Our beach ranger volunteers are nothing short of extraordinary. Working across our sites through the year to inspire others and provide much needed protection to vulnerable beach nesting birds clinging on in our shared spaces.
Each volunteer has a story of their own and an individual journey that has led them to join our team, but they share one thing in common – they are all local people, stirred to take action for the wildlife on their doorstep. Bonded by a community spirit and driven by their longing to keep special places special, they give their time generously; to safeguard a future for vulnerable birds like ringed plover and oystercatcher who make their home on the ground of our much-loved Norfolk beaches.
Working alongside such a dedicated group of people not only inspires us to keep doing what we do, it enables us to do more to protect the species that need our help the most.
Here’s what some of our volunteers had to say about their experience as a volunteer beach ranger so far.
We asked them why they chose to volunteer as a beach ranger…
“I live on the beach and welcome any initiative to protect the local environment and its wildlife - it is all very special”
“I walk on the beach every day and the added involvement as a volunteer has opened up new interests to me and made even more of an enjoyable and beautiful experience.”
“Volunteering as a beach ranger gave me the opportunity to help wildlife in trouble on my doorstep. With so much bad news about declines in wildlife in the media it was good to actively play a part in helping to raise awareness of a declining species that everybody using the beaches can help to protect.”
We asked them what they love most about being a beach ranger volunteer…
“I love having the opportunity to do something that I am passionate about, whilst also having a positive impact on the long-term outcomes for the birds that breed here”
“Seeing the sheer dogged determination of these small birds to try and successfully breed and meeting the many people who use the beach willing them to do so.”
“What’s not to love; beach, sea, fresh air, special birds and meeting friendly people and their dogs. From a social aspect, the project has introduced a whole new circle of friends!”
We asked them what it is about beach nesting birds that make them so special and why they need our help…
“The beach nesting birds are under so much pressure and they put so much effort into breeding, despite the crowded beaches, inclement weather and high tides. I can't but help admire that stoic determination to succeed, despite all the hardships thrown at them that are completely out of their control.”
“Many of us can be completely unaware that our beaches are used by ground nesting birds and that this important habitat is vital in supporting the wildlife on our coast. Helping to play an active part in their success is a fantastic positive legacy to leave our children.”
“I was brought up in this area and would like it to remain a special place for people and for wildlife. In an age where everything is changing so quickly with much out of our control, it feels good to help, and to try and achieve a growing bird population.
…and finally, we asked them what they would say to someone who was undecided about volunteering as a beach ranger this spring and summer…
“Give it a go and be part of a fab band of folks who are trying to help nature. They are lovely ordinary people - just like YOU!”
“If you have time to spare, then you have nothing to lose!
“Come and walk the beach with the team. It can be an emotional roller coaster but there are many rewards to be had, and none more than seeing a ringed plover chick taking its first flight. Being part of the beach ranger team can make a difference!”
PIP volunteer on duty photo credit: Ian Burt
Feeling tempted to give it a go?
We are still looking for volunteer beach rangers to help protect, monitor and spread the word about vulnerable beach nesting birds breeding on the sand and shingle beaches between Snettisham and Heacham in Norfolk.
If you think this opportunity might be for you and you are able to spare a few hours a week this spring and summer (from 1st April – 31st August as a rough guide) then click here to apply or to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!
Please think about supporting us with our work for Plovers in Peril.
Come and say hello to us if you see us whilst out and about on Snettisham beach! We look forward to chatting with lots of you and getting to know what this place and its special wildlife means to you.
You can help these birds have a successful year and ensure they return to nest here for years to come. Help us protect beach nesting birds by:
Follow us on our journey to protect these amazing birds. Join in the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages, share your stories and photos and help us speak out about how we can help vulnerable beach nesting species like the Ringed Plover.
Ringed plover and chick photo credit: Phill Gwilliam
Tag us: #PloversinPeril #RSPBSnettisham #WatchYourStep
Got a question or want to get in touch? Chat to us and have your say about the protection of these birds – your voice matters! Email Wynona.Legg@rspb.org.uk. We would love to hear from you!