Why do we need you?
At the beginning of the Wilder Blean project we surveyed the site for the abundance of the two main foodplants of the Heath Fritillary butterfly (common cow-wheat and ribwort plantain). In order to understand how grazing affects the availability of these plants and therefore the butterfly itself, we need to undertake surveying each year.
What will you be doing?
- Exploring an allotted section of woodland and recording the numbers of the two different foodplants using an app on your phone.
- Keeping an eye out for the Heath Fritillary butterfly itself
Experience, knowledge and skills needed for this role
- Enthusiastic
- Basic plant identification skills are beneficial
- No previous experience required
- Willing to work alone
- A passion for nature and wildlife
What does the volunteer need?
Ability to travel regularly to reserve site
What's in it for the volunteer?
- A chance to explore areas of the reserve that you may not normally have access to
- You will be working as part of a team of volunteers so this is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and make new friends
- Experience of being involved with our flagship wilding project
Where is the role based?
West Blean and Thorndean Woods, Canterbury.
Things to consider before applying:
- Being reasonably physically fit is beneficial as some the grazing areas have rough terrain, tussocks, boggy ground etc. that you need to be able to negotiate.
- Full training is given and you’ll only be asked to do work you are comfortable with.
- The volunteer role is open to applicants over the age of 18
