manager in the visitor centre, leading guided walks...the list could go on! Not only that, but the team at the reserve were so friendly and welcoming. I’ve now managed to get an assistant warden position with the RSPB, and the start I was given at Mersehead played a huge part in that.”
Dan Snowdon, Residential Trainee Warden April 2013 – September 2013 (Now Assistant Warden at Lydden Valley & Dungeness)
“As a residential volunteer at Mersehead I had the opportunity to live and breathe reserve life, living in the heart of the reserve with wildlife all around. Being part of a small dedicated team and seeing the internal workings of a reserve was a fantastic experience. The variety of work I have been involved in, from manning the visitor centre to counting thousands of geese, has been the perfect stepping stone in developing my skills for a career in conservation.”
Gavin Chambers, Residential Trainee Warden October 2014 – March 2015 (Now Assistant Warden at Lake Vyrnwy)