Dream chance to work among the birds

Eleanor Maslin - BBC News
·1 min read
People standing on wooden platforms on Bempton cliffs look at swooping seabirds on a sunny summer's day
Crowds flock to RSPB Bempton to catch a glimpse of seabirds [Crispin Rolfe/BBC]

Sufferers of pteronophobia (fear of feathers) or acrophobia (heights) need not apply…

RSPB Bempton in East Yorkshire, which is home to England's largest breeding colony of gannets, is looking for someone to spend a minimum of four months living among the seabirds.

Duties of the "residential volunteer" will include monitoring the birds and welcoming visitors.

Starting from March, the successful candidate will live in shared accommodation in the village of Bempton, about a mile (1.2km) from the reserve, with vistas out over the North Sea.

Landscape photo of two cliff faces with greenery at the top next to the sea. Several white dots can be seen at the nearest cliff face - they are birds.
The 400ft (121m) cliffs are home to 250,000 breeding seabirds that return each year to nest [Danny Lawson/PA Wire]

The RSPB said it is looking for a "passionate, hands-on individual" who is looking to gain a "well-rounded experience volunteering on a flagship RSPB reserve".

While specialist knowledge of seabirds is not necessary, the charity said the successful candidate needed "enthusiasm for wildlife and an interest in conservation".

Two seagulls flying through the air a snapshot of their movements. They are both white and black, one on the left has its yellow beak open reaching out to bite the other seagulls wing.
About half a million seabirds gather at Bempton between March and August to raise their offspring [Danny Lawson/PA Wire]

Due to the exposed, clifftop location, the volunteer - who would ideally agree to a six-month position - must be comfortable working outdoors in all conditions.

Further details about the vacancy can be found here.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

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