Countryside Jobs Service Weekly®

CJS - The original, the biggest and the best in the field, THE countryside specialists since 1994

The original weekly newsletter for countryside staff

Every Friday : 7 May 2021

CJS is endorsed by the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association and the Countryside Management Association.

Featured Charity: Campaign for National Parks www.countryside-jobs.com [email protected] 01947 896007 CJS®, The Moorlands, Goathland, Whitby YO22 5LZ Created by Anthea & Niall Carson, July ’94

Sunday 9 May is World Migratory Bird Day In celebration of the day find out what being a bird ringer entails and if it's the job for you.

Job Profile: Ornithological Warden

Name: Aron Sapsford Location: Calf of Man Bird Observatory, Isle of Man Employer: Manx Wildlife Trust

Job Responsibilities Daily census of migratory birds, including ringing. Breeding bird surveys and recording of other fauna & flora. General management of 616 acre nature reserve and hostel accommodation. Majority of time is spent doing bird research and surveys. Time is split mainly 30% indoors / 70% outdoors

Seasonal Variation Employed March – November. Pretty full-on most of the time - 12 to 16 hour days are normal.

Qualifications needed BTO ringing licence & excellent bird identification / knowledge & field craft. Additional training: DBS, First Aid, Risk Assessment at work, VHF licence. Skills needed: Positive Interaction with visiting public is essential; Ability to function on little sleep and a living environment with few comforts; Passion for the job / island life.

Advice to anyone looking at similar roles: Volunteer and try it before you commit.

If you have any queries about this role or would like to ask a question of the job holder please contact Aron on [email protected]

Aron’s details are on the Job Profiles Section

Want to know exactly what a ranger does? Or how an ecologist spends their days? Or why a zoo needs a horticulturalist. Wonder no more, click through and read profiles of jobs on the latest addition to the CJS website.

This new section has profiles of some of the many varied job roles you might find across the sector. Written by people actually working in the field explaining exactly what the job entails, the qualifications and skills they need and offering a little advice to people looking at a similar career.

Huge thanks for everyone who has sent in a job profile questionnaire so far. If you would like to submit a profile of your job role (it can be anonymous, most of them are) there are more details here.

Barbastelle - a Bat Citizen Science Opportunity Take part, from mid-May to August, by deploying static bat detectors in woodland sites and gather important information on the presence of barbastelles. There are four defined survey areas and these are located in 1 Herefordshire, 2 West Sussex, 3 Wiltshire and 4 Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. No previous experience is required and commitment is flexible with a minimum of one survey across the season. You will need your own transport to travel to and from sites. Help improve our understanding of the distribution and occurrence of this rare bat species. Visit the website for more information or email [email protected]. CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 983-ONLINE-21/5 Projects Officer - Capital Works Team: Countryside & Rights of Way Location: Hertford Salary Range: £23,080 pa progressing to £30,451 pa dependent on skills and experience Hours: 37 per week Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term / Secondment Following the announcement of an additional £1million investment in our Public Rights of Way network, we are looking for two Projects Officers to join our busy Access Team. You will be working to establish and deliver significant programmes of improvements to Hertfordshire’s Rights of Way network for active travel, leisure and recreation. Job Duties: About you: • A full current driving licence is essential • Demonstrable record in relevant contract delivery • Ability to communicate, negotiate and influence • Works in a structured way to manage projects from inception to completion independently or as part of a team. About us: We work to provide a healthy, high quality environment for residents of and visitors to Hertfordshire. Through partnership working with other agencies, user groups and individuals we engage the public in our work at every stage. Our Access Team protect, maintain, improve and promote use of the 3200km network of Public Rights of Way across the county. Through this activity we provide opportunities for informal recreation and commuting, linking towns and villages to each other and the countryside. Responsibilities include: • Specification, procurement and management of contracts on our Rights of Way network • Consulting stakeholders and negotiating with suppliers, contractors, landowners and residents • Working collaboratively within our Access Team and with colleagues more broadly • Accurate record keeping including financial management • Engaging our volunteer teams in maintenance and improvement activities where appropriate. For more information and to apply click here https://c-js.co.uk/2SgPEk4. Closing Date: 23 May 2021. Interview Date: w.c. 7 June 2021. To find out more or discuss this stimulating, varied and worthwhile challenge, please visit https://jobs.hertfordshire.gov.uk/home.aspx or call Lee Tyson on 01992 588433.

REF 984-ONLINE-14/5 Instructor / Technician - Grounds £17,142 - £21,007 (dependent upon qualifications and experience) Contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the college grounds across both sites, the post holder will also work closely with teaching staff to provide practical support, technical instruction and supervision of students training in horticulture with a focus on machinery and plant maintenance and establishment. The successful candidate will be qualified in a relevant subject area with a good practical working knowledge of horticulture and a sound understanding of health and safety procedures. The working pattern for this role is 7.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30 am – 4.00 pm on Friday with an hour unpaid break each day. This post is based at the Sparsholt campus. Closing Date: 17 May 2021 Application packs are available from: 01962 797309, www.sparsholt.ac.uk/college/jobs/, [email protected].

REF 985-ONLINE-21/5 We are seeking to recruit 3 Supporter Advisers who understand the importance of customer care and can provide an excellent level of customer service. Supporter Adviser - Membership Reference: APR20212147 Location: RSPB UKHQ - The Lodge Salary: £18,250 - £20,080 per annum Benefits: Pension, life assurance, annual leave, flexible working. Do you love nature? Do you enjoy engaging with the general public? Are you looking for a role where you can utilise your customer service skills to have inspiring conversations about wildlife and talk about the great work the RSPB is doing to save it? If so, we’d love to hear from you? The RSPB Supporter Services team is a dedicated supporter facing team, working continuously to meet the needs of 1.2 million RSPB members, supporters and the public; dealing with up to a quarter of a million questions, and actions each year through various contact channels including phone, email and increasingly through social media. What's the role about? You need to be an excellent communicator, both written and verbally, be able to work well as part of a team and thrive working in a dynamic, high profile environment. This role plays an essential part in retaining support for the RSPB, so that we can continue to carry out vital conservation work. We need someone who understands the importance of customer care and can provide an excellent level of customer service. You need to be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, be able to work well as part of a team and thrive working in a dynamic, high profile environment. What we need: Supporter Advisors (Membership) provide consistent and enthusiastic front line support, pertinent information, complaint resolution and advice to existing and prospect supporters, addressing potentially sensitive issues, managing reputational risk and enhancing the Supporter Experience by developing conversations to acquire, retain, cross - sell and promote financial and or non-financial support for the RSPB work to save nature. Essential knowledge, skills and experience: • RSPB's mission and its various products and memberships. • Knowledge of GDPR and Gift Aid and the associated business rules. • Understands & adheres to the Data Protection Act. • Experience in working within a dynamic, high profile environment. • Experience of Complaint handling and customer care: Able to develop positive relationships with Supporters including those providing negative feedback. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. For more information and to apply click here https://c-js.co.uk/33aS99Z. Expiry date: 23:59, 21 May 2021. Page 2 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 986-ONLINE-14/5 Corporate & Commercial Relationship Manager Location: Garden Organic, Ryton, Coventry/remote working considered Reporting to: Head of Fundraising Hours: 2.5 days per week (there is flexibility over days/hours) Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 (pro rata) Background: Garden Organic is the UK’s leading organic growing charity. For over 60 years we’ve been researching and promoting organic growing to get as many people as possible to grow the organic way. Organic Enterprises Limited is the commercial trading arm of Garden Organic, generating income to support the work of the charity. It manages various commercial partners of which the largest is a contract with Suttons Consumer Products to produce the Organic Gardening Catalogue. Summary: We are looking for an exceptional self-motivated relationship manager who has experience of working with high value commercial or corporate fundraising partners. You will lead and enhance the delivery of existing and new relationships for the charity at an exciting time of growth. In addition you will oversee the commercial relationship between Garden Organic and the Organic Gardening Catalogue. With the support of the Head of Fundraising you will influence and deliver the new corporate strategy and grow income. Overall purpose of the role: • To manage and nurture existing and future high value commercial relationships, providing an exceptional standard of stewardship and delivery. • To oversee the production of the Organic Gardening Catalogue on behalf of the charity. Working with internal partners to ensure tasks are carried out and deadlines are met. • To manage the day to day relationship with the Organic Gardening catalogue to ensure the values of the charity are maintained and the income targets are attained. • To manage new and existing fundraising relationships. Negotiate and deliver partnership agreements ensuring a good return on investment for the charity. • To seek out and develop new partnerships opportunities and relationships, researching, attending meetings and influencing. • To work with the Head of Fundraising to develop and implement the new corporate strategy framework and opportunities to raise/generate funds. It is the nature of the work of Garden Organic that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances, unpredictable and varied. All employees are expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises where tasks are not specifically covered in the job description and have to be undertaken. Occasional evening, weekend and bank holiday working will be required. For more information and details of how to apply please click here https://c-js.co.uk/3tgwHLj. Closing date 14 May 2021.

REF 987-ONLINE-21/5 Assistant Ranger - Ashridge Estate Ref: IRC101625 Salary: £17,375 per annum Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months. Full time 37.5 hours per week. Address: Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT What you'll be doing With your endless passion for our work, you’ll help with the protection and care of habitats, wildlife, property and machinery, and your passion will inspire others to love this beautiful place as much as you do. You’ll be involved in all aspects of our outdoor work including chalk grassland management, scrub control, halo-thinning of veteran trees, and thinning of plantation woodlands. You will also help to maintain the estate infrastructure and extensive rights of way network, while ensuring that visitors have a first-rate experience at Ashridge. Who we're looking for: To deliver this role successfully, you'll need to: • Demonstrate a willingness to work alongside volunteers and be able to support them to perform at their best • Have a commitment to customer service standards and experience of its delivery • Demonstrate a passion for nature and the outdoors • Have good written and verbal communication skills • Have good people skills enabling strong relationships externally and internally, to be built and maintained. And you'll need to demonstrate the following experience on your CV: • Practical experience in land, conservation and access management, to level 2 (or equivalent level of vocational experience) • Some experience of delivering engagement activities that help build or strengthen visitors’ connections with nature and the outdoors • Familiarity with machinery/equipment and practical certificates as required by the property. To apply click here: https://c-js.co.uk/33aOIjs. Closing Date: 16 May 2021.

REF 988-ONLINE-14/5 OASES Junior Project Officer Location: The EWE Centre, Esh Winning Primary School, Co. Durham, DH7 9BE Salary: £18,000 - £20,000 pro rata The North East Environment Network (NEEN) is looking to recruit a full-time Junior Project Officer to work as part of the OASES (Outdoor And Sustainability Education Specialists) team. The post will initially be until the 31st March 2022, but may continue beyond this date subject to funding. The post holders will deliver a broad range of projects and training that focuses upon sustainability education and learning outside the classroom with schools. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate experience of working with children and young people, preferably within a school setting. The ideal candidate will have experience of working on energy initiatives and broader sustainability related projects with schools. You will need to be able to demonstrate a track record of delivery in education and/or sustainable development and/or outdoor learning. Your background and qualifications should be in either: education; environmental sciences; sustainable development; conservation. Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required. For an application pack please contact: [email protected] or telephone: 03000 260535. Closing Date: 17 May 2021 (midnight). Interviews: 21 May 2021. Page 3 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 989-ONLINE-21/5 Ecological Data Officer An opportunity to influence the decisions that affect conservation and land management through ecological information, North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre (NEYEDC) are recruiting an Ecological Data Officer to work on all aspects of data collation, management and dissemination. We are looking for an effective administrator and meticulous data manipulator to join our small and collaborative team. Ideally you should have data management and analysis skills but also be able to turn your hand to ecological survey and to public out-reach in this challenging and varied role. Salary £17,390 - £21,138 depending on skills and experience. 25 days leave plus statutory holidays and 3% employer pension contribution. Go to https://c-js.co.uk/2QSb5Ys for more information and how to apply.

REF 990-ONLINE-28/5 Stockperson / Ranger This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to join our busy Estate team in 2000 acres of the East Sussex High Weald. The Estate is under organic conversion, and is moving to regenerative farming techniques, while restoring wildflower meadows and traditional coppice management of woodland. We are looking for a motivated, hardworking and flexible person to work as part of a small team managing the land for conservation and wildlife. We are looking for someone with good experience of managing livestock to help with our cattle and pigs, ensuring we achieve the highest welfare standards. An interest in conservation grazing methods, and a desire to learn the latest livestock management techniques are essential. You will need to be a competent tractor driver to participate in the annual hay cut and be prepared to work long hours during busy periods. Weekend livestock duties are required as part of a rota system. Essential requirements: • Experience of working with beef cattle • Experience of/interest in conservation grazing methods • Good tractor driving skills • Interest in wildlife and conservation • Telehandler certificate • Full driving licence • Already living locally, or being willing to take accommodation on the Estate. Desirable skills / qualifications: • Experience of working with pigs • Experience in organic or pasture-fed systems • Chainsaw certificate / woodland work • Butchery experience • Deer stalking • IT skills. In return, the Estate offers a great working environment, ongoing training, a generous pension and private health care. Accommodation will be made available on the Estate, if required. Salary is dependent on experience. All appointments are subject to: • Proof of eligibility to work in the UK • Two satisfactory references (one of which must be from your current or most recent employer). To apply please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected]. The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 30 May. Interviews will be held the week of 7 June. The full job profile is available on our website: https://c-js.co.uk/3ukJ76b. Questions regarding this position can be sent to [email protected].

REF 991-ONLINE-21/5 Assistant Area Land Agent Ae, Scotland, DG1 1QB: Newton Stewart, Scotland, DG8 6AJ: Peebles, Scotland, EH45 8NB: Straiton, Scotland, KA19 7NG: Selkirk, Scotland, TD7 5NY. Salary: £35,684 - £38,453 plus benefits Background Information: The Estate Development (ED) team is tasked with leading on non-forestry commercial activities through the delivery of diversified income streams throughout the national forests and land to support FLS long-term business sustainability. In fulfilling this role, ED manages a wide range of commercial activity including renewable energy developments, communication masts, mineral extraction, residential property, agricultural leases and the acquisition and disposal of land. These activities generate an annual gross revenue income of circa £16 million and ED has a remit to grow this further. In contributing to the overall asset management of Scotland’s national forests and land, ED works and collaborates with colleagues within other FLS functions, in particular with the Land Management team and the Finance team. Our team of professionals provide specialist property advice and land agency services across the business. Job description: We are looking to recruit an Assistant Area Land Agent to join our team in the South Region, an area which extends from the Tweed valley in the East through Dumfries & Borders, parts of Ayrshire, Galloway and to Arran in the West. You will report directly to one of the two Area Land Agents in the Region, working closely with both to meet team objectives. You will be additionally supported by the Land Agency Programme Manager within the ED team. There is dedicated administration support to the land agency team within the Region as well as local colleagues that you will work with including our building surveyor, foresters, forest planners, civil engineers and our recreation and visitor services staff. You will also liaise as required with our national team colleagues. The post will ideally be based in either our Glentress, Selkirk or Ae offices in the East of the Region but it might be possible to be based elsewhere in the South Region. The role will involve regular travel across the South Region with occasional visits to other sites and offices. Occasional overnight stays may be required, for example if attending training events. Responsibilities: • Support the Area Land Agents in the effective management of the let estate and portfolio of agreements, servitudes and wayleaves. • Assist the Area Land Agents to drive value from the non-forested estate, identifying opportunities to unlock its full potential. • Establish and manage relationships with agreement-holders and monitor/manage compliance with the agreement obligations. For more information and to apply, please visit our website: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk, [email protected] please quote ref 113694. Closing date: 23 May 2021 at 23:55. No recruitment agencies please. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all sectors of our diverse community. Advert continues online. Page 4 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 992-ONLINE-21/5 Property Ecologist Full time (37.5 hours per week) Permanent Yorkshire Dales £27,735 per annum Closing date: 16 May 2021 The Yorkshire Dales includes some of the most important landscapes and sites of special scientific interest in the region. As our Ecologist you will help conserve the rich and diverse wildlife which the Yorkshire Dales is home. What you’ll be doing: • You will spend the majority of your time working with the ranger team to plan and deliver surveys. Making sure these are recorded and stored efficiently for future use. • Working closely with the rangers and tenants to share findings, highlight concerns and inform future management. Linking with external national monitoring schemes and contributing to our knowledge of our sites. • Supporting and enabling others to carry out surveys as part of an annual programme. • Co-leading an MSc module on Practical Nature Conservation for Leeds University. • Supporting and delivering projects including the continuation of Environment Agency funded work on the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme at Malham; and the soil health Payments for Outcomes Trial. • Identifying roles for volunteers; recruiting and leading them to develop a team of ecology volunteers across the portfolio. • Sharing stories and skills with wider National Trust staff and externally. Who we’re looking for: The Yorkshire Dales portfolio is a small and friendly team and we’d like someone as enthusiastic as we are about delivering more for nature. We’d like the successful candidate to: • Be passionate about the Yorkshire Dales and then work of the National Trust • Be an advocate for natural processes and working at a landscape scale • Work collaboratively with the property team, wider National Trust staff, tenants and external partners • Be an active listener, understanding the knowledge and values that are important to a wide range of stakeholders • Share their enthusiasm • Be organised and methodical • Be proactive and work using their initiative. Apply https://c-js.co.uk/3tk7H5K.

REF 993-ONLINE-21/5 Ecological Surveyor Are you a hard-working, committed ecologist with excellent botanical skills, together with QGIS and report writing skills to match? At you will make a significant and lasting impact for the wildlife and people of Gwent, helping us to deliver our conservation objectives in the most beautiful part of the UK. As Ecological Surveyor you would be responsible for liaising with landowners and providing advice, undertaking botanical surveys and producing subsequent reports on a variety of sites to be designated as Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) across Gwent. The successful applicant will be self-motivated and willing to work alone in the field, with a degree in ecology or a related field, and at least two years relevant experience especially with botanical field survey. A full driving licence and use of own vehicle is essential. The post will expect the successful candidate to be able to work from home and travel throughout Gwent. There will be occasions, when it is COVID safe to do so to come to our head office at Seddon House, Dingestow near Monmouth. The post is a 12 month full-time contract, five days per week (37.5 hours), until July 2022 with a possibility of extension. Salary: £22,744 (pro rata). Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 20 May 2021. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed on Monday 24 May 2021. Applications: Please have a look at our website where you can download the jobs pack: www.gwentwildlife.org/jobs/ecological-surveyor. For more information or a discussion about the post please contact Andy Karran, at Gwent Wildlife Trust: [email protected].

REF 994-ONLINE-21/5 Finance Officer (Expenditure) Reports to: Head of Finance and Resources Place of work: HQ, Devizes Salary: £20,760 per annum Hours: 37.5 hours per week Terms: Permanent, Full Time The Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to be based at our Devizes Office. The right candidate will have experience of working in a Finance Office undertaking the Purchase Ledger Function. The role requires good attention to detail to ensure accuracy and good communication skills to provide excellent service to internal colleagues and external stakeholders. Reporting to the Head of Finance and Resources, you will work closely with the Finance Officer (Income) to ensure all income and expenditure has been accounted for. You will also work closely with the Membership Officer and colleagues in Fundraising and Communications, Business Development and Community Engagement and Conservation and Land Management to embed processes and efficiency across the Trust. The full job description and person specification is available on our website at https://c-js.co.uk/2PVXvCY. If you would like more information on the role please contact Louise Hale on [email protected] or 01380 829061. Closing date: Monday 24 May 2021 at 9am. (Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact unsuccessful candidates.) Interviews: Monday 7 June 2021 at Elm Tree Court, Devizes. To apply please complete an Application Form and return it to [email protected]. (Please note we are only able to accept applications via our application form. When completing the form please ensure you use the ‘supporting statement’ section to evidence how you believe you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description. This information will be used in our short-listing process). Page 5 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 995-ONLINE-4/6 Haywarden Full time - average 37 hours per week Salary Scale £20,000 p.a. - £24,000 p.a (depending on qualifications and experience) Duties to include grass cutting, woodland management, sports ground management, grave preparation and general maintenance of open spaces. Experience/qualifications in the following are desirable however training will be provided for the right candidate: NPTC: • Brush cutters • Ride on mowers • Chainsaw • Tractor operations • Spraying PA1 and PA6. A full clean driving licence is essential. For further details and application form, please contact The Parish Clerk, Chalfont St Peter Parish Council, Council Offices Gravel Hill, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 9QX. Email; [email protected] or visit the web site at www.chalfontstpeter-pc.gov.uk. Applications and CV to be returned by Friday 4 June 2021.

REF 997-ONLINE-14/5 Learning Officer The LookOut Discovery Centre, Hyde Park, London (with travel to all parks). About Us: Created in March 2017, The Royal Parks is a charity that supports and manages 5,000 acres of historic parkland across London. Millions of Londoners and tourists visit our beautiful sites, which offer unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. The Benefits: • £27,801 - £32,000 per annum, depending on experience • 26 days' holiday per annum plus public holidays • Pension scheme. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic outdoor learning professional to join The Royal Parks’ Learning Team, based at The LookOut Discovery Centre, Hyde Park. The LookOut is a unique, eco-friendly building nestled in an acre of enclosed grounds in the heart of the park. Our work enables people of all ages, abilities and communities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and learn about the history, culture, heritage and natural environment of the Parks. We run a full programme of formal and informal sessions and events for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The Role: As a Learning Officer, you will develop and teach school sessions with a focus on primary groups, taking into account the ages and ability of each audience. Working closely with the rest of the Learning Team, and with guidance from the Learning Manager, you will develop the primary school programme and specific projects. You will also seek opportunities to promote the programme in collaboration with the Marketing Team. What’s more, you will recruit, train and co-ordinate Learning Volunteers, motivating them to help deliver learning experiences for schools, families and adults. About You: To join us as a Learning Officer, you will need: • Proven experience of delivering outdoor environmental education to all ages • Enthusiasm and curiosity for the natural habitats, landscapes, rich heritage and present-day role of the Royal Parks • Excellent presentation skills with the ability to deliver sessions, activities and events • An understanding of safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk • A degree level qualification in ecology, natural sciences, biology or a similar subject, or relevant experience that clearly demonstrates excellent subject knowledge. The closing date for this role is the 17 May 2021. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Apply here: https://c-js.co.uk/3ejVmKO.

REF 998-ONLINE-14/5 Head Ranger (Torridon Estate) Hours: (Full time - 40 hours / week), permanent Location: Torridon Estate, Highlands and Islands Salary range: Grade 4 Lower, £26,928 - £29,784 We are looking for an experienced head ranger to join the team at our iconic property, Torridon Estate. The role of Head Ranger will combine responsibilities on nature conservation, visitor services, learning and community engagement and contribute to the delivery of the National Trust for Scotland’s conservation and operational objectives at Torridon Estate, a 6464 Ha spectacular mountain property situated within the Highland & Islands region, includes some of Scotland’s finest mountain scenery popular with walkers, geologists, and naturalists. The property holds numerous scientific designations, i.e. 3 x Site of Special Scientific Interest, Natural Nature Reserve, Special Area of Conservation, National Scenic Area and 3 x Geological Conservation Review Sites. Torridon is a much sought-after holiday destination for visitors providing accommodation for families and organised groups through two holiday cottages and a bunkhouse situated within the property. The role will be in pursuit of the following outcomes for and with the natural heritage cared for by the National Trust for Scotland: • Visitors and learning: Enable more people to experience cultural and natural heritage more often, get more out of it and put more back into it. • Habitats: Protect the landscapes in our care and associated marine habitats as part of ecologically healthy habitat networks where natural processes predominate and help combat climate change. • Our voice: Use evidence and practice from our natural heritage properties to support our voice in advocating for natural heritage. • Communities: Work with communities living on or close to our land or with an interest in our land so that they collaborate with us to help achieve our natural heritage outcomes. • Built heritage: Protect the built and archaeological heritage in our care and use them to help us explain the “habitats” outcome and achieve the “visitors’ outcome. Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to the People Department (Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road Edinburgh EH11 4DF, by mail or by email via [email protected], by first post (i.e. 10.00am) on 14 May 2021. Full job description: https://c-js.co.uk/2H1pDAa. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410 Page 6 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 999-ONLINE-14/5 Operations Coordinator (South East England) Starting salary: £13’427 (20. hrs per week) BASC is the largest sporting shooting organisation in the UK, serving a growing membership of over 155,000 and a wide variety of stakeholder and public interests. It acts as a representative body for sporting shooting - fostering opportunity, safety, high standards and wildlife conservation. BASC is looking for an individual to assist the South Eastern Regional Team while working alongside other BASC teams, to provide coordination, administrative and organisational services in support of the Regional Director and Regional Officers at the regional centre and at shows, training courses and other events. We are looking for an individual to work 20 hours per week, preferably Monday to Friday with the occasional need to work weekends. The successful candidate will demonstrate: • Experience of providing a high standard of service to customers, ideally in a similar environment • Experience in an administrative support role with accurate use of Microsoft Office packages including Word, Excel and Outlook • Experience with using databases • Enthusiasm to support regional staff with the delivery of key events • Experience in the use of social media to market and promote events • Enthusiasm in conservation and land management. Working within a small team and reporting to the Regional Director the position is based at the South Eastern Regional Office located just outside of Horsham and will involve some travel throughout the region. Further information and an application form can be downloaded from our website www.basc.org.uk. Alternatively, please contact the HR department, BASC, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HL. E-mail: [email protected]. Please quote reference OPS/SE/2021. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 17 May 2021.

REF 1000-ONLINE-11/6 Windsor Estate - Forestry Machine Operator The Windsor Estate covers approximately 6,400 hectares (15,800 acres) including 3200 hectares of sustainable multi-purpose forest. Windsor is the only Royal Park & Forest managed by The Crown Estate. The purpose of this role is to deliver a variety of forest management maintenance activities using specialist forestry machinery and equipment including timber trailer and crane, winch, mulcher, telehandler and forestry mowers. A multi-skilled role, tasks include small scale timber harvesting and windblow clear up, mulching, targeted conservation management, maintaining access points, site clearance, hedge cutting, mowing, timber movement. As well as machinery operations there will be a requirement to support the department with a range of manual forestry and estate maintenance tasks. The Windsor Estate is a part of The Crown Estate, a £14bn real estate business specialising in commercial property in central London, prime regional retail and offshore wind. It also has a substantial rural and coastal portfolio and manages the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established by an Act of Parliament, as an independent commercial business it returns 100% of its annual profits to the Treasury for the benefit of the public finances. Applicants must have previous experience of forest or land management based operations with sufficient experience of operating heavy plant machinery in forestry conditions confidently and with minimum supervision. Also important is demonstrable experience and understanding of land based health and safety practices and experience, knowledge and understanding of engines, machinery and hydraulics. A team player, you will demonstrate good communication skills with the ability to work on your own initiative with attention to detail and an adaptable and flexible approach. FMO Base Unit / Skidder / Trailer / Mulcher, Telehandler and chainsaw – windblow and medium fell are required. Remuneration: • Exemplary salary package • Discretionary bonus scheme • BUPA healthcare • Accommodation on the Estate is provided (it is a requirement of the role to live on the estate). For further information or to apply, please follow the link below to our careers website. https://c-js.co.uk/3e4ijkJ

REF 1001-ONLINE-21/5 Head Gardener Location: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB NT Vacancy Number: IRC101565 Renowned the world over as an iconic and influential garden, an exciting and rare opportunity has arisen at Sissinghurst Castle Garden to join and lead one of the most famous gardens in Britain as their Head Gardener. Salary: £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Key Representative accommodation is included which will involve being on call throughout the week and weekends, these duties are shared by two other roles at the property. What you'll be doing You’ll lead with passion, whilst looking to develop and maintain the gardens day to day, you’ll motivate a large team, including lots of enthusiastic volunteers and have a clear understanding of budget management. It’ll be down to you to engage visitors interest in the gardens, delivering a first-class visitor experience, as well as attracting donors and working with the local community, encouraging a culture of openness, inclusion and involvement for all. As a senior leader you will be involved in strategic decisions and thinking, plus several compliance tasks. You’ll also get a chance to put your green fingers to use and get involved in the day-to-day upkeep of the gardens. Who we're looking for: • High level of horticultural experience, supported by appropriate qualifications to RHS level 3 or above (or equivalent level of vocational experience). • Excellent level of plantsmanship / plant husbandry skills. Knowledge of a wide range of horticultural techniques covering a range of plant types. Some artistic plantsmanship / design skills. • Experience of organising garden activities which enhance garden visits. • Leadership skills including coaching, team development, motivation and communication. • Good people skills enabling strong relationships to be built and maintained, externally and internally. • Budget management skills, with a record of managing finances and small projects. • Experience of working within the heritage sector within a horticultural role. • Good written and verbal communication skills including public presentation. For more information and to apply click here https://c-js.co.uk/3h7ewoG. Closing Date: 23 May 2021. Page 7 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1002-ONLINE-21/5 Conservation Officer (South East Scotland) Full-time, Fixed Term until 31 March 2022 Salary: £23,836 per annum Location: Newtown-St Boswells (Home-working possible) The Role: Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels – Developing Community Action (SSRS- DCA) is a project to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland by building capacity among communities of volunteers and land managers to take on some of the essential protection measures required to protect the red squirrels in key areas. We are currently looking for a conservation officer to implement the project in the South East of Scotland to protect red squirrels in priority landscapes from replacement by grey squirrels and Squirrel Pox disease and support the targeted volunteer community and landowner networks to engage actively in red squirrel protection. The post holder will manage a small team of grey squirrel control officers and work with community engagement colleagues to support and train volunteers. You will liaise with landowners and volunteers and promote active involvement of highly motivated and well-trained volunteers, as well as training and encouraging the active use of the community hub database by the volunteers. Requirements: The successful candidate will possess a relevant degree in ecology, biology, countryside management or a related discipline, along with working knowledge of wildlife ecology and conservation, especially non-native mammal population management. Experience of staff management is important and the ability to confidently recruit, motivate, train and support staff and volunteers to undertake active conservation work. You should have experience of engaging successfully with land managers, countryside rangers, gamekeepers and the wider public. Experience of working with forestry grant or agri-environment schemes is desirable. Some out of normal hours working will be required and a full clean driving licence would be advantageous. Please apply by completing and returning the application form https://c-js.co.uk/3eS96LL to [email protected]. Download full job description here. https://c-js.co.uk/2QWb45F. Closing date: 21 May 2021. Due to Covid-19 interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. The is a proud equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of their background. We are committed to helping to make the world of nature conservation as inclusive as possible, as we believe there should be no barriers to being involved, and that champions and role models from every part of society will be vital in helping to reverse the loss of biodiversity. We are happy to talk flexible working.

REF 1003-ONLINE-21/5 Senior Project Officer – Growing Communities Activities (Worthing) Based in Adur & Worthing 35 hours per week Salary: £19,500 per annum pro rata Every day TCV works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone - communities where our activities have a lasting impact on people’s health, prospects and outdoor places. About the role: This is an exciting opportunity to be a key part of a developing project which will operate across Adur & Worthing, until the end of September 2021. The project, Growing Communities, is funded by the National Lotteries Community Fund and we are working in partnership with Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils. We are looking to recruit a Senior Project Officer who will be part of a core team who will provide the driving force behind the delivery of Health & Wellbeing improvements through physical activity. The Growing Communities Project will radically transform the health and happiness of individuals in coastal community areas of Adur and Worthing. We want people to be more in control of their lives and actively engaged in the decisions and actions that affect them. This will lead to a better quality of life, where early action prevents more costly consequences, both in social and financial terms. Using green spaces as a platform we will deliver projects/activities identified by local people that address local needs. We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic individual to support community groups to develop and deliver a range practical conservation type activities which engage and include local communities within a range of habitats e.g. woodlands, ponds, parks and other urban greenspaces. A key part of this role is to support community groups to develop the skills and confidence to develop and deliver these activities with their local communities independently from TCV. The successful applicant will have: • A self- starter with strong interpersonal skills within a community setting. • Experience and understanding of working with community groups and supporting community groups to develop conservation type projects and activities which engage and involve the local communities. • The ability and experience support community groups to engage with their local communities including hard-to-reach people. • Experience of leading and delivering conservation activities in a range of habitats e.g. woodlands, ponds, parks and other urban greenspaces which engage and involve the local communities. • Willingness to support the delivery of a range of family activities on public greenspaces e.g. creative, sporting or physical activities. • Experience of using social media and a willingness to contribute to the communications, marketing and publicity of TCV Growing Communities. • The ability to work to deadlines, ensuring monitoring return forms are completed promptly and accurately. • An understanding of Safeguarding and Health and Safety with relation to practical activities, raising any issues and concerns following TCV policies and procedures. • The role involves regular evening working, and weekends. For further information and to apply, please visit www.tcv.org.uk. Alternatively, email [email protected]. Closing date for completed applications: 9am Thursday 20 May 2021. Interview date: Tuesday 25 May at: online. Return completed application form via email to [email protected]. Advert continues online. Page 8 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1004-ONLINE-21/5 Head Gardener - IRC101414 Permanent, full time. £27,735 p.a. An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the garden team at Wightwick Manor as Head Gardener – We are looking for a Head Gardener with a wealth of experience, a creative and artistic eye, sound plant knowledge and leadership skills. What you'll be doing As the Head Gardener you’ll be based at Wightwick Manor. You will be responsible for the outdoor offer at from the formal garden around the houses to the less formal woodland areas that include elements of natural play for our family visitors. Working with the teams you’ll ensure the Gardens, plant collections and outdoors are developed and maintained to the highest professional horticultural standards and that its distinctive specialness of place is preserved. You’ll implement garden conservation and management plans, based on sound conservation and environmental practices. You’ll get involved with the interpretation and programming for our visitors. Including helping to promote the garden history and plant collections stories to our visitors. You’ll share your passion for our special place and instill a team culture of exceptional customer service by sharing stories and engaging with our visitors. You’ll also engage with local communities and others in our work and promote a culture of openness and involvement for all. You’ll lead, motivate and supervise a large team of volunteers, working together to share great standards of presentation. You’ll also be an active member of the senior leadership team and will use your knowledge and team insights to help make informed decisions. You’ll work with other colleagues across the portfolio and consultancy to constantly improve our visitor offer. You’ll be part of our Duty Manager rota providing support across all departments. Regular weekend and bank holiday working is a requirement of this role. We anticipate this being at least one weekend in four. Apply https://c-js.co.uk/33fAQEu.

REF 1005-ONLINE-18/6 Reserves Manager The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is seeking to recruit a Reserves Manager. Salary: £24,000 - £25,000 Location: Choice of offices; Bridgend or Brecon and some home-working. Hours: 35 per week with flexi / TOIL Deadline: Wednesday 16 June @10am. Interviews: Thursday 24 June @ Parc Slip Nature Centre, Bridgend (if covid rules allow). We are looking for someone with vision and good practical experience of managing nature reserves and people to join our team. We manage over 100 nature reserves in all, covering some of the region’s most precious wild places and deliver exciting conservation projects in the wider countryside and we have ambitious plans for nature’s recovery in our area. You will develop and lead our work on nature reserves and the wider countryside in Brecknock, The Valleys, The Vale, Bridgend and Cardiff with the area conservation team, championing the intrinsic importance of wildlife and demonstrating the relevance of our work to the climate and ecological crises. You will work alongside two other Reserves Managers (West and Mid), reporting to the Head of Conservation. Further details from Jobs & Volunteering Opportunities - The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales https://c-js.co.uk/2R1XQ7s or email [email protected].

REF 1006-ONLINE-21/5 Countryside Ranger Salary: B3 - £20,092 to £21,748 (pro-rata) Hours: 22.2 hours per week Contract Type: Fixed term (May 2023) Closes: Friday 21 May 2021 Leeds City Council is pleased to announce that is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our ranger team in order to deliver the Wade’s Charity funded ‘Wade’s Ranger’ project in Armley and Gotts parks. The Wade’s Ranger project seeks to encourage community involvement in Armley and Gotts parks, through a packed programme of volunteering activities, school education sessions, public events, health walks, exhibitions and interpretative materials. By building upon the relationships we have with the local community and forging new ones we hope this project will contribute to and build support for a sustainable future for the parks and for Gotts Mansion. To ensure the success of this project we are looking for an individual who will be able to: • Deliver a programme of public events, workshops and guided walks to celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the green space. • Assist in the development of interpretation aids, including a mobile phone app, web content, information panels, leaflets and exhibition displays in Gotts Mansion. • Liaise with schools to develop and deliver natural and cultural heritage education sessions at key stages 1 and 2. • Encourage, train, develop, promote and coordinate groups of volunteers, to help protect and promote the greenspace. • Work with colleagues, the Friends of Armley and Gotts Park and Gotts Park Golf Club CIC, in order to design and develop comprehensive improvement plan for the greenspace. The ideal candidate will have: • A proven ability to communicate with a wide range of people, including volunteers, members of the public, community groups, council officers and elected members • A broad knowledge of horticulture and vegetable growing techniques • A broad knowledge of fauna and flora, together with knowledge of the conservation techniques required for woodland and grassland habitats • 2 years’ experience delivering the responsibilities above • And have a full UK driving licence. To apply online, please visit the Leeds City Council jobs site: https://c-js.co.uk/3eiGkVl. All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident employer. Page 9 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1007-ONLINE-14/5 Grounds Team Operative Stratton St Margaret Parish Council is looking to employ a Grounds Team Operative We are currently recruiting for a full time and permanent Grounds Team Operative based in Stratton St Margaret. All equipment provided along with PPE and company uniform. Working hours are 37 hours per week, to include weekends, working 5 out of 7 days. 7.30 am - 3.30 pm Monday - Thursday 7.30 am - 3.00 pm Friday. Occasional working will be required to support Parish events. Salary starting from SCP 7 - £20,092 pro rata per annum. The duties will include: • Recreation grounds inspection • Play equipment inspection and maintenance • Grass cutting • Hedge trimming • Flower bed maintenance, weeding, fertilising plants and grass • Ensuring that all sites are kept clean and tidy and free of litter • Emptying litter and dog bins • Assisting in all aspects of burials including preparing graves and liaising with customers at graveside • Leading and motivating teams of volunteers • Undertake outside work in all weather conditions. Additional duties as required: It is (E) Essential (D) Desirable that applicants have the following: • (E) Drivers licence (BE endorsement- trailer advantageous but training can be provided) • (E) Previous experience in similar position • (E) Ride on mower training • (D) Operational Playground Inspection Course attendance advantageous but not essential • (D) Pesticide PA1 and PA6 would be advantageous but training will be provided • (D) Agriculture tractor with trailer training • (D) Safe use of mini digger • (D) Safe use of chainsaw and woodchipper. Please send CV to [email protected] and [email protected] by 14 May 2021.

REF 1008-ONLINE-28/5 Wilder Kent Volunteer Officer Permanent Closing Date: Midday on 1 June 2021 Interview Date: Wednesday 9 June at Tyland Barn Maidstone Salary: £22,000 Based at: We have an agile working policy where staff can work from home, office or other agreed remote location, but location of employment will be the individual’s nearest Kent hub. There will be occasions when delivery of the role means you will need to work from Tyland Barn or one of our other Kent Hubs. The Job: is looking for a self-motivated, organised and committed individual to get fully immersed in a role that will develop our volunteering strategy across all of the departments in the Trust, coordinate, and help manage, our various volunteers and volunteer groups and champion the volunteer work across a number of disciplines including practical conservation work, wildlife monitoring and recording as well as our office volunteers. You: Are you ready to make your mark on the world of volunteer management supporting vital conservation work across Kent? Do you also have a passion for wildlife and the environment and want to help a local charity achieve its ambitious plans? Do you want to spread the word about Kent’s wonderful wildlife and glorious landscapes and why we need to protect them in the future? You will have excellent communication skills, be organised and have energy and creativity, with the ability to come up with new/exciting ideas. You will be the first point of contact for staff and volunteers so being friendly is essential. Kent Wildlife Trust is the leading wildlife charity for Kent and Medway, supported by its members and staffed by committed professionals. Join our team and help us create a Wilder Kent! In return we will inspire you, listen to you, value you, treat you equally and fairly, look after your health and wellbeing and encourage flexibility from day one, enabling you to draw on these benefits to be a better, happier and more productive you. Contact details: For an application pack please visit our website: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/jobs. The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

REF 1009-ONLINE-11/6 Habitats & Heritage Project Officer We are looking for someone to continue, and complete, our ongoing 'Habitats & Heritage in Hyndburn' programme. The post: • 22.20 hours per week over 3 days • based at our Accrington offices • Salary is £15,000 per annum for 22.20 hours per week. The project focuses on the long term management of 8 Lancashire County Council woodland sites in Hyndburn. Supported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project currently manages these 8 woodlands to conserve their habitat and heritage value for the future. The project involves local people, schools and volunteers in learning about, surveying and helping to protect these woodlands. The project hosts a range of volunteering opportunities in both practical management and surveying and mapping work. There is also a comprehensive training program in woodland management, woodland crafts and identifying and surveying skills along with public events including walks, cycle rides and events. We also provide training opportunities so that people can develop skills to help them look after woodlands in the future. Another aim of the project is to map all the woodlands in the Borough of Hyndburn and also to carry out condition surveys of at least 10% of these to give a picture of the health of the collective woodland habitat in Hyndburn. A database of information will be created which will be made available through a new Hyndburn Woodland Website which will also be created. The post is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hyndburn Windfall Fund and Lancashire County Council. All the paperwork necessary to submit an application is available to download from our 'Job Opportunities' webpage: https://c- js.co.uk/3tnDyCL. Deadline for submission of completed applications is 5.00pm prompt on Bank Holiday Monday 31 May. Interviews will take place on Thursday 10 June.

Page 10 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1010-ONLINE-11/6 Head of Conservation The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is seeking to recruit a Head of Conservation. Salary: £29,000 - £32,000 Location: Choice of offices; Cardigan, Bridgend or Brecon and some home-working. Hours: 35 per week with flexi / TOIL Deadline: Wednesday 9 June @10am. Interviews: Thursday 17 June @ The Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran (if covid rules allow). We are looking for someone with vision, good ecological knowledge and management experience to join our team. We manage over 100 nature reserves, covering some of the region’s most precious wild places and deliver exciting conservation projects in the wider countryside. We have a clear vision for nature’s recovery in our area. You will develop and lead this work with our terrestrial conservation team, championing the intrinsic importance of wildlife and demonstrating the relevance of our work to the climate and ecological crises. You will be part of a close-knit, dynamic and supportive senior management team, reporting to the CEO and working together to put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our Wildlife Trust. Further details from Jobs & Volunteering Opportunities - The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales https://c-js.co.uk/2R1XQ7s or email [email protected].

REF 1011-ONLINE-21/5 Grounds Technician Location: GreenAcres Cemetery & Ceremonial Park, St Helens, Merseyside Full Time Contract: 37.5 hours per week Salary: £10.26 per hour Our vision is to be recognised by families and partners as the leading cemetery and ceremonial service provider in the UK, changing the face of the industry in which we operate. We therefore promise to provide a personalised service in a unique and caring environment for all our families and we are looking for an exceptional Grounds Technician to join our team, based at St Helens, Merseyside. Job Opportunity: If you are looking for a role that will offer you variety, the opportunity to meet people and work outdoors in an amazing location, we have got the job for you. As a Grounds Technician, you will work as part of the team to implement the site management plan and to provide a safe and appealing woodland and meadow environment for a meaningful and enhanced customer experience. Skills and Qualifications: To be a successful Grounds Technician in this varied role, you will need: • To be a flexible team player, while having the ability to work under pressure and on your own initiative to maintain personal deadlines in line with the delivery of projects, such as for key events, seasonal planting, coppicing, creation of prestige areas • The ability to complete all duties relating to grounds maintenance, including digging of graves / banksman (desirable), transportation to local crematoria, ash interments and memorial placings. You will complete tree maintenance such as felling, coppicing, pruning and chipping, and ensure all landscaping is completed, including planting, grass cutting and bracken control • Grave digging / excavator experience is highly desirable • Strong practical problem-solving skills • To perform several administration duties, including controlling stocks of materials and products required for the grounds, digging tickets and plot management. This will include ensuring all company procedures regarding H&S, risk assessments, first aid, safety procedures, safe storage of equipment, security and the welfare for others are maintained and recorded at all times. If you feel you have the relevant skills and empathy to be part of a business whose purpose is to change the face of the industry in the UK, come and work with us. Please apply by forwarding an up-to-date CV and covering letter, including your email address and telephone number, as soon as possible. Please note you will need a full driving licence. [email protected]. Website: www.greenacresgroup.co.uk/rainford-park/. Closing Date: 23 May 2021.

REF 1012-ONLINE-28/5 Professional Development Coordinator (Training) Full-time: 37.5 hours per week Salary: £26,159 per annum Location: Ampfield, nr Romsey (with significant flexibility for home working) Excellent benefits include 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays), flexible working and generous pension arrangements. The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is the leading professional membership body for ecologists and environmental managers working to protect and enhance the natural environment. The successful applicant will play a key role in CIEEM’s small and friendly Professional Practice team, having day-to-day responsibility for the planning and organisation of our training programme as well as involvement in our career promotion work. Professional development opportunities are an important part of our service to members in a competitive market so we are looking for an applicant who is an excellent organizer with first-class customer-service skills and the ambition to grow our training programme and activities. As part of our commitment to making CIEEM a great place to work, we offer a comprehensive reward and benefits package which includes; flexible working, 25 days leave plus public holidays, a generous workplace qualifying pension scheme with CIEEM contributing up to 10% of gross salary (dependent on employee’s contribution) for eligible employees, as well as appropriate personal development opportunities. Closing Date: Friday 28 May 2021. Interview Date: Tuesday 15 June 2021. For further information about CIEEM visit our website at www.cieem.net. To apply please see the job description available at https://c-js.co.uk/3vKJwPt and send in your CV with a covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification to [email protected]. Page 11 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1013-ONLINE-28/5 Senior Wildlife Officer St James’s Park, London (with travel to other Royal Parks) About Us: Created in March 2017, The Royal Parks is a charity that supports and manages 5,000 acres of historic parkland across London. Millions of Londoners and tourists visit our beautiful sites, which offer unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. The Benefits: • Salary of £27,801 - £33,727 per annum depending on experience • Pension scheme • 26 days' holiday per annum plus public holidays. The Role: As a Senior Wildlife Officer, you will undertake a wide range of conservation and wildlife management activities across the Inner Parks. Specifically, you will manage captive bird collections, natural habitats, and associated wildlife and pest control. Your role will also involve presenting to the public regarding wildlife topics. Additionally, you will also manage correspondence and actively participate in social media campaigns, press and media interviews. Other duties will include: • Providing care for the waterfowl collection, including daily feeding at St James’s Park • Routine pest management, animal welfare and the monitoring of water bodies • Assisting with the supervision of volunteer groups • Reviewing and implementing emergency procedures and contingency plans As part of your role, you will take part in an emergency cover rota for all Royal Parks. About You: To be considered as a Senior Wildlife Officer, you will need: • Extensive experience of wildlife conservation and the management and improvement of habitats • Demonstrable experience in a similar role, with proven management of wildlife and pest control, including using poisons, traps, firearms and integrated techniques • The ability to work from boats, and be confident to wade and work safely in water • Experience of lifting and handling large wildfowl • Excellent bird, animal, fish and wildlife knowledge, as well as species identification skills • An appropriate qualification such as an NVQ Level 2 in Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management or equivalent • A full, valid driving licence • To live within 30 minutes travelling time from St James’s Park, or in a Royal Parks Lodge (rent = 8.5% of salary), offer of Lodge subject to availability. So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Senior Wildlife Officer, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Apply Here: https://c-js.co.uk/3urR21o.

REF 1014-ONLINE-28/5 Wilder Kent Education Officer Permanent role Closing Date: Mid-day on Tuesday 1 June 2021. Interview Date: Wednesday 9 May 2021 at Tyland Barn. Salary: £22,000 p.a. Based at: We have an agile working policy where staff can work from home, office or other agreed remote location, but location of employment will be the individual’s nearest Kent hub. There will be occasions when delivery of the role mans you will need to work from Tyland Barn or one of our other Kent Hubs. The Job: The Wilder Kent Education Officer will be creating new and developing existing educational programmes, events and schemes for the Trust while ensuring high quality marketing and standards. This role requires you to be passionate about connecting children, young people, and adults with nature through a variety of learning experiences. This role will help us expand our reach in engaging 25% of the population in Kent, helping to tackle the nature and climate crises. You: Are you a confident and clear communicator with experience of working in an educational setting, formal or informal? Do you have the experience and ability to create new and exciting paid-for educational provision? Do you have a passion for wildlife and the environment and want to help us achieve our vision for a Wilder Kent? We are looking for someone who has excellent communication skills, is organised, and has energy and creativity with the ability to think of new and impressive ideas. You will have experience of setting up efficient protocols and procedures to ensure effective educational delivery. Please read the job description for the full person specification. Kent Wildlife Trust is the leading wildlife charity for Kent and Medway, supported by its members and staffed by committed professionals. Join our team and help us create a Wilder Kent! In return we will inspire you, listen to you, value you, treat you equally and fairly, look after your health and wellbeing and encourage flexibility from day one, enabling you to draw on these benefits to be a better, happier and more productive you. Contact details: For an application pack please visit our website: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/jobs. The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.

REF 1015-ONLINE-21/5 Harvesting Works Supervisor Based in Micheldever, Hampshire Some weekend and out of hours working required Forestry England is the largest land manager and custodian of the nation’s public forests. We supply nearly half of all homegrown sustainable timber in England, selling around 1.4 million tonnes per year. We are looking for an experienced Works Supervisor to help plan and execute our safe and sustainable tree harvesting operations and fulfill our supply contracts to our sawmill customers. Working closely with our Harvesting Forester, you’ll be confident working with contractors and other external stakeholders to provide front line supervision and site management. You’ll also use your knowledge of land management and/or forestry to ensure our operations work continues to meet our health and safety and conservation responsibilities. This is an exciting time to join the South Forest District as we look to secure and grow our economic, social and natural capital of our forests. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who has excellent organisational, communications and IT skills and works well under pressure. In return, we offer an attractive salary and benefits package including a generous government pension scheme and flexible working. We also provide excellent personal and career development opportunities. For further details about this exciting role visit: www.forestryengland.uk/careers or click here https://c-js.co.uk/3trFZ78 to apply now. If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Blanco-Diaz, [email protected]. Closing date: Monday 24 May 2021. Page 12 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1016-ONLINE-28/5 Head of Research Scotland The opportunity: We are looking for a highly motivated agricultural scientist or farmland ecologist to develop and lead our research programme in Scotland. This is a unique opportunity for an established post-doctoral scientist to develop their career by managing a demonstration farm, and developing and overseeing research addressing game and wildlife conservation issues in Scotland. You will lead a small, dedicated team and be based in scenic Deeside. Responsibilities: • To develop and oversee all research projects and research and demonstration farm staff in Scotland. • To manage all aspects of operations at the Game & Wildlife Demonstration Farm at Auchnerran, Aberdeenshire (GWSDF), including the farming, the research, and the demonstration and outreach activity. Skills required: • A PhD in a relevant discipline and experience as an agricultural scientist or farmland ecologist with a strong publication record. • Good people management skills, capable of taking management responsibility (and developing expertise) in areas of non-primary expertise. • Good leadership qualities, a team player, and with strong presentation skills. • Good IT skills, financially competent, and experienced in budgeting and financial control. • Good connections in areas of relevant science and research in Scotland and the ability to generate and manage relationships with potential funders. • Excellent communication skills, a people person. About GWCT: The GWCT is a research and education charity specialising in the conservation of game and wildlife species in the UK. We aim for a thriving countryside rich in game and other wildlife, and we are committed to developing the science that underpins game, wildlife and fisheries management. Most of the game research in the UK is undertaken by the GWCT, but we also work on a broad range of species sharing the same habitats and facing similar issues. We research measures that will deliver good conservation, designed to sit alongside sustainable economic land use, and increasingly to help address the climate and biodiversity crises. Hence, we improve biodiversity in the wider countryside within sustainably managed landscapes. We have a very successful research and demonstration farm at Loddington, Leicestershire and are looking to use this model to develop our Scottish Demonstration Farm with an upland and livestock focus. To apply: Please submit a covering letter and CV by email to Lynn Field (PA to Director of Research) [email protected] by the closing date of Monday 31 May (09.00). Successful candidates will be invited for interview on Tuesday 15 June. Job description: The role represents an opportunity to develop and lead a programme of research that will influence management of upland livestock farms and the future of game and wildlife conservation in Scotland. It involves developing research projects and outreach events at our Scottish Demonstration Farm, designing and overseeing research elsewhere in Scotland, and promoting outputs to a wide range of audiences. Reporting to: both the Director Scotland and Director of Research. Responsibilities: To develop and oversee all research projects and research and demonstration farm staff in Scotland (currently 3 post-doctoral scientists, 2 research assistants, 4 placement students, farm manager). To manage all aspects of operations at the Game and Wildlife Demonstration Farm at Auchnerran, Aberdeenshire (GWSDF), including the farming, the research, and the demonstration and outreach activity. Salary £45,000-£50,000 dependent on experience. Location: The successful candidate would be based within 30 miles of GWSDF Auchnerran, near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. Advert continues online.

REF 1017-ONLINE-14/5 Wild Coast Sussex Administration and Communications Officer Location: Home working with office hot desk at Woods Mill, outside Henfield and travel to sites along the Sussex Coast. Salary: £9,730 (£24,325.01 pro rata) Contract Type: Fixed term until April 2023 Hours: 14 hours per week. Working pattern to be arranged between Monday to Friday in the main including occasional weekends and evenings. : Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex. We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside and coast. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places. Wild Coast Sussex: Wild Coast Sussex will inspire Sussex communities to care for the marine environment & enable them to protect their local coast and sea. Sussex Wildlife Trust is the lead partner on this exciting project with Marine Conservation Society, Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and Brighton SEA LIFE. Our partnership will champion the rare and precious marine wildlife found locally, highlighting the extraordinary kelp forests, seahorses and rays once abundant in Sussex which could recover and thrive if given a chance. The Role: We have an exciting opportunity to join our Wild Coast Sussex partnership project team. This role will deliver engaging project communications and develop the Wild Coast Sussex online community via social media channels. The role will involve writing content suitable for different audiences, including young adults (16-25yrs), across various channels, such as website, social media, print and online marketing materials for the project. The role will also support the Project team and partnership by providing high quality administration including meeting secretariat, project reporting and volunteer and event administration. The Person: You will be an experienced professional, with proven high quality communication and administrative skills. You will have excellent IT skills and previous experience of copywriting and working professionally in social media is desirable. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are vital in this role, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. An understanding of Sussex coastal communities and marine conservation is an advantage. Occasionally, you will be required to work evenings and weekends. To apply click here https://c-js.co.uk/3nJXePX. Closing Date: 17 May noon. Interview Date: 24 May - Interview will be remote via online video platform.

Page 13 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1018-ONLINE-21/5 Marketing Manager Salary: £30,000 p.a. (full-time, permanent) Reports to: Head of Fundraising and Communications Hours: 37.5 per week Based: Devizes Office with Homeworking Manages: Digital Communications Officer, Marketing Content Specialist Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Marketing Manager, to lead the recently-formed marketing team at a very exciting time for movement. Public support for nature and wildlife in the UK has never been higher. With an agile, dynamic marketing team we want to build on this support to: • Increase membership and other forms of financial support for the Trust • Generate awareness and understanding of the ecological and climate emergencies, and how our conservation work is addressing these • Grow our contact lists, promote our brand and increase engagement with our mission and campaigns. You will lead a varied marketing programme across digital and offline channels, ensuring a clear brand and tone of voice across all our marketing activity, meeting our fundraising objectives and building support for the Trust’s mission. The role will be a mix of office and home-based, some travel within Wiltshire, including our network of 42 wonderful nature reserves. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is the largest organisation concerned with all aspects of the environment in Wiltshire and Swindon. We advocate for the protection and restoration of habitats for wildlife, promote natural solutions to climate change and sustainable farming, and demonstrate through our work how a closer relationship with nature can increase human wellbeing. We are also part of network of 46 Wildlife Trusts which spans the whole of the UK, advocating for the recovery of our natural environment, which has over 800,000 members. A full job description and application pack is available to download from our website https://c-js.co.uk/3nRHR88. If you would like to discuss this opportunity informally, please contact Dugald McNaughtan at [email protected] Closing Date for applications: Monday 31 May 2021. Provisional interview date: Thursday 10 June 2021. To apply please complete our application form and submit it to [email protected]. (Please note we are only able to accept applications via our application form. When completing the form please ensure you use the ‘supporting statement’ section to evidence how you believe you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description. This information will be used in our short-listing process).

REF 1019-ONLINE-28/5 Arboricultural Officer Chesterfield Borough Council Reference: CBC210237 Salary Details: £28,672 - £31,346 per annum Job Term: Permanent Appointment type: Full time Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Stonegravels Depot Department: Greenspaces Division: Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the management of trees and woodlands within the Chesterfield borough, alongside delivery of the practical functions of the service, the successful post holder will be involved with the development of new initiatives and management planning. The job will entail the management of the Council’s trees and tree service and contributing to ensuring the Council’s resilience to meet our climate change commitments. You will work with officers across our services from green spaces and street scene to housing and planning and you will provide guidance and assistance in all tree related matters. On a day to day basis you will carry out practical tree works but the majority of your responsibilities will include surveys and assessments, responding to enquiries, managing the Council tree contracts and our contractors. Applications are sought from skilled and experienced arborists who are seeking to progress their career towards a technical and managerial role. For more information or to apply please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jobs. Closing date: 31 May 2021 Provisional interview date: To be confirmed.

REF 1020-ONLINE-28/5 Tree Inspector Colchester Borough Council is responsible for the management of 15,000 trees growing within our parks and open spaces, and 66ha of woodland distributed across our countryside sites. We also provide an inspection service for Essex County Council involving trees on the public highway. An exciting new post has been created within the Neighbourhood Services team to assist in managing these trees, as well as contributing to the development of the tree services that we provide. You can expect to be involved in all aspects of arboricultural management with particular emphasis on tree inspections and providing technical advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders. You will also have an active role in maintaining our tree database and producing work schedules for action by arboricultural contractors. This is a job that demands a good knowledge of tree management including identification skills and the ability to carry out visual tree assessments. You will need to have secured a recognised Level 3 qualification or equivalent in Arboriculture and be able to demonstrate at least 3 years' experience within the arboricultural industry. You will also need well developed written and verbal communication skills and be competent in the use of ICT systems. An ability to work independently as well as part of a team is essential, as is good organisational skills and an ability to manage your own workload and time. To find out full details on this position visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/jobs/. If you would like to speak to someone about this job please call Paul Cook on 07507 815 469 or email [email protected]. Closing date for applications: 28 May 2021. Interviews will be held on: 9 June 2021.

Page 14 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1021-ONLINE-28/5 Farm Advisor Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a lead and a partner in a number of programmes across the Ribble catchment including; the Forest of Bowland AONB’s Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme, Tidal Ribble project, Loud Phosphate and NFM project, Facilitation Fund Group in Ribblesdale and Lancashire Woodland Connect. RRT is delivering a range of activities to improve the condition, management, and awareness of the Ribble Catchment. As part of these projects the Trust is looking to recruit a technically competent, dynamic, and enthusiastic person to deliver a range of agricultural and environmental projects aimed at improving the water quality and habitat of the Ribble Catchment. The projects seek to collaborate with farmers to deliver work that will bring about agricultural and environmental improvements; ranging from advice around nutrients, to soil structure improvements, and the creation and enhancement of Natural Capital. Working within the Land Management and Conservation Team, this role will carry out farm visits to identify infrastructure and management changes that will support farm productivity and improve the water and wider environment of the Ribble Catchment. Such actions include items such as improving water separation, manure storage and management (including nutrient application) as well as grazing changes, and habitat creation (particularly riparian habitats including woodland). The role will oversee development and delivery of actions, and in some instances support other team members and partner organisations to undertake delivery. There will also be involvement and delivery of training and knowledge sharing events. It will be expected that the role will also contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of farm advice, and activity evaluation and reporting. The role requires a confident and clear communicator with experience in engaging and working with farmers and landowners and delivering projects that reduce diffuse pollution, create habitat, and support sustainable farm practices, particularly recognising the positive role that farming has to play in tackling the climate emergency. The successful candidate should have experience in agriculture and land management, agri-environment schemes, landscape-scale conservation, Natural Capital and ecosystem services. It is desirable that they have an understanding of the Water Framework Directive. Although a FACTS and/or BASIS qualification is desirable, willingness to work towards these qualifications is key, as the Trust will consider funding such qualifications for the right candidate. To find out more about this role, and to apply, please click here https://c-js.co.uk/2QQrpJp. Please note the closing date for this position is 27/5/2021 with interviews week commencing 7/6/2021.

REF 1022-ONLINE-14/5 Heathland Assistant Ranger (Seasonal) Temporary - 6 month post Salary £20,092 - £21,748 37 Hours Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) are delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to become part of a dynamic and forward-thinking Countryside Team. BCP are looking to recruit 5 seasonal heathland rangers for the summer of 2021. Environmental Services manage a significant proportion of the internationally important lowland heaths found in Dorset, which are home to rare and endangered wildlife. You will be involved in strategic access management, helping to mitigate the effects of urban pressures on our heathland and other nature reserves. You will have experience or knowledge of Lowland Heaths and their management. You will be able to evidence/demonstrate good communication skills that would enable you to effectively promote responsible use of the sites and in doing improve the condition of these premier open spaces / heaths. You will provide advice, guidance regarding access and information to site visitors on heathlands across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Much of this will be through onsite presence promoting responsible use, awareness and enjoyment of the natural environment through engagement with site users. You will also have the ability to carry out minor repairs & maintenance on site as required. The role will also involve working with and engaging volunteers; this may involve undertaking practical conservation tasks. You will be part of the BCP Countryside Team delivering cover 7 days per week on a Rota basis. You will need to be flexible, comfortable with working on your own and have a full driving licence. Posts will be based as follows; 2x Christchurch / Hengistbury Head, 1 x North Bournemouth (Kingfisher Barn), 2 x Poole. Please state if you have a preference over a particular base, although you will be required to assist outside of your main target / preferred area when the need arises. You may be involved with BCP’s conservation grazing scheme, in particular stock checks, as well as working with lookering volunteers. These roles are both demanding and rewarding and offer an excellent opportunity to be part a responsive team striving to protect the outstanding local natural environment and to ensure that sites are safe, clean, attractive and easy to use. For more information and to apply click here https://c-js.co.uk/2QNd6VH. Closing date 16 May 2021. Location: Dorset

Wake up to Lyme – May is International Lyme Disease Awareness Month As we return to parks and private gardens, both being places ticks are active, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent tick bites, know what to do if we are bitten and help prevent further cases of Lyme disease this summer.

Lyme disease is considered an invisible illness, and the implications are isolating, frightening and expensive. With little help available through the NHS, the Wake Up to Lyme campaign hopes to prevent tick bites and provide key knowledge to those who are concerned they have been bitten. Find out about tick bite prevention at https://lymediseaseuk.com/prevention/ Watch the video here

Page 15 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts Water Safety Management Issues for the Conservation Sector (First Aid for water safety) By Cory Jones

Safety for staff working in or near is a major issue for everyone in our sector and robust risk assessments are one of the key ways to reduce the chance of accidents and incident occurring. Mitigation around working with water includes working in teams, good planning, communications on site, time of year, checking weather forecasts, and a final layer of safety should be correct PPE footwear (boots/waders), lifejackets, vinyl gloves, a spare flask with a hot drink and spare clothes etc.

However, even with all these controls and mitigations in place accidents can still happen, slips and trips are so hard to prevent. This article will discuss first aid issues with respect to what to do if you or a colleague falls in the water.

Potential Issues - Cold water shock & Immersion hypothermia - Sudden immersion in water less than 15ºC, can be very dangerous, even deadly. Immersion deaths represent the third most common cause of accidental death in adults (Cold Water Immersion, sudden death and prolonged survival. Prof M. Tipton, The Lancet). The sudden change of temperature from immersion in cold water has a varied effect on the body. The first thing that happens is the Cold Shock response. This causes a sudden gasp for air, followed by uncontrollable hyperventilation. This can cause immediate problems due to inhalation of water into the lungs. (Cory Jones) If the inhalation of water is avoided, the dangers aren’t over yet. The sudden cooling of the skin also causes blood vessels to shrink, which in turn makes it harder for blood to flow. At the same time the heart rate increases, which combined with the reduced blood vessel size, leads to an increase in blood pressure. The rapid rise in work rate, increase in blood pressure can thus lead to serious cardiovascular problems and sudden cardiac arrest in some cases.

What to do if you are immersed in cold water? The advice from the RNLI, is to try your best to relax. The initial cold shock response will pass in less than a minute, so trying to stay calm and control your breathing is the best course of action. Concentrate on trying to float on your back to keep your face clear of the water and stop you from panicking.

If the casualty is removed from the water quickly, they will probably be shivering violently with immersion hypothermia and be struggling to use their fingers or hands. Their core temperature however will not have dropped dangerously unless they have been in the water for a longer period of time. Help them get to shelter, ideally out of the wind. Remove wet clothing and give them warm dry clothes to wear. Give them warm fluids to drink and food to eat. Their body will generate heat if it has fuel to burn.

Weil's Disease and Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection contracted from leptospires that exist in the urine of mammals such as rats, cattle, sheep and dogs. Rats are considered the main agent of infection as they urinate as they run, marking their territories as they go. Although relatively uncommon, Leptospirosis is a condition that those active in the countryside should be aware of. In 2017, there were 5 reported infections of Leptospirosis in Scotland, compared to 157 for Lyme disease. The more severe form of the infection, known as Weil’s Disease, can have a serious impact on your health and in some cases can result in death. (Cory Jones) The leptospires enter your body mainly through any open cuts or wounds or by swallowing infected water. The condition is mainly recorded in the summer months when we are all out and about more.

Symptoms are wide ranging and often indicate the extent of the infection. It is estimated that around 90% of people who get infected will get Leptospirosis and 10% will get Weil’s Disease. Symptoms of Leptospirosis may only appear up to a month after the initial infection and may include:  a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery  a headache  feeling and being sick  aching muscles and joints  red eyes  loss of appetite Rats are just one carrier of Weil's disease (Cory Jones)

Page 16 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts Awareness of the potential for infection plus the appearance of these symptoms should alert you to go to your GP. Explain your concerns and knowledge of Leptospirosis as well as your symptoms. If you are if unsure it is worth getting in touch with your local GP or called NHS 111 for more advice.

Symptoms of Weil’s Disease will (usually but not always) appear within 3 days and include:  yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)  swollen ankles, feet or hands  chest pain  shortness of breath  coughing up blood

Seek urgent medical attention if you have these symptoms.

CPR for drowning casualties - Worst case scenario you may end up finding a casualty on site or this maybe someone who has fallen in the water unexpectedly. If it is safe to do so, get the casualty out of the water, and as soon as we realize the casualty is not breathing, we’re going to give the casualty five rescue breaths.

Make sure the emergency services are on the way, tell them we suspect drowning and that we need an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). While waiting for help to arrive we’re going to continue our CPR protocol of 30 compressions, then 2 breaths continuously.

To help you we have included a video of how to carry out CPR on a suspected drowning casualty Note about Covid - currently under Covid protocols/restrictions it is not recommended to carry out the giving breath part of the CPR cycle.

Rescue breaths are key for non-breathing To find out more about these and many other outdoor first aid issues drowning casualties (Cory Jones) download our digital outdoor first aid manual for free.

Cory Jones has been teaching outdoor first aid courses for nearly 20 years after a career as an ecologist and conservation officer. He is a Director of First Aid Training Co-operative and a graduate of the internationally renowned WEMSI School of Wilderness Medicine.

Apprenticeships and internships, online here: c-js.co.uk/CJSAppship Posts with a significant level of training leading to a recognised qualification

REF T1023-ONLINE-21/5 Outdoor Learning in Surrey - Intern Opportunity (paid) June - December 2021 Do you love the outdoors and want to shout about it? Do you want to turn your environmental degree theory into practical activity? We are looking to take on a full-time intern to train in the delivery of both formal and informal outdoor education sessions and help with the team’s work to enhance habitats in school grounds. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for the outdoors, the natural world and an interest in working with children of all ages. Ideally the successful applicants will hold a degree in the earth sciences, countryside management or education and hold a first aid certificate. You will be keen to develop skills in environmental education. You will need your own transport and be willing to travel around the county. The national living wage (£8.36-£8.91 per hour, age dependent) will be payable to assist the candidate. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please send a completed application form, available on our website www.surreywildlifetrust.org with the full job profile, to Louise Shorthose, Outdoor Learning Manager, Nower Wood, Mill Way, Leatherhead, KT228QA or email to [email protected] by midday 24/5/2021. Interviews will be held on Friday 28 May with a view to starting in early June 2021.

Voluntary Opportunities, online here: c-js.co.uk/CJSVols

Key: REF CJS reference no. JOB Title BE4 Application closing date IV = Interview date LOC Location PAY Any benefits. If paid the salary range FOR Employer Main text usually includes: Description of Job, Person Spec / Requirements and How to apply or obtain more information.

REF 1024-VOL-28/5 JOB SPURN RANGER VOLUNTEER BE4 31/5/21 LOC SPURN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE PAY Travel expenses and training FOR Spurn has had many different uses by humans over the years and you can see the rich history of the landscape right before your eyes, not to mention the abundance of wildlife. As there are so many interesting features on this site that is 3 miles in length, we need volunteers out and about on the reserve to talk with visitors at certain points, including the wash-over at high tides and to help keep people safe. You'll be part of a team of volunteers who help to make Spurn a fantastic place to visit, you'll enjoy spending time talking to people and helping them to have an inspiring day. Full training and induction to the role will be given, you'll just need to bring lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to make each visitor’s trip to Spurn a memorable one! Time: ongoing role and flexible to suit. For more information and to apply: https://c-js.co.uk/3nXyHaf. Page 17 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1025-ONLINE-28/5 Darenth Area Volunteer Trainee Warden (2 posts available) Fixed term of 11 months Closing Date: Midday on Friday 28 May 2021. Interview Date: Wednesday 9 June 2021. Salary Range: This is an unpaid voluntary role however, travel expenses and a tailored training programme will be provided. Based in the Darenth Area, including Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Globally and nationally wildlife is in steep decline. We appear to be reaching critical tipping points around the loss of biodiversity as well as around climate change, both being interlinked. Human society cannot prosper without wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Kent’s wildlife needs to be restored to much higher levels. We can no longer allow common things to become rare. We can only do this by restoring large-scale habitat from degraded land. Doing this will contribute to solving global problems. But we won’t be able to do this unless we publicly aspire to a higher level of impact and show that we can deliver this. Are you looking for experience in the environment sector as a Nature Reserve Warden? We are looking for someone to help us with the general and practical management of a range of nature reserves in the West of the county including wetland, woodland and chalk downland, whilst gaining experience working with and leading volunteer tasks, working with stock graziers and Trust livestock, carrying out surveys and monitoring and gaining certificates for various practical skills such as brushcutter and chainsaw. Kent Wildlife Trust is one of the largest of the 47 Wildlife Trusts and has the simple aim of protecting Kent’s wildlife for the future. We are working to restore biodiversity, focusing on the restoration, recreation and reconnection of wildlife habitats, linking them to the green space in our cities, towns and villages. Our vision is to rebuild nature by working with landowners, local communities and partner organisations to create a Living Landscape. If you feel you have the enthusiasm and capacities to meet the challenge of this role, we would be very interested to hear from you. Contact details: For an application pack, visit our website www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk. For additional information about the role please contact Paul Glanfield, on 07766 732214 or email [email protected]. The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

REF 1026-VOL-4/6 JOB NATURE ACTIVITY LEADER BE4 N / A LOC RSPB SALTHOLME, MIDDLESBROUGH PAY All training & uniform provided FOR RSPB Are you enthusiastic about wildlife, want to share your knowledge or are looking for experience in visitor engagement? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and have a sense of fun? Volunteering as a Nature Activity Leader, you will be helping to deliver our very popular family activities such as pond dipping and minibeast safaris. We will provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a vibrant and varied visitor centre. The role encompasses a range of activities, which require you to be out and about for most of the day in all weathers. While you don’t need to be Sir David Attenborough, some knowledge of wildlife will be useful! You’ll to need to: be able to engage with and inspire visitors of all ages and levels of wildlife knowledge; be proactive and be prepared to get hands on; an awareness of Health and Safety. Time: 1 day/week over weekends and school holidays. For more information and to apply: https://c-js.co.uk/3eWc2aa.

REF 1027-VOL-28/5 JOB NATURE RESERVES VOLUNTARY TRAINEE – NORTH CENTRAL BE4 26/5/21 (9am) IV 8/6/21 LOC YORK & HARROGATE AREA PAY Training & travel FOR YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 3 days a week for 12 months. Across North Yorkshire, our reserves team carries out front line nature conservation through practical conservation tasks, leading volunteer groups and reserve management to enhance and protect nature. We are offering the opportunity for a new voluntary trainee to gain valuable experience within this team and develop skills in all aspects of habitat management. You’ll be involved with helping to look after a suite of nature reserves across central North Yorkshire with varied habitats including wildflower meadows, wetlands and woodlands. As the range of sites that we manage varies so much in this area, you can expect to gain valuable experience in nature reserve management across a broad range of fascinating habitats and locations with this opportunity. To find out more information or to apply please download an application form from our website www.ywt.org.uk/voluntary-traineeships.

REF 1028-VOL-25/6 JOB EVENTS ASSISTANT – FOXTON LOCKS BE4 30/6/21 LOC FOXTON LOCKS, LEICESTERSHIRE PAY Training & travel expenses FOR CANAL & RIVER TRUST Canal and River Trust are looking for volunteer to support our Community and Engagement Team to help deliver a variety of events across the region and engage with the local community. Events Assistant Volunteers will get involved in the following: help with the delivery of local events across the East Midlands in summer 2020; water sports, arts and crafts, walking groups, wildlife activities, boat trips, talks; helping to set up equipment, working with the public and helping to increase the profile of the charity. As part of the role you will learn to: work within a team; develop organisational skills; communication skills. We are looking for: good customer service skills; willingness to pitch in and work as a team; whatever your skills and experience, we will find an activity that suits you. Time: flexible. For more information about the role and to apply, please go to: https://c-js.co.uk/2SzZMEQ.

Page 18 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1029-VOL-25/6 JOB EVENTS ASSISTANT - LEICESTER BE4 30/6/21 LOC LEICESTER PAY Training & travel expenses FOR CANAL & RIVER TRUST Canal and River Trust are looking for volunteer to support our Community and Engagement Team to help deliver a variety of events across the region and engage with the local community. Events Assistant Volunteers will get involved in the following: help with the delivery of local events across the East Midlands in summer 2020; water sports, arts and crafts, walking groups, wildlife activities, boat trips, talks; helping to set up equipment, working with the public and helping to increase the profile of the charity. As part of the role you will learn to: work within a team; develop organisational skills; communication skills. We are looking for: good customer service skills; willingness to pitch in and work as a team; whatever your skills and experience, we will find an activity that suits you. Time: flexible. For more information please go to: https://c-js.co.uk/3ttFuJZ.

REF 1030-VOL-25/6 JOB EVENTS ASSISTANT – STOKE BRUERNE BE4 30/6/21 LOC STOKE BRUERNE PAY Training & travel expenses FOR CANAL & RIVER TRUST Canal and River Trust are looking for volunteer to support our Community and Engagement Team to help deliver a variety of events across the region and engage with the local community. Events Assistant Volunteers will get involved in the following: help with the delivery of local events across the East Midlands in summer 2020; water sports, arts and crafts, walking groups, wildlife activities, boat trips, talks; helping to set up equipment, working with the public and helping to increase the profile of the charity. As part of the role you will learn to: work within a team; develop organisational skills; communication skills. We are looking for: good customer service skills; willingness to pitch in and work as a team; whatever your skills and experience, we will find an activity that suits you. Time: flexible. For more information please go to: https://c-js.co.uk/3vNcmPl.

Weighing up the benefits of volunteering An opinion piece from a long term subscriber to CJS Weekly

Weighing up the positives and negatives of volunteering in countryside management can be more complex than one might first imagine.

Like so many people who have chosen a career in a sector which can be satisfying, challenging, extremely rewarding (not to mention frustrating, difficult and underfunded) and from the outside hugely desirable – I began my career as a volunteer with my local ‘Friends of’ group. I have fond memories as a school kid carting barrow loads of stone, learning to pull Himalyan Balsam, and practising the art of hammering staples without nailing my own finger to a post!

It now seems a long time ago that my local Ranger service with which I found permanent employment, was funded well enough to staff most of the local parks, including our team of 8-10 people managing a country park just short of 200 hectares in area. Even with 10 staff it seemed like we were only just managing to keep on top of the day-to-day maintenance, let alone carry out any proactive habitat management work. By the end of austerity and numerous rounds of redundancy (of which I was one of the ‘victims’), that team of 10 had become a team of 1. That ‘1’ was a very hard-working, low paid volunteer leader with no formal countryside management training.

The theory was, according to management, that there was a healthy volunteer group who would staff the park, under the guidance of one paid leader. It is scenarios like this, which are most likely to trigger discussion over the role of volunteers within conservation and countryside management. At what point is the willingness of people to give something back to the community, care for their local area and learn new skills becoming exploited by authorities and other organisations?

Volunteers have a myriad of different motivations for getting involved in conservation work. Finding like-minded people to be around, learning new skills, getting some exercise, taking care of their local environment, and getting a ‘foot in the door’ with aim of starting a career are just a few of the many reasons to volunteer. Most, if not all, of the amazing (and unpaid) people who I had the privilege to work alongside as a paid member of staff, were there to do something positive in some capacity.

It’s not, therefore, a surprise to me to feel more than a hint of guilt when putting my ‘devil’s advocate’ hat on, to discuss the possible negative effects that volunteering may potentially have on the countryside management sector. It feels like taking something away from the amazing work being done by so many good people. But it’s something that needs to be considered, perhaps to keep a balance and inform future decision making.

So what are the possible negatives? Firstly, and perhaps most obviously is a common argument - that people willing to work for nothing may be depriving someone else of a paid position. This argument is a logical one to make – why would an organisation choose to pay a salary to someone when there are multiple people ready and willing to do the same work for free? It follows that more enjoyable tasks (coppicing, hedge-laying, habitat management etc) would be an immediate draw for volunteers. One would imagine that the less glamourous tasks which tend not to be advertised too widely would be harder to accomplish with unpaid staff. However, from experience there are plenty of ‘hardcore’ volunteers only too happy to clean toilets, empty dog waste bins and politely ask large gangs of youths not to ride a motorcycle across a partially frozen lake. Perhaps asking unpaid staff to regularly undertake these tasks is the point at which the line should be drawn?

Closely related to the above issue, are the economic impacts of the supply of free labour. It might well be that paid positions in countryside management are not always replaced by volunteers, however simple economics dictate that in an employers’ market (and countryside management is most definitely that!) salaries are driven down, and there are an abundance of short term and seasonal contracts, as opposed to stable full time work. During a recent job search I was rather astounded to come across an advert for a position with a private employer, requiring specific machinery licences, chainsaw qualifications, several years' experience doing similar work, and a postgraduate qualification. The salary: c.£17K - £21K p.a. There can’t be too many other sectors in which a company could ask for that level of qualification for such low pay. I never found out the outcome – but I would imagine they were successful in filling the vacancy.

Page 19 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts One of the dangers of becoming too reliant on volunteers is the potential for rash and uninformed decision making. This often comes from a good place, however can be detrimental. I recall a recent visit to a wildflower meadow I used to manage. This originally contained an abundance of orchids which were transplanted as part of a mitigation scheme. With nobody on site to intervene, an informal group was found enthusiastically planting a hotchpotch of ash trees, leyland cypress and assorted exotics which have no doubt now been left to mature at the expense of the meadow. Potentially 10 years work undone in an afternoon.

One final thing which I found conflicting when working as a Ranger, was the expectation of (particularly younger) people that doing a stint of volunteering would likely lead to employment. It is absolutely true that getting involved with local projects and groups is a great idea to give yourself the best chance of getting a ‘foot in the door’, however I can think of many great people who I would happily have employed, who volunteered for years, for whom the chance simply never materialised. My job was to encourage, inspire and educate which I did to the best of my ability – but in doing so was I just wasting time for these people?

There needs to be a balance between offering all of the benefits of voluntary conservation work to both people and the environment, without this spilling over into exploitation. In my view – austerity has shifted this towards the latter. Ultimately – people (myself included) care too much about conservation to simply allow things to go to rack and ruin. And thank heavens.

These days, after a very small sidestep into the world of biosecurity for the last 8 years, I often look longingly at job adverts for local conservation jobs. Sadly, I am yet to see a permanent role which I could reasonably afford to take up without a crippling cut in salary, a very long commute or a short-term contract. Happily, it seems there is still an abundance of good-hearted, hard working people nearby - willing to look after our countryside for nothing! And occasionally I am one of them.

News Headlines from the past week, Click the headline to read more.

Employment and Jobs Government urged to support creation of thousands of new green jobs in areas with greatest employment challenges - Green Alliance Research finds more than 16,000 new jobs can be created through coastal restoration, tree planting and urban green spaces across areas with the greatest employment challenges, particularly in the ‘Red Wall’, with more green jobs across Britain. Research commissioned by think tank Green Alliance has found significant potential for new green jobs in areas with the greatest challenges to the local labour market. The research, conducted by WPI Economics, found that investment and raised ambition in nature restoration could create at least 16,000 new jobs across the 126 British constituencies facing the most significant employment challenges coming out of the pandemic. Many of these constituencies are to be found in areas often identified as the Red Wall, and include County Durham, Copeland, Wolverhampton and Ashfield. Improving the quality and quantity of urban parks could create 11,000 jobs in the constituencies with the greatest labour market challenges, which also contain some of the most limited access to green spaces. The research found further opportunities for creating green jobs across Britain. Coastal communities with potential for seagrass planting (explained below), such as the Isle of Wight, have a higher proportion of people on furlough and more challenging employment prospects, indicating investment in these jobs could boost nature and the local economy post- pandemic. Restoring wetlands and seagrass meadows could create jobs in Welsh coastal communities, such as Anglesey and Newport, while underemployment and lower forecast job growth across the Pennines could be tackled through peatland restoration initiatives. Two thirds of the best land for tree planting can be found in constituencies with higher than average labour market challenges, with 112,000 hectares of this land in Red Wall areas. To define and locate green job potential, WPI matched employment data at constituency level with maps identifying the potential for nature restoration across a range of categories: woodland creation, peatland restoration, new urban green spaces and coastal restoration. The green jobs identified tackle challenging aspects of the post-coronavirus labour market: entry level roles for the newly unemployed or those on long term furlough from hospitality or customer service; and graduate level roles for those entering the labour market, such as in digital mapping or research.

Sustainability, Climate Change, Pollution and Litter The ocean’s solution to the climate emergency: blue carbon and rewilding our waters - Rewilding Britain The Marine Conservation Society has released a new report in partnership with Rewilding Britain. Blue Carbon – Ocean-based solutions to fight the climate crisis outlines the importance of the UK’s seas in helping the UK to reach its goal of net zero by 2050. In order to reach net zero, the quantity of carbon dioxide taken from the atmosphere and stored in natural solutions must increase. By protecting and rewilding ecosystems in our ocean, blue carbon stores will have increased capacity and ability to store carbon. The UK’s shelf seas cover some 500,000 km 2 and are estimated to store 205 million tonnes of carbon © Marine Conservation Society/Mark Kirkland The significant role of the world’s forests in helping to reduce Page 20 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts carbon emissions has been formally recognised through numerous initiatives and reforesting projects intended to keep carbon locked into the world’s forests on land. Unfortunately, equivalent solutions in the ocean are often overlooked. In order to reach its goal of net zero by 2050, the UK must look to blue carbon solutions in tandem with those on land. What is blue carbon? Marine ecosystems like seagrass meadows, saltmarshes and mangroves absorb or ‘draw down’ carbon from the water and atmosphere, just like plants and trees on land. The storage of carbon in marine habitats is called blue carbon. The storage of blue carbon can be in the plants themselves, like seaweed and seagrass; in the seafloor sediment where plants are rooted; or even in the animals which live in the water, including seabirds, fish and larger mammals. Blue carbon is simply carbon absorbed from the water and atmosphere stored in the world’s blue spaces. Dr Chris Tuckett, Director of Programmes at the Marine Conservation Society: “Carbon contained in marine and coastal ecosystems must be considered in the same way as our woodlands and peatbogs…critical to the UK’s carbon strategy. Our report outlines how vital blue carbon solutions are to an effective strategy which reaches net zero by 2050. We’re calling on the UK Government and devolved administrations to act with urgency to invest in, co-develop and implement a four nation Blue Carbon Strategy”.

National sky lantern ban needed, new coalition urges - Moorland Association The government should act now and make the use of sky lanterns illegal, that’s the message from leading farming, environment, animal and fire organisations. The group made up of 18 agencies, including the Moorland Association, has written to Environment Minister Rebecca Pow to explain how the Government’s approach not to regulate sky lanterns is now significantly out of date and out of line with other countries where the release of sky lanterns is considered an environmental crime due to the harm they cause animals, habitats and the countryside. By enacting Section 140 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 the Secretary of State can prohibit or restrict the importation, use, supply or storage of injurious substances or articles, such as sky lanterns. 152 local councils have already banned the release of sky lanterns on council property but with no national legislation the countryside and our farms remain unprotected. NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said: “The global community are already recognising the dangers of sky lanterns. Countries like Australia, Brazil, and Germany already have national bans, and we must join them. This is a simple but incredibly effective and impactful step the government can take towards a safer, cleaner and greener rural Britain. We wouldn’t light a naked flame in our home and walk away, so why would we send one into the air with no idea whose home or habitat it could eventually destroy?” Amanda Anderson, Director of the Moorland Association, said: “The government has identified wildfire as the most serious risk to precious peatland habitat, including blanket bog, which is of international importance. Moorland managers work consistently to reduce the risk of wildfires, which have become increasingly common in recent years, often causing devastation across vast areas. Banning sky lanterns represents a positive step in helping to prevent wildfires and protect moorland habitats.”

The Wildlife Trusts announce senior role for climate action at key moment for the UK - The Wildlife Trusts The Wildlife Trusts have created a new role to facilitate greater action on climate change at a key moment as the UK prepares to host the global climate conference later this year. Kathryn Brown of the UK Government’s independent adviser, the Climate Change Committee, will be seconded to the The Wildlife Trusts as Director for Climate Action for six months beginning in August. Kathryn Brown. (image: The Wildlife Trusts) The new appointment comes at a critical time for The Wildlife Trusts who are, collectively, among the largest land managers in the UK who are leading efforts to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030 with a huge range of new and ongoing projects. They are at the forefront of repairing thousands of hectares of peatlands, saltmarsh and other carbon-storing habitats, as well as giving new areas of land a chance to recover for nature - providing vital natural solutions to climate change Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: “Climate change is already having a major impact on the natural world, but its effects will become even more severe unless we are able to cut emissions faster than we have been doing to date. The UK is already known to be one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – of the G7 countries we are the most impoverished of species and habitats – but climate breakdown will make this bad situation worse. “The ability of natural habitats to store carbon is well-evidenced and it’s clear that you cannot deal with the nature and climate crises separately – they are inextricably linked. Kathryn Brown’s expertise will be enormously helpful in enabling us to play our part in addressing this twin emergency. When peatlands, saltmarshes and other habitats are in good condition, they lock-up carbon – but only 5% of UK land is any good for nature. People’s activities have damaged nature so much that land is now emitting carbon as well as being hostile for wildlife. It’s time to reverse this trend, restore nature and tackle the climate crisis too.”

National Trust maps out climate threat to coast, countryside and historic places - National Trust The National Trust has developed a “game changing” map that illustrates the threat climate change poses to some of its most iconic and culturally significant sites – and offers some solutions on how to tackle it. It is the first map of its kind that plots data in this way and will help the charity identify the hazard level facing its countryside locations, monuments, coastlines and historical sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By plotting its places alongside existing data on climate change related events, the charity is able to understand how, at a local scale, potential risk factors (extreme heat and humidity, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, soil heave and high winds) could change by 2060.

Page 21 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts Working to a worst-case model of no intervention on emissions, the map is intended to be used as a “flagging tool” to highlight potential hazards to the locality of a site. By identifying areas at risk, the charity can pinpoint locations that may need interventions like tree planting to slow water run- off, peat bog restoration to hold back water, river restoration or areas that need more shade due to extreme heat. The data will be used by the charity to look at risks to the landscape, with landowners working together to engage local communities to volunteer in their area and help in the fight. The National Trust is already taking measures to try and tackle the threat posed by climate change by planting or establishing 20 million trees – an area the size of Birmingham - and becoming carbon net zero by 2030. This map will ensure trees are planted in the places and where they are most needed, with 50,000 having been planted in the last 12 months including in north Devon, Lancashire, north Wales and Dorset. The next phase of the project will build on work already undertaken to identify and act in areas in which homes for wildlife are at risk and where species reintroduction like beavers may help the environment. It could also see government bodies from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland plot the heritage locations they care for to illustrate the threat to the whole UK historic environment. Coastal areas at risk of collapse or sand dune movements due to rising sea levels will also be highlighted in the future, which will also enable more informed solutions. Water or heat adaptive building materials will be used in areas shown as high risk from flooding or rising temperatures and humidity, or even inform where to build if an area is prone to soil heave.

Land and Countryside Management Dales peatland ‘a stirring scene of restoration’ - Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority An ‘enormous’ amount of restoration work is taking place at the most damaged blanket bog peatland in the National Park. Thousands of tonnes of coir, brash and stone have been brought this spring to Fleet Moss, Oughtershaw and Bleaberry – an area of moorland covering 166 hectares, located six kilometres south of the town of Hawes. The coir logs and stone, brought to site by helicopter, are being used to block erosion channels. A coir log staked across an erosion channel on Fleet Moss, with Ingleborough in the distance (Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority) Brash – a mixture of cut heather, cotton grass and other peatland plants – is being spread over bare areas of peat to re-seed it and protect it from eroding further. Much precious peat has been washed off the moor in recent decades. On parts of Fleet Moss, channels four metres deep have appeared. This means four thousand years of history have in effect been swept away, as peat is formed by sphagnum mosses at a rate of one metre depth every thousand years. Work on the ground has now been paused for the ground nesting bird season but it will begin again in July, before the three-year project comes to an end in December.

Wildlife and Animal News Large bumblebees start work earlier - University of Exeter Larger bumblebees are more likely to go out foraging in the low light of dawn, new research shows. University of Exeter scientists used RFID – similar technology to contactless card payments – to monitor when bumblebees of different sizes left and returned to their nest. The biggest bees, and some of the most experienced foragers (measured by number of trips out), were the most likely to leave in low light. Bumblebee vision is poor in low light, so flying at dawn or dusk raises the risk of getting lost or being eaten by a predator. However, the bees benefit from extra foraging time and fewer competitors for pollen in the early morning. "Larger bumblebees have bigger eyes than their smaller-sized nest mates and many other bees, and can therefore see better in dim light," said lead author Katie Hall, of the University of Exeter. "We might expect all bumblebee foragers to leave the colony to forage as soon as there is enough light to allow them to fly. In fact, colonies seem to regulate the start of foraging. There is a balance of risks and rewards in low light – and most bees wait for higher light levels when they can see better and fly faster, with less risk from predators or getting lost and running out of energy. Our finding that more experienced bees are more likely to fly in lower light suggests that knowledge of food locations helps them navigate safely." The study tracked the bees' behaviour over five days during warm periods of the flowering season. Only a small proportion of foragers left the colony at dawn when light levels were below 10 lux. Read the paper: Hall, K, Robert, T, Gaston, KJ, Hempel de Ibarra, N. Onset of morning activity in bumblebee foragers under natural low light conditions. Ecol Evol. 2021; 00: 1– 10. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7506

CRAKE-ING NEWS: Four calling corncrakes confirmed on Rathlin Island - RSPB RSPB warden confirms four calling male corncrakes in the Church Bay area, two established birds (believed to have found mates) plus two new arrivals - Rathlin is the only place in Northern Ireland home to this red-listed species Four calling male corncrakes have been recorded on Rathlin Island for first time since the late ‘70s / early ‘80s. The corncrake is a secretive bird known for its distinctive ‘crex-crex’ call. It is one of Northern Ireland’s rarest birds - a red- listed species (a bird of high conservation concern) - and their numbers have been in sharp decline since the 1980s. Rathlin is the only place in Northern Ireland home to this species and has been a focus for RSPB NI to create the right habitat for a corncrake comeback.

Page 22 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts For the last six years, at least one calling male has been heard. This year, two males arrived in late April (24 and 29) and are established on the island, with their behaviour indicating they have attracted mates. Two new males were recorded yesterday (Wednesday), so if these new arrivals remain and attract a mate it will be a real conservation coup. RSPB Rathlin Island warden Liam McFaul said: “I was very happy that we had two calling males, so to hear four yesterday was quite something. There’s no doubt that there were four birds in four different locations. It would be nice if all four got mates and stayed on the island, but there’s always a chance that one or two might leave again and settle elsewhere.” Liam will continue to monitor the birds, which are all within a half-mile radius of each other. At least three of the birds have been heard in nettle beds created over the last decade by RSPB NI staff and volunteers to attract corncrakes to the field margins of Church Bay. The hope is to achieve a sustainable population of corncrakes, with four or five pairs regularly breeding

City’s bright lights attract migrant birds - British Birds Results from a new study reveal that artificial light sources associated with urban areas can disrupt the natural movement patterns of birds migrating at night across the UK. Using a combination of passive acoustic monitoring devices and the latest computing approaches, researchers Simon Gillings and Chris Scott were able to determine that calling rates of migrating Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Redwings were significantly higher over brightly lit urban areas, most likely a consequence of the birds being attracted by the artificial lighting. Redwing, Liz Cutting Migrant birds face many challenges, and those that migrate at night may be subjected to additional impacts. Approximately 80% of UK summer migrants migrate at night and vast numbers of individuals may be involved; for example, an estimated 40–150 million birds cross the North Sea at night during the autumn migration period. There is growing evidence, mostly from North America, that nocturnal migrants can be affected by artificial light at night (termed ‘ALAN’ by researchers), becoming disoriented and, in some cases, flying into structures such as lighthouses, oil platforms and tall buildings. Mass mortality of nocturnal migrants, notably those attracted to illuminated tall buildings, is a recognised problem in North America. While UK and other European cities tend to have fewer tall buildings, there is an urgent need to establish the possible impacts of light pollution on migrant birds here. The present study, which took place in Cambridgeshire between late September and mid-November 2019, used passive acoustic monitoring devices to capture the presence of nocturnally migrating thrushes passing over gardens located along a gradient from the brightly lit city of Cambridge to the darker countryside that surrounds it. The audio recordings captured were then processed and analysed using the latest neural network computing approaches. These involved training an artificial neural network to identify the calls of the target species, before being given the collected recordings to analyse. Full paper: Gillings, S & Scott, C (2021) Nocturnal flight calling behaviour of thrushes in relation to artificial light at night. Ibis. https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.12955 . Action needed to protect dolphins and porpoises from bycatch in Europe - Newcastle University Marine scientists are calling on the EU to adopt a comprehensive plan to protect dolphins and porpoises from fisheries bycatch in European waters. Bycaught porpoise. Photo courtesy of Rod Penrose, Marine Environmental Monitoring. A team of conservation experts, including Newcastle University’s Professor Per Berggren, highlight limitations in EU’s efforts to address and mitigate bycatch. The scientists argue this infective response is a result of scattered and complicated management responsibility for the conservation of dolphins and porpoises in Europe, and from a lack of quantitative conservation objectives, including biological reference points that will guide management action to ensure that bycatch does not exceed sustainable levels. To help address the bycatch issue, which is the primary global threat to dolphins and porpoises, the researchers put forward a framework to reduce bycatch levels. Publishing their recommendations in the journal Fish and Fisheries, the scientists outline a two-step approach that involves establishing a quantitative management objective for each population and implementing monitoring programmes. To ensure an accurate estimation of bycatch levels, the experts recommend using electronic monitoring systems that allow a more comprehensive and representative sampling of the fleets. The scientists also recommend regular formal assessments of small cetacean populations, including generation of estimates of abundance and bycatch mortality. If total bycatch has been estimated to exceed the calculated biological reference point, then a mitigation strategy needs to be put in place while monitoring is continued until levels are below the reference points.

EU Court of Justice rejects Bayer attempt to overturn bee-killing pesticide ban - Buglife The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled today that the European Commission was right to ban the use of three bee- killing neonicotinoid pesticides – imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. The Court rejected Bayer’s appeal to overturn the ban and the 17 May 2018 ruling of the EU General Court, and instead significantly strengthened the ability of the EC to take action to prevent environmental harm.

Page 23 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts Scotland B-Lines Bumblebee on Scabious (Claire Pumfrey - Buglife) In 2013 the EC decided to ban three neonicotinoids from various uses where they believed there was a risk to bees and pollinators. Since then further evidence of harm being caused, for instance 40% of wild bees in one UK study had been extinguished in more than 10% of their range by neonicotinoid use and widespread contamination of wildflowers near arable fields, resulted in a full outdoor ban on the three pesticides across Europe. Bayer had argued that the EC could only act to protect the environment if previously agreed criteria were no longer met and could not act to ban uses of pesticides where there was no specific evidence that linked environmental harm to that use (e.g. domestic use). This would have undermined the EU’s ‘precautionary principle’ and the ability of the EC to take action that would prevent environmental harm. Instead the Court determined that the EC could base it’s decisions on an assessment of environmental risk based on any new scientific evidence and could rely on the precautionary principle to take a wide spread of measures that it decided would reduce the likely occurrence of environmental harm. Buglife presented arguments to the court in defence of the ban, along with Pesticides Action Network Europe, Beelife and Greenpeace. The Court ruled that Bayer should pay legal costs incurred by environmental groups.

Scientific Research New research to help identify and manage devastating pest insects - University of Liverpool Technology that was first used to distinguish healthy tissues from cancerous ones in humans has been successfully used to identify insects. Every year insect pests cause massive economic damage in agriculture and forestry, either by directly attacking crops or through the transmission of diseases. Research by the University of Liverpool, in conjunction with integrated pest management leader International Pheromone Solutions (IPS), could have huge benefits for the food industry. The technique could enable growers and importers to identify pest insect species quickly and accurately. The research was conducted by Liverpool PhD student Iris Wagner. She used a new analytical method called Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS). REIMS is a real-time analytical method involving the rapid burning of the sample tissue that gives a ‘fingerprint’ based on the molecular composition of the insect. For the study, the team of scientists first looked at five arthropod species, such as spiders and beetles. Once the team was confident of the technique, they focused on more closely related species of fruit fly (Drosophila spp.). Two of the species were closely related and their females morphologically highly similar, making typing using traditional methods, such as identification through morpho-taxonomic keys, very difficult. REIMS could distinguish different species at the adult or immature stage as well as discriminating male from female – all critical information for growers who need to monitor and manage infestations. Access the paper: Wagner I, Koch NI, Sarsby J, et al. The application of rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry in the analysis of Drosophila species-a potential new tool in entomology. Open Biol. doi:10.1098/rsob.200196

‘Stressed’ trees share resources to overcome environmental challenges - University of Glasgow A length of steel pipe and a heart monitor are the unlikely tools underpinning new research which suggests that trees may work together to form resource-sharing networks, helping the group collectively overcome environmental challenges. The findings, laid out in a paper published today in Communications Biology, offer fresh insight into how forests around the world might adapt to the increasing environmental stresses of climate change. Researchers from universities in the UK, Germany, France and Mexico partnered on the project, which investigated how mangrove trees form networks of root grafts in a Mexican coastal lagoon. Root grafts are physical connections between tree roots which can allow them to exchange water, carbon and mineral nutrients. Trees with less access to sunlight have been shown in previous studies to survive by sharing resources supplied from root grafts with better positioned neighbouring trees. Very little research has been conducted into resource-sharing in more extensive networks, however, because mapping root grafts between trees requires costly, time-consuming and difficult excavation work. The research team set out to gain a broader understanding of how root grafts are formed in larger networks of trees in resource-challenged environments. To do so, they studied black mangrove trees, a coastal species which plants shallow roots in soft underwater sediments, in the La Mancha lagoon, in the Veracruz region of Mexico.

Grants and Funding Landowners encouraged to plant trees for climate change and wildlife as MOREwoods applications reopen - Woodland Trust Landowners across the country are being asked to consider planting trees to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies. The Woodland Trust has just reopened applications for its flagship woodland creation scheme MOREwoods for anyone looking to get trees in the ground in the forthcoming 2021/22 planting season which starts in November. Senior project lead for woodland creation at the charity Emma Briggs said: “A common misconception about creating woodland is that you need a lot of land but the beauty of MOREwoods is that you only need half a hectare to be eligible, which is around the size of half a rugby pitch. “There are so many reasons to plant trees. We are in the grips of a climate and nature emergency and trees are natural warriors in the fight against both. They lock up carbon, enrich soils, improve water quality, slow the flow of flooding, provide shade, shelter and a haven for wildlife and of course they look good too.” For more information visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant Page 24 CJS Weekly®: 7 May 2021 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts New funding available: Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme - Defra / Natural England The Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS) provides funding to restore peatlands in the uplands and lowlands of England. It is a competitive grant scheme that will run until 2025. The scheme is open to environmental groups, local authorities, charities, public bodies, individual landowners and organisations. Natural England is looking for landscape scale applications that work to restore the whole hydrological unit of a peatland. This is likely to involve a number of sites and landowners, so applications from partnerships are encouraged. The objectives of the scheme are:  reduce emissions from peat by 9 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents cumulatively by 2050  establish the process of restoring 35,000 hectares of degraded peat in England by March 2025  provide wider benefits such as improved ecosystems and biodiversity, better water quality, natural flood management, protection of historic environment features, and connecting people with nature For more information and to start your application.

Keep up to date with current countryside news by following CountrysideNews on Twitter. Read the news online here: c-js.co.uk/CJSNews and follow the CJS blog here: news.countryside-jobs.com

CJS is an ethical business working in harmony with environmental professionals to conserve the British countryside and natural world. Motivated by conservation success not profits. Details believed correct but given without prejudice. Ends.

Page 25