Coastal Beach Nesting Birds Project Monitoring Volunteers 2027

Location: Hurst Spit & Keyhaven Coast

Hurst Spit is a one-mile-long (1.6 km) shingle bank near the village of Keyhaven, at the western end of the Solent. The spit shelters an area of saltmarsh and mudflats known as Keyhaven and Pennington marshes.

Task: As part of a volunteer team, you will take part in shifts to monitor, protect and record breeding waders. Using binoculars and telescope you will scan the determined area and identify any potential nesting attempts by Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover and Redshank. Known nests will be monitored daily on shifts to help protect them from disturbance and to record outcomes. Known nest sites will have restricted access. We encourage positive engagement with visitors to Hurst Spit, to show them birds through the telescope and to raise awareness, to build a sense of ownership among frequent users of the area to help protect the beach nesting birds. You will be recording sightings of breeding bird behaviour, mapping locations, and recording information. Sharing daily sightings via the group WhatsApp. An important part of this volunteer role is following the life history of chicks to be able to prove they have successfully made it to fledging (this is when they can fly).

When: 01st April 2027 – 31st August 2027: breeding birds present

Commitment: Minimum of half day per week. Key times, such as mornings, evenings in spring/summer when the birds are most active, and weekends and bank holidays when there are lots of visitors to Hurst Spit and the Castle. You will be indicating your availability and spreading out over the week with the other volunteers by using an online calendar.

Purpose of role:

This role is about monitoring and observing birds that are nesting on the ground on shingle and saltmarsh habitats of Hurst Spit, Milford-on-Sea. Working alongside our Coastal Engagement Volunteers who are raising awareness of the impact recreational disturbance can have on breeding and overwintering bird populations in the Hurst area. 

Most people are unaware of how their actions can be detrimental. This opportunity is about helping people to have the knowledge and understanding to make the right decisions, helping to save our coastal birds. It could be as simple as keeping their dog alongside them in certain areas, so they do not chase the birds. Or landing their craft on an area of beach away from nesting birds. Although many bird species no longer breed here, we are lucky to still have some red-listed Ringed Plover and amber-listed Redshank and Oystercatcher trying to nest on our coast at Hurst Spit and Keyhaven. These birds are in severe decline nationally and their protection is of utmost importance. The area also attracts high numbers of visitors. We hope your presence will allow more successful breeding to occur. 

Spring & summer: family parties come for picnics, kitesurfers, kayaks, sailing craft that land along the Spit, walkers, runners and regular dog walkers plus many day trippers and holiday makers. This is also the most important time for ground-nesting birds who select the shingle or the saltmarsh to nest and rear their young. With eggs that are very difficult to see, they can easily be trodden on or frightened away from their nest leaving the eggs to cool or be predated, or separated from their chicks leaving them in danger of chilling or predation.

Skills you will need:

• To use telescope, tripod and binoculars to find and show people birds.
• A natural enthusiasm for wildlife and for inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds about wildlife - a basic knowledge of the coastal wildlife in this area would be an advantage.
• Willingness to learn about breeding shorebirds including terns, gulls and waders and how we can protect them.
• The ability to positively interact with people of all ages and backgrounds about how they can help protect rare shorebirds.
• An approachable and friendly manner, good people skills and outgoing personality. • Willingness to be identifiable as a Wildlife Trust volunteer by wearing Trust branded clothing.
• The ability to get to Hurst Spit & Keyhaven coast to carry out the task.
• Able to walk up to 1km and back, and able to walk on shingle (gravelly shores).
• To be comfortable visiting the open coast in all weather conditions (although will not be required to undertake volunteering in the rain).
• You will be expected to comply with the Trusts policies and procedures and undertake any Training applicable to the post.

What's in it for you…! 

• Gain experience being involved with this Wildlife Trust project and meet new people.
• Get to visit and see new wildlife sites in your area.
• An annual Hurst Ferry pass will be provided - to facilitate you getting to the Castle to start your monitoring; this provides free access to the castle and toilets.
• Access to lovely coffee & cake at Hurst Castle shop or ice cream on hot days!
• This post could be combined with wildlife photography & sightings.
• Training; H&S; area conservation status, designations and meanings; use of optical equipment, bird and chick identification, learn about the ecology of beach nesting birds.
• Binoculars, telescope and tripod can be provided along with shorebird identification guides to facilitate learning, conversation and public engagement.
• Experience of volunteering within a Charity.

Your Safety: You will be required to volunteer in compliance with the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy at all times, taking appropriate action and reporting back on potential hazards, accidents and other issues such as evacuation and emergency procedures.

Expenses: Reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs such as parking fees if necessary, and other reasonable expenses as agreed with Trust manager.

Apply now!