Description

This wildlife volunteering project will involve survey work of small mammal species of the Chilterns, including the rare edible dormouse, the protected hazel dormouse, wood mice, yellow-neck mice, shrews, bank voles and bats. The main aim of this expedition will be to gather scientific data that will enable us to provide population, habitat and biodiversity information to various research groups in the UK. This information will then be used to make important decisions about how to best manage populations and habitats of the area to increase biodiversity, sustain populations of protected species and reduce the threat from alien pest species.

This scientific research will be combined with adventure activities such as tree climbing, hiking and bike riding. This expedition will give you the chance to meet interesting people from all walks of life and work with some of the countries small mammal experts. This is not only a great opportunity to learn new skills, but also to make new friends and discover much about yourself that you didn't know before.

Please visit WildVenture's website for availability, photos from previouse trips and more.

Highlights

Volunteers will learn all sorts of useful scientific fieldworking skills, including population monitoring, animal handling, PIT tagging and radio tracking. You will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and the work we do will allow you to experience rare and protected mammal species of the UK and contribute towards their conservation. You will also get to experience adventure activities that allow you to really take advantage of the beautiful area of the Chilterns. You can take advantage of the wonderful mature beech woodlands in our tree climbing activities or hiking and cycling through some of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Chilterns.

Qualifications

No qualifications are needed for this position as all training is provided.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

685 per 1-week slot

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

This price covers the cost of all your research activities and extra activities whilst on the expedition. It also covers the cost of your accommodation and food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as evening drinks. It also covers the cost of transport between the research sites and base camp.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This expedition is aimed at anyone who has an interest in British wildlife or who wants to do something a bit different. You will have the opportunity to learn useful research skills and hands-on field techniques, which can be used in other areas of conservation and wildlife research. If you want to have an amazing experience whilst contributing to cutting edge science, then this is the trip for you. This expedition requires moderate levels of fitness. You will be required to walk through woodland terrain which can often be hilly and dense in ground vegetation. You may also be required to climb up ladders and pick up heavy objects. People with lower levels of fitness or a condition that prevents them from being able to do such tasks can take part in the other, less strenuous tasks required in this research. We aim to be as inclusive as possible, so do not feel like you are too old or too young, not fit enough or too inexperienced. We welcome anyone who has the enthusiasm for our cause and aim to provide an unusual and fulfilling experience. Have an adventure and be actively involved in something that really makes a difference, join a WildVenture expedition.

Age Range

16+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4 - 12

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

3-5 working days

WildVenture Volunteering's Mission Statement

Our long list of conservation contacts, our commitment to making a change and our vast knowledge of the local area and people means we are in a perfect position to make your help go a long way. The valuable data we collect is passed on to our contacts who use it to further help the species population.

Year Founded

2009