Give a little time to save nature this summer

Burton Mere Wetlands  -Ron Thomas

It’s National Volunteering Week (1-7 June) and the team at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston are appealing for help.

The visitor facilities at Burton Mere Wetlands have been open for almost seven years and the small staff team is seeking additional volunteers to help with the attraction’s growing number of visitors. The site is already supported by a fantastic team of volunteers but is now seeking more to provide all visitors with a consistently high quality experience as they arrive at the reserve.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at Burton Mere Wetlands said: “We’ve had a brilliant few years since we opened, with the reserve going from strength to strength in all areas; new wildlife has colonised and resident populations have flourished and grown in number. Similarly, our number of visitors has grown from around 30,000 per year in 2013 to over 40,000 now. That means we need more volunteers to help meet and greet visitors as they arrive at our unique reception building, which boasts spectacular views across the reserve and offers the chance to see a great variety of different wildlife.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers, with excellent people skills, to be trained to give visitors of all ages a great welcome to the reserve, ensuring every visitor gets the most from their visit, and encouraging them to support the RSPB’s vital conservation work.”

Mike Giverin, an RSPB volunteer at the site said: “In 2013 I had re-kindled a childhood interest in wildlife, especially birds, and after visiting Burton Mere Wetlands I knew very quickly this was somewhere I wanted to get involved.

“Volunteering here allows me to make a tangible contribution to the RSPB’s mission to give nature a home, plus I’ve been able to develop my knowledge of wildlife and conservation massively. No two days are the same, with different wildlife appearing through the seasons and a broad range of visitors to talk to from experienced birdwatchers to families eager to explore.

“I’m immensely proud to represent one of the leading wildlife conservation charities, and I quickly felt like a valued member of the team at Burton Mere Wetlands. I hope there are more people out there who want to do the same, so that we can connect even more people with the wonderful wildlife we’re blessed with in the UK.”

For anyone interested in this or other volunteering opportunities at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, enquire by email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk or telephone 0151 353 2720. For more information on the reserve and its activities, check out the websitewww.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager, on 0151 353 2720  or email daniel.trotman@rspb.org.uk  

Have you got what it takes to become RSPB’s Dee Estuary’s first ever intern? 

The new RSPB visitor centre at Burton Mere Wetlands has welcomed thousands of visitors through its doors since it opened in September and now the visitor demand is so high that they need your help.

A special six month internship has been created during which volunteers will be given all the training, coaching and advice needed to kick start a career in conservation, whilst working at one of the RSPB’s biggest nature reserves.Although experience of working in a busy tourist attraction is desirable, the ideal candidate will need to demonstrate their enthusiasm for wildlife and be capable of meeting the RSPB’s high standards for visitors.

Former student Katy van Woerdekom stepped up for nature by helping out as an RSPB volunteer for six months starting last September and describes how her experiences helped her get her dream conservation job. Katy, who started volunteering after leaving university, explains: “I couldn’t get a job right away so I started volunteering. I have enjoyed every minute of it and it has given me the skills, experience and confidence I needed to move forward with my career.”

Paul Brady, RSPB Visitor Development Officer said “Volunteers have played a huge part in the success of RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands and we literally couldn’t operate without them. These internships are a great opportunity for the right person to get their foot on the ladder to a great career in conservation, and follow in the footsteps of Katy and many others.”

Burton Mere Wetlands are inviting applicants to apply for the internships via the website www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering or by phoning 0151 353 8478. 

The closing date for this internship vacancy is Friday 6 July. The RSPB are also inviting applicants for other general volunteering vacancies.

Paul Brady, Visitor Development Officer at RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserves, Tel: 0151 353 8478 or email: paul.brady@rspb.org.uk

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands is off the A540 (Chester High Road) and just 10 minutes from the M56.

For more information about RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve visit: www.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands. The reception building and nature reserve is open daily from 9.30am until 5pm. For more details see the website or phone 0151 353 8478.