New Year, New Opportunities?

Howdy folks! 

Chris the Visitor Guy here, but not with the weekly sightings. Toby has been doing a fine job with those whilst I am dotting in and out, using up my annual leave. No, instead i'd like to mention some of the volunteering opportunities we have here at the reserve.

The new year is a time when a lot of people make resolutions, trying to improve themselves. Often these are along the lines of lose weight, stop smoking, get a new job or the like. But why not make the resolution to help others? The RSPB relies on volunteers to continue our valuable work, and here at Frampton Marsh we are no different. So cast your eyes over the roles below, and see if any grab your fancy. Then drop us an email on lincolnshirewashreserves@rspb.org.uk or phone 01205 724678 to discuss it further.

Work Party Volunteers

The work parties assist the wardening team with land work around the reserve. Tasks are varied and depend on the weather and the time of year, but may include path works, vegetation control, fencing or a myriad of other things. You would be working with a small friendly team of staff and other volunteers, so this would be ideal for someone with practical skills who wants a more social aspect to volunteering. Volunteering days usually run 9:30 until 4, with breaks for lunch and drinks.

Guide in the Hide

The people in this role help members to see some of the wildlife on offer around the reserve at weekends. Usually you would be based in one of the three hides on site. however, depending on what wildlife is present and where, you may be called upon to go to other locations around the reserve. There you will talk to members of the public about thew wildlife on view, and make sure people can see what they want to. The role would suit a sociable person with good wildlife ID skills who enjoys chatting to others, of all sorts of abilities. Currently we have need particularly for a Saturday volunteer in this role.

Visitor Centre Volunteers

The warm welcome that visitors receive when they come into the centre is a key part of what makes Frampton such a popular reserve. Now you can be part of this. No wildlife skills required, a friendly and personable manner is far more important. In fact this is a great opportunity to learn more about wildlife, if you are so inclined. Centre volunteers welcome in visitors, help orientate them to the site, and raise funds through taking the money for refreshments. They are also the means through which people can join the RSPB at the site, talking to people about membership is an important part of the role. You can do either a full or a half day, with the weekends being where we are currently looking for new people.

Community Talks Volunteer

Gardening clubs, W.I.'s, U3A's and many other clubs all would like to receive talks from the RSPB. If you are a confident public speaker you could assist us with this, by delivering one of our community talks. We have several pre-prepared Powerpoint presentations, or you could work with our staff to create your own. The role would involve extremely ad-hoc commitments, as talks are booked at the request of the organisations, though the majority are on weekday evenings.

Social Media Volunteer

What would you like to see here on the blog, on Twitter and on Facebook? We are looking for a social media-savvy person to help us raise the profile of the reserve and of the RSPB in Lincolnshire.m Do you have what it takes? You could either work out of our office, or from home at hours to suit yourself.

Expert Volunteers

Do you have knowledge of a particular subject which you think others may be interested in? We would love to do more events at the reserve on various subjects, but lack the necessary expertise ourselves. maybe you could assist? Flowers, butterflies and moths, dragonflies, mammals, astronomy, bushcraft, digital photography, or maybe something else we have not thought of. You would need to know your subject and be able to convey it to others of all abilities in a friendly manner. Commitment levels would vary, but an ability to lead courses at weekends would be preferred.