Volunteer Surveyor, Orkney
Do you enjoy the outdoors, wildlife watching and want to learn more about Orkney’s wildlife? Species on the Edge Volunteer Surveyor could be the role for you!
Orkney is one of seven Species on the Edge (SotE) project areas. The SotE Orkney team are working to protect nine target species across the county: Great Yellow Bumblebee; Curlew; Lapwing; Arctic Tern; Little Tern; Plantain Leaf Beetle; Common Pipistrelle Bat; Oysterplant; and Scottish Primrose. The team are looking for 10 volunteers to help with surveying these species.
The surveys
- Waders (Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Red Shank and Snipe) breeding bird surveys. Ideally looking for experienced individuals but beginners also welcome as full training provided. Training March/ April with surveys done in 3 times between mid-April and end June. If you are new to these, you will be shadowing this year. Involves very early morning starts across rough terrain. Mostly in West Mainland.
- Plantain Leaf Beetle and habitat surveys. No experience necessary, full training in March 2025 then surveys once a month for the rest of the year. Surveys done early afternoons when sunny and will be in West Mainland.
- Bat surveys. Once a month group surveys (mainly June to September but some earlier) and mostly mainland. Surveys are an hour before sunset or an hour before sunrise or in June back-to-back! Training in April with Bat Conservation Trust along with Orkney Project Officer. Also opportunities to help us with some audiomoth work (sound recorders left out on site for 3 days) mainly in April – locations to be confirmed but will be mainland and some islands.
- Scottish primrose. Surveys will take place initially on West Mainland and South Walls but other areas can be considered if live locally to another site for this species. Training in July.
- Bumblebee surveys. Once a month (March to October) using Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Beewalk (transect surveys used across UK). Done between 11am and 5pm ideally in sunny, calm weather. Training in March online and May in person. Location flexible but we do have some sites we are looking to have cover for.
Why we need you
The data collected by the survey volunteers will contribute to habitat management plans, inform policy decisions, and help influence local landowners and managers, local authority and local organisations and groups we are working with as well as our partners too. This work will contribute to the Scotland-wide Species on the Edge effort of tackling the impacts of environmental change on wildlife to benefit both nature and people. We want to connect more people to nature and can train and support people who are new to surveying and provide all the guidance you need to gain confidence. Our project will leave a lasting legacy for Orkney with your help.
What you will do
- Complete a variety of surveys for our target species listed above (survey period and occurrence vary per species, but many surveys are conducted once a month).
- Receive training online and/or in person to help with your first survey and for you to meet other volunteers and team up for surveys.
- Have opportunities to shadow some of the existing team or more experienced volunteers.
- For some surveys you will be asked to enter the data onto an online website used by the relevant partner, for example the Bumblebee surveys.
What skills you need
- General fitness and ability to walk for 2-3 hours on uneven surfaces and in variable weather.
- Willingness to learn identification and survey skills in relation to Orkney’s wildlife. Some experience of survey work and/ or ID would be useful but not essential.
- Ability to complete the surveys as an individual or in small groups.
- Good organisation skills.
- Ability to travel independently to survey sites and work in remote locations.
What you will gain
- Opportunities to meet new people and visit new places in Orkney.
- A chance to see wildlife closely and learn more about Orkney’s important biodiversity.
- Hands on practical experience of surveying one or more of our Orkney species.
- Developing skills and building confidence in using survey methodology and species recording.
- Experience of working within the conservation sector in Orkney.
- Training and support and being part of the friendly Orkney team.
- Time out in nature for your own active health and wellbeing.
- Being part of the Species on the Edge programme having a direct impact for species, nature, and the environment.
- Travel expenses can be reclaimed.
Find out more and apply: Species on the Edge Orkney Survey Volunteer | RSPB
