THE KINGFISHER RIVERSIDE PROJECT
CANFORD PARISH CHURCH AND CANFORD SCHOOL
REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer role
We are looking for volunteers for the new Kingfisher Riverside Project at Canford Magna. The volunteers will lead groups of disabled and able persons on riverside birding and wildlife walks and talks, tours of the site and help people enjoy their visit. Refreshments and toilets are available on site. Volunteers will form a self-supporting group in time, recording wildlife sightings and developing the experience for visitors. You do not need to be a church goer, but we do ask that you have respect for Christian values.
What will I be asked to do?
You will welcome visitors to the project and show them around the site, and make their visit as enjoyable as possible. You will lead talks to disabled groups about local and natural history of The Stour and the church site on the riverside platform. On the riverside paths, you will lead birding and wildlife walks with community groups. You will direct and assist people to toilet and refreshments and other trails within the site.
The overall supervision of each group will be covered by the church personnel. There will be a risk assessment with each booking and you will assist the church team in checking the supervision arrangements are as agreed.
At the close of each visit, you will be asked to help with any clearing up and reporting of any problems with the site or visitors. We would want you to record any wildlife sightings in the Canford Magna Centre.
Commitment
For volunteering: 2-3 hours every 2-3 weeks in April through September, and infrequently in October through March.
Training commitment- at least 2 sessions or until you feel confident.
What skills do I need to have?
You should have a welcoming personality and a keen interest in one area of wildlife, natural history, conservation and local history. You don’t have to be an expert! We will train you, and the group will support each other. You should have some confidence to speak, explain and answer questions from visitors.
As a significant part of the project is to allow disabled access to The Stour, you should have some understanding and compassion for disability. You will also work with children and vulnerable adults and you will be expected to complete safeguarding training.
You will be working in a team, so team working skills are important. There may be a rare occasion where visitors’ behaviour is a problem and conflict management skills are needed.
What training will I be given?
- We will train you to lead walks on river wildlife, including plants. There will be training up dates from RSPB, and local training sessions.
- Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Disability training
- Local history training.
How do I apply?
Please use the application form on the website and send to
or Canford Parish Office, Canford Magna Centre, Canford Magna, BH21 3AF
We will then arrange to meet you before offering an interview.
Please look at the website for upcoming dates.
What skills do I need to have?
You should have a warm and welcoming personality and a keen interest in wildlife, natural history, conservation and local history. You don’t have to be an expert! RSPB will train you, and the group will support each other.
You should have some confidence to speak, explain and answer questions from visitors.
As a significant part of the project is to allow disabled access to The Stour, you should have some understanding and compassion for disability. You will also work with children and vulnerable adults and you will be expected to complete safeguarding training.
You will be working in a team, so team working skills are important. There may be a rare occasion where visitors’ behaviour is a problem and conflict management skills are needed.
What training will I be given?
RSPB will train you to lead walks on river wildlife, including plants. There will be training up dates from RSPB, and local training sessions.
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Disability training
Local history training.
How do I apply?
Please use the application form on the website
Please submit your application by 10th August 2015
Interviews will take place in September 2015. You will be invited by email or letter to interview. You will be notified by phone or email within 7 working days of the final interviews.
Please look at the website for upcoming dates.