Volunteers needed!

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by

vickianderson99d68ec168
in

We are carrying out a biodiversity study of Stansted with the help of funding from the Uttlesford District Council Zero Carbon Communities Fund.

The Biodiversity study will allow us to 

  • Map the plants, animals and habitats we have in Stansted 
  • Identify what is most important to protect
  • Know where to focus our efforts to make the biggest positive difference to the wildlife in our area

A key part of the biodiversity study will be mapping the habitats we have in the parish. We are looking for a small group of volunteers to help us with this mapping. No previous experience is necessary, although it would be very welcome if you have done this type of work before.

Volunteers will need to be able to devote around 20 hours of their time between the end of May and early July.

The volunteers will be guided by professional ecologists to help them understand the mapping and data gathering process. Data will be gathered in the field electronically so you would need access to an iPad/tablet. The volunteers will be gathering habitat data from across the parish and some botanical knowledge would also be helpful, but not strictly necessary.

The key aim will be to tease out major habitat groups (eg cropland, woodland, grassland, pond, river, hedgerows etc). The ecologist will review the data and then focus their time visiting the key habitats that are identified in the mapping project.

The opportunity is available to all, but may very well suit an A-level or undergraduate student who is interested in pursuing a career in the environment sector.

To summarise;

  • We need a small group of volunteers to help with the habitat mapping for the Sustainable Stansted biodiversity project.
  • Volunteers should be computer literate, and ideally have access to a tablet and desktop computer.
  • Volunteers will need to be able to devote around 20 hours of their time between the end of May and early July.
  • Volunteers do not need previous experience of habitat mapping, but this would be useful, as would some botanical knowledge.
  • Training will be provided and professional ecologists will be on hand to help.

If you are interested in helping with this activity or have existing knowledge about our habitats and wildlife in Stansted, please get in touch.