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Lily pads at Little Bradley Ponds

Little Bradley Ponds lily pads. Photo, Simon Willams

Pond Dipping Volunteer

The opportunity...

We are looking for volunteers to lead pond dipping sessions that will introduce holidaymakers in Devon to the river work that we do and the wildlife species that benefit.

Position details

  • Commitment: Wednesday
  • Frequency: Weekly
  • Location: Dawlish Inner Warren, East of Dawlish, EX7 0NF
     

Contact details

Download the role description

Child pond dipping with a bucket

Photo, Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Purpose

To support Devon Wildlife Trust by leading pond dipping sessions that will introduce  holidaymakers in Devon to the river work that we do and the wildlife species that benefit. To be able to deliver a fun experience that visitors will remember.

Full training will be given.

 

What the task involves

After full training given by Devon Wildlife Trust Education team – you will be asked to lead weekly pond dipping sessions during the summer holidays. There will be 2 one hour sessions (one in the morning and the other in the afternoon) taking place once a week on a Wednesday. The role could be split between more than one person so if you are not able to commit to once a week but are willing to lead some sessions we would still really like to hear from you.  The role is based at a holiday park in Dawlish, Devon.   

Please note that you will receive full training and equipment so that you are comfortable to talk to participants and help them to identify what they find in their nets.

Skills and Abilities

  • To be happy to talk to and interact with people
  • To be able to work with others
  • To be interested and enthusiastic about local wildlife – though you don’t have to be an expert!
  • To have use of a car and able to drive or have someone that can take and collect you from the venue.
  • To represent the Trust in a professional and friendly manner
  • To have access to and be able to use email (desirable but not essential so long as we have a reliable method to contact you)

Where?

Dawlish, Devon

When and how often?

Wednesdays during the summer holidays from the 25th July to the 29thAugust and once during the October half term on the 24th October. Though if you can’t do all of the sessions but can do some then we would live to hear from you.

Supervision and training

Training and support to run pond dipping sessions, including use of equipment, health and safety, species identification, leading a group.

Access to pond dipping nets.

DWT contact will be Jan Coman 

Expenses and equipment available

Reimbursement of travel/telephone.  Provision of other equipment as agreed.

Health and safety / risk assessment

Risk assessment will be supplied.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteers will represent DWT and will be confident to lead small groups of people in a fun educational activity. Volunteers will have the satisfaction of seeing children’s and their parent’s curiosity about the natural world grow and have the opportunity to talk to them about wildlife.

How to apply

Email jcoman@devonwildlifetrust.org  Write a brief paragraph telling us about any relevant experience you have, your location and why you would like to volunteer for this role. Please include a telephone number so that we can call you for an informal chat. As for this role you will be working with children and representing DWT, we will need to follow up references for you.