January 2020 Update Bulletin Now Available
January 23rd, 2020The Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership compiles a regular news digest for our members.
Our January 2020 Update is now available at this link
Coastal Birds and Human Disturbance
October 10th, 2019At this time of year large numbers waders, wildfowl, ducks and geese are returning from their breeding grounds so that they can spend the winter resting and feeding on our coast. Some of these bird species, such as greylag goose, sanderling, purple sandpiper, redshank and dunlin, are here in internationally significant numbers. It is important to remember that coastal birds use up a lot of energy during these cold, short, winter days and so are particularly sensitive to disturbance. Having to move or fly off to avoid people or dogs can use up valuable energy reserves and reduce the short time available for them to feed. It may take them many hours to make up the energy lost, which ultimately lowers their chances of surviving through to their summer migration.
If you are out on the coast over the winter months then these simple guidelines will help you protect any birds that you see:
● Look out for any feeding or resting birds and take care not to disturb them
● If birds appear become alert and stop feeding then move further away
● Keep dogs away from coastal birds, putting your dog on a lead if necessary
Purple Sandpiper Photo Credit: Tom Cadwallender
Job Vacancy: Lead Environmental Officer with Northumberland IFCA
October 7th, 2019The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) are looking to recruit an experienced individual to join them as the Lead Environmental Officer. The role will be responsible for overseeing the Environmental team’s extensive and varied workload and to manage tasks effectively within the time constraints presented to NIFCA. The successful person will be a highly motivated individual who has the characteristics and qualities to lead by example and the drive to explore and present new work streams on behalf of the Authority.
Closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 3rd November 2019. Interviews will be held at the Authority office in November 2019 with a view to start as soon as possible.
For further information about the job and details of how to apply please visit this link
October 2019 update bulletin now available
October 7th, 2019The Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership compiles a regular news digest for our members.
Our October 2019 Update is now available at this link MNP news update October 2019
Job Vacancy: Senior Wildlife Ranger with Northumberland County Council
October 2nd, 2019Northumberland County Council are currently recruiting for a Senior Wildlife Ranger to work on their new Coastal Mitigation Service.
Senior Wildlife Ranger (Coastal Mitigation Service)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time
Hours per week: 37
An exciting opportunity has arisen to implement and lead the Northumberland Coastal Mitigation Service (CMS). As Senior Wildlife Ranger you will take a strategic approach to tackling recreational impacts on internationally important wildlife sites on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK. With responsibility for managing a Wildlife Ranger and local volunteers, you will undertake a variety of roles, including ornithological monitoring, education and awareness-raising, enforcement, designing solutions for disturbance hotspots, nest protection and control of pirri-pirri bur within dune grasslands. There will also be opportunities to develop habitat management and creation projects.
Effective public engagement is key to the success of this project and, as well as engaging with people on the coast, you will be responsible for developing a compelling social media presence, telling the fascinating story of coastal wildlife through the seasons and increasing public appreciation of and support for it.
We are searching for a candidate who combines an excellent understanding of ecological issues and a deep commitment to nature conservation with the tact, diplomacy and assertiveness to influence people’s behaviour, pursuing enforcement action when required. You will have experience of ecological survey work, habitat and access management and public engagement, and will have excellent written and verbal communications skills.
This challenging role is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead an important initiative to conserve valuable wintering and breeding bird populations and dune grasslands, in a stunning location. Frequent weekend working will be required, as well as access to a car for work purposes.
We are offering:
– A starting salary of £27,905 per annum (Band 7)
– Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (or other pension scheme)
– A wide range of staff benefits including a competitive annual leave provision
– Flexible working arrangements
For further information about this vacancy, please contact David Feige on 01670 622653 for an informal discussion.
Northumberland County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community. We recognise the difficulties that transgender applicants in particular may face during a recruitment process; if Trans applicants have any concerns regarding the process please contact Rebecca Harding (Trans HR Support Officer) on 07770975678 or rebecca.harding@
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. All applications to work on a part-time will be considered in line with the requirements of the post and the needs of the service.
If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend an interview please
To view the Job Description and Personal Specification please click here
Closing date 7 October 2019 at midnight
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15 October 2019