Volunteer Opportunities

Wildlife Recording Volunteer – Trent ReNEW Role: Wildlife RecordingVolunteer Purpose:You will help record wildlife, plants and other environmental information in areas near the River Trent in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. This will help us to increase the amount of wildlife data to help conservation organisations and others understand the state of our nature and waterways, and make decisions based on this data. This role is part of the Trent ReNEW project, led by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and funded by the Environment Agency. This is quite a varied role, you will have the chance to visit new areas of the River Trent in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and get involved in surveys such as Riverfly, water quality monitoring, fixed point photography, and other wildlife surveys such as dragonfly transects. You will also learn how to use apps to make wildlife records outside of the group activities. Key Tasks: Identifying wildlife and plantsUndertaking training to improve identification skillsJoin in training to use nature recording apps. This training might be in person, on location or online. • Join in group monitoring and recording activities when possible (this will include Riverfly activities, water quality monitoring and fixed point photography under the supervision of project staff). Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, daylight and activity (walking, sitting, stopping to record). Upload data on relevant mobile phone apps or websites.Take note of personal safety, volunteers should never put themselves at risk. Undertake all tasks in line with Support Staffordshire's organisational policies and risk assessments, particularly those on Equal Opportunities and Diversity, Health and Safety and Confidentiality. Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Personal Qualities:Have an interest in wildlife, plants, water quality or other natural habitats, or willing to learn more.Have your own smart phone or computer, Willingness and ability to learn to use digital apps (eg iRecord, iNaturalist)Willingness to share the data collected through an app, computer or paper record. • Ability to work closely with a small team of volunteers and staff.Ability to travel to suitable locations (these may be urban or rural, public transport may not always be available)Willingness to work outside throughout the year. Benefits: Take part in an enjoyable and interesting activityMeet other people, share tips, and knowledge about local wildlife. Increase confidence, gain experience, knowledge and skills about nature Contribute to scientific databases to benefit national and local understanding of nature and wildlife. Learning skills you can use in other places (work, training, personal life etc). Time/Location: This is a flexible role, and you can take part in as many or few activities as suits your time commitment. There will be more opportunities to get involved during the spring and summer months. Regular walks on sites in Stoke-on-Trent are organised for you to practise your identification and recording skills, and Riverfly and water quality monitoring activities will be conducted with project staff. Volunteers will be invited to group events (usually through WhatsApp or email). There is no minimum commitment, volunteers can engage in the walks and activities that suits them. Events may take place during weekdays or weekends, at different locations near the Trent or its tributaries.