Volunteer role guideline

Role Title

Hedgehog Improvement Area Project Volunteer

Purpose of your role

To contribute towards the delivery of the Solihull Hedgehog Improvement Area. Hedgehog Improvement Areas (HIA’s) are conservation action areas that have been prioritised for their suitability and potential for making a measurable difference for bolstering local hedgehog populations.This volunteer role will be focussed on assisting the Project Officer in the delivery of all aspects of the Solihull HIA project, with a particular focus on co-ordination of hedgehog footprint surveys and community engagement work.

Tasks you will be involved with:

  • Surveying for hedgehogs using mammal footprint tunnels and other recognised methods.
  • Co-ordinating garden footprint surveys throughout the Solihull HIA.
  • Training volunteer hedgehog surveyors.
  • Engaging with local community groups including schools.
  • Organising and running community events.
  • Managing and mapping hedgehog sightings data.

Skills and abilities required:

  • Knowledge of basic conservation issues.
  • Knowledge of hedgehog conservation issues would be beneficial, although not essential.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Driving licence preferable but not essential.
  • Basic GIS mapping skills would be beneficial, although not essential.

You will be based at:
The Parkridge Centre (Brueton Park), Solihull.
Times/days we would like you to be available:
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, June2015to December 2015 / February 2016

Benefits to you:

  • Working with a team of professionals and being part of anoriginal approach to species conservation.
  • Working on a multidisciplinary project with strong community engagement, ecological survey and practical habitat management elements.
  • Excellent experience in building relationships and networking with local groups and organisations.
  • Meeting new people and developing new skills.

Your staff contact:

Simon Thompson (Hedgehog Officer) 01217 040768

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