If you are a Registered Watcher, log on to the Watchers Diary where you can add any observations you would like to share.
Registered Watchers click here to make an entry in the Watchers Diary.
To read the Watchers Diary please click here.
If you wish to take part in online chat about the Peregrine Falcons click here
To become a Registered Watcher see the following role profile for volunteer bird wardens. If you think you would be able to help, contact the National Trust Wardens.
Role profile for volunteer bird warden
Duties and Purpose
This opportunity involves working on the Cann viaduct and in the surrounding areas talking to visitors in order to encourage people to appreciate the presence of the birds and support the management aims of the estate and to try and deter interference with the nesting birds. The main responsibilities are:
- Informing the public of
the presence of the falcons.
- Controlling the use of the
telescopes and tripods for the benefit of visitors.
- Explaining why the monitoring
scheme is important.
- Recording the number of
visitors encountered (whether walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, runners,
fishermen etc) and their response to you.
- Keeping a record of any disturbance to the birds and reporting any incidents to the relevant authority.
Skills and experience required
You should be self-motivated, responsible and enjoy talking to the public. You should have an interest in birds, their conservation and the woodland environment generally. You do not need to be a skilled ornithologist. You must have a friendly and tactful approach in dealing with the public and be resilient to cold weather!
Working arrangements.
Volunteers will be asked to be on duty for about two hour stretches. The main hours for talking to the public will be in daylight, however the hours before dawn and after dusk will also require monitoring to deter likely predators. Details and guidance will be given on your first visit.
The need for volunteers is round the clock throughout the week but there is no minimum level of commitment - some volunteers cover on a regular basis, whilst others like to come only occasionally.
Management & Supervision.
One of the National Trust wardens or voluntary wardens will accompany new volunteers on their first shift to provide support and guidance. Most volunteers will work with a colleague but some prefer to be unsupervised in which case the National Trust "lone workers policy" will apply. This essentially means that a NT warden must always be aware of your presence on site, what you will be doing and when you expect to finish. You should always contact a warden if you are unable to attend an arranged shift and you must contact a warden at the end of a shift (either by phoning or calling into the office) This ensures that the warden knows you are safe and well. Volunteers with their own mobile phones are encouraged to bring them along.
The Warden working on the day will act as the supervisor for this volunteer post. His or her advice should be sought to clarify any uncertainties.
Under no circumstances should any volunteer put his/herself at risk. They should also avoid acting beyond their training and experience.
If you are in any doubt about advice given by staff or the public when you are working, please contact the Warden for clarification. If it is a matter of Health and Safety, you must take the most cautious approach at the time and bring the matter to the attention of a senior member of staff as soon as possible.
Joint Duties and Code of Conduct.
As you will be acting as an employee of the National Trust when volunteering, NT has special responsibilities towards you. These include looking after your health and safety and ensuring that you have enough information to carry out the work appropriately.
The main requirements the National Trust places on its employees in relation to this post concern:
- A tactful and sensitive
approach when dealing with children and young people.
- A regard for health and
safety of self, other workers and the public.
- Honesty, responsibility
and care with assets and security
- Customer care and a generally
professional approach
- Respect for confidentiality of information.
All these points will be covered on your first visit, but please don't let this put you off.
Location and Parking arrangements
The main contact point is the Warden's office (Miner's Cottage, Plymbridge Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4SR), from where the wardens operate. The volunteers park their cars at the main NT Plym Bridge car park, which is about ten minute walk along the Plym Valley cycle track to Cann Quarry viaduct. You are advised not to leave valuables unattended in the car at any time. Click here for map
WE NEED YOUR HELP
National Trust
Warden's Office, Plymbridge Woods - 01752 341377
Gus Fergusson, Area Warden mobile - 07812 974504
Plymbridge NT Warden- 07812 974505
Peregrine Warden mobile - 07812 410528
Police Wildlife Liason officer - 08452 777444
