• Protect the birds of the Bay - Be a Natural Ambassador
• Wildlife volunteers - Join the Back on our Map (BOOM) project

Natural Ambassadors

Since lockdown, our beaches and shorelines have become busier, and the increased numbers of people pose a threat to the survival of the birds that we share our shores with. These birds, mostly waders and waterfowl, are currently arriving in Morecambe Bay after long trips from their breeding grounds to feast on the intertidal buffet of invertebrates that the Bay provides. Some of these birds have crossed vast oceans without rest to reach our shores, and arrive desperate for a good feed and plenty of rest. But with such a busy coast, the disturbance the birds are experiencing is affecting their ability to replenish their energy reserves. If they don’t get enough to eat and enough time to rest, they will not survive the winter.

This is where our Natural Ambassador Volunteers come in. To reduce disturbance, we need to raise awareness of the problem. As a Natural Ambassador you will engage with visitors at key sites, showcase the amazing birds we share the environment with, and promote responsible behaviour on the coast. 

We’re looking for friendly, passionate people of all ages and backgrounds, who are happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife with visitors at key sites over the winter bird season. Full training will be provided, beginning with an online training session (via Zoom) on the 30th September, followed by one-to-one training on-site with our experienced Nature and Wildlife Officer. To attend the online training session, please follow the link below to the Eventbrite page, where you can sign up. The training session will be recorded, so if you can’t make this date, you will be able to download the recording to watch at a time convenient to you. All training is free of charge.

To book on the online training session (30th September 2020) please click here

A basic knowledge of coastal birds will be beneficial, but there will also be an opportunity to attend an online Bird ID course on the 29th September, to give you opportunity to brush up on your ID skills. You can also find out more about the birds we will be discussing here

To book on the Online Bird ID course (29th September 2020) please click here

For more information on the role, please click the link below to download the role profile.

Role Profile

If you would like any more information, please contact Amy Hopley

Wildlife volunteers - Join the Back on our Map (BOOM) project

Join the BOOM project  and help reverse the decline in biodiversity through community action. BOOM is an ambitious new project , led by the University of Cumbria, working to restore landscapes, join up habitats and reintroduce a suite of locally threatened or extinct species to the distinctive lowland fells of south Cumbria and the coast of Morecambe Bay. Volunteers have the opportunity to gain skills such as plant propagation, tree planting, monitoring of rare species and assessing and managing habitats. You can explore the spectacular landscapes and nature of the project area by joining an outdoor work party and spend time with knowledgeable and inspiring specialists.

If you would like to volunteer on the BOOM project, please contact Michelle Cooper