Assistant Warden Oronsay/Colonsay RSPB Scotland

Living and Working in Oronsay

The Island of Oronsay, connected to Colonsay by a tidal strand, is just under 600 hectares in size, leased by the RSPB from its owner. Oronsay is a beguiling mix of rugged hill, rolling sand dunes, grassland and machair. Its special nature is reflected in the designations applied to it; SSSI, SPA and SAC with many archaeological sites and scheduled ancient monuments – including an ancient priory. The SSSI and SPA designations mostly apply to chough and corncrake, both of which species depend on positive agricultural management. To manage these requirements, the RSPB runs an in-hand farming operation, with a current herd of 47 native Luing suckler cows and flocks of Scottish black-face & Hebridean sheep (total 600). The 47ha of in-bye grasslands, arable, marsh & enclosed machair provide the winter keep for the cattle & sheep. These late cut grasslands produce an abundant food source for a wide range of species, as well as a wealth of botanical diversity. The extensive grazing regime supports a mosaic of habitats important for a different suite of flora & fauna. Throughout the Hebrides, the tradition of a mixed farming practice is being lost, leading to a loss of biodiversity. It is therefore very important that Oronsay continues to deliver rich mosaic of habitats to support biodiversity through its farming practices.

The Assistant Warden role

We need you to help manage this complex site. This is an ideal developmental role with an unusual mix of hands-on agricultural work in close partnership with high-end conservation delivery and biodiversity monitoring. Standards in both these elements are already high and you will be expected to match or exceed those standards. You will contribute to the already impressive work done and the continual enhancement of delivery in both conservation and agricultural terms. As part of the team you will be working to an already in place five-year plan. You will be a member of the Argyll Islands Area team; you will have support from, and give support to, colleagues based on other islands. The closest links are to Islay. You would:

1. Assist daily with all aspects of the farming operation, which dominates the working time here, this includes cattle & sheep husbandry, tractor operations, arable and grassland management and estate management in line with the management plan. You need to confident working with livestock and with maintenance of machinery 2. Assist with the daily completion of reserve activities in line with the management plan 3. Assist with breeding and non-breeding bird surveys on Colonsay & Oronsay; species include corncrake, chough, waders and raptors. 4. Assist with survey of other flora and fauna of conservation interest and maintain accurate records of all monitoring undertaken, assist with collation & submission of results including input of data into database. 5. Assist the warden with management of up to two residential voluntary wardens, including helping organise work programme and working with volunteers. 6. Use a wide range of machinery including tractor and implements, work boat, RTV and 4x4.

What’s it like living here?

Fantastic – but easy street this is not! Beautiful, uplifting and inspirational though Oronsay is, this is a post defined by hard physical work and extremes of weather. The feeble of limb and faint of heart need not apply! The peace and tranquillity are offset by the remoteness, poor communication infrastructure and significant travel restrictions. Thrice weekly boats from Oban to Colonsay and, perhaps, one from Islay during winter (during which you can expect many disruptions) and up to seven sailings in summer are your main transport links – having got to Colonsay in the first place (don’t forget the tidal strand – but there is a boat you can use!). A twice-weekly flight to Oban is your other transport option. The rewards for your labour speak for themselves; living and working in a place like this is very special. Nearest Town: the main connection for Colonsay/Oronsay is Oban via ferry or plane. Nearest Village: Scalasaig on Colonsay offers a shop, cafe, fuel pumps and a hotel. There is/are resident doctor/s on Colonsay. Accommodation will be in a shared semi-detached three-bed, one bathroom cottage.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654