RSPB - Curlew Monitoring & Protection (Lough Erne) Volunteering

Closing Date: 31/05/2026

Location: Enniskillen

Salary: This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid

Do you want to play a vital role in monitoring and protecting Curlew?

Curlew struggle to breed successfully in many parts of the UK. Northern Ireland curlews specifically have declined by 82% since the 80's, with only an estimated 250 pairs left we are in a race against time to stabilise and reverse this population decline. The RSPB has been working in the farmed landscape around Upper Lough Erne over a number of years to tackle these problems and is seeking help with some aspects of this work.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals, preferably with some experience in monitoring breeding birds, to assist us with undertaking breeding Curlew pair monitoring and nest protection between April and July.

This role will include some or all of the following:

• Monitoring suspected Curlew breeding sites to identify the location of pair territories.
• Assisting with the erection of temporary nest protection fences (if nests are found).
• Nest monitoring (if nests are found)
• Administration as required.

This role will require some key general skills, but a full induction, training and on-going support will be provided.

What's in it for you?

This is a hugely rewarding role and offers the opportunity to make a real impact for nature and the environment. As a Species Protection Volunteer you will have a chance to work as part of a team and meet new, like-minded people whilst gaining hands on experience of specific species protection. We will offer training and induction to ensure that you are prepared for the specific needs of the role. You will be contributing to our Saving Nature work programme, so we are able to better protect key species like the Curlew and their habitats long into the future. We like to think we're a friendly and welcoming team, so you'll have the opportunity to make new friends too.