Calling all tern lovers! Vacancy for a protection assistant exists at key breeding site in Cumbria

Home to breeding wetland birds - RSPB Hodbarrow ( Photo: The Wub via Wikimedia Commons)

A TERN protection assistant is being sought for summer 2026 at a former mine that has been converted to an RSPB reserve.

RSPB Hodbarrow is now a tranquil stretch of coastal lagoon and grassland near Millom in Cumbria and overlooking the Duddon estuary.

The wetlands are home to breeding terns, Ringed Plovers, Redshanks, Great Crested Grebes and Oystercatchers. 

Says the RSPB:  "Out on the lagoon island, we are working to give breeding Little Terns, Common Terns and Sandwich Terns the best chance. 

"This involves limiting plant growth and controlling the numbers of large gulls. 

"We also protect the area during breeding season from both boats and visitors."

The post being advertised is for three months only with a salary equivalent of up to £26,231.

The job description states: "We are recruiting for an Tern Protection Assistant who will help to protect and record one of North West England's most important tern colonies. 

"With a knowledge of breeding shore birds you will share your enthusiasm with visitors and locals. 

"You will work within a small dedicated team to ensure Hodbarrow tern colony continues its breeding successes of previous years. 

"The role will involve working with another  assistant to protect and survey the tern colony. 

"Hodbarrow is home to Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Terns and has benefitted from extensive investment over the past six  years through various funding streams which have enabled us to increase the available nesting areas, added new breeding islands and additional predator fencing. "

It continues: "This is an ideal opportunity for those starting out on their conservation career to gain some hands on experience and protect some of the UK's rarest species. 

"The successful candidate will have a knowledge of tern ecology and identification. 

"He or she will be effective and comfortable working alone  for periods of time but also happy to work with others. 

"Good communication skills are essential as you will be speaking to volunteers and the public on a daily basis."

Applications close on March 4, and further information is available from mhairi.maclauchlan@rspb.org.uk .