Overview

Hedgerow Heritage is a National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund supported project focused on extensively protecting our existing hedgerows in Surrey by rejuvenating interest in our hedgerow heritage and the traditional skill of hedgelaying. It is a principal component of the Trust’s Living Landscape Strategy and Five Year Strategic Plan 2018-23.

The project will train volunteers to survey the condition of hedgerows in the North Downs Biodiversity Opportunity Area (ND02) and produce an inventory of this important semi-natural habitat. It will deliver courses in hedgerow management and develop hedgerows and hedgerow networks to deliver the ecosystem services provided by hedges such as natural flood management and pollination.

We will attract a diverse range of new volunteers to learn the essential skills of hedgelaying and survey and reconnect local people with hedgerows to ensure sustainable management for their continued use and enjoyment by people and wildlife into the future. Working with the local community, youth groups, schools and landowners, our project will create lasting heritage benefits and attract a younger and more diverse audience to hedgelaying, therefore ensuring these key skills don’t become extinct.

We will inspire and train the next generation to learn traditional management skills and act as citizen scientists. This will deepen their connection and sense of ownership with their landscape, where heritage becomes a living process and stewardship is fostered.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Support the Project Manager with the delivery of school and other local community hedgelaying and surveying events and workshops
• Assist with the coordination of volunteer hedgerow surveys and development of a GIS-based hedgerow condition inventory
• Assist with and lead volunteer hedge planting and laying work parties
• Liaise with landowners, schools, local community groups and project partners, as required
• Contribute content to our website and social media channels
• Assist with guided walks
• Participate in First Aid training in order to act as a first aider for staff and volunteers
• Assist with and complete additional tasks and activities to support the conservation work and mission of Surrey Wildlife Trust

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This is a 3 day/week temporary post beginning in October 2022 for 6 months.  An age related minimum wage will be payable to assist the candidate.

The successful candidate will keep a countdown timesheet to record hours worked and on occasion will be asked to assist with evening and weekend work such as open days and Trust events.

During the period, you will accrue paid holiday entitlement; this will be earned relative to the actual hours worked and paid at the end of the internship.  You will not be paid for Bank Holidays.

Hours worked will be payable subject to an authorised timesheet; payment will be in arrears.

This post is subject to checking by the DBS at the enhanced level.

The post holder must have access to their own vehicle as many of the locations they will be visiting are not accessible by public transport.

Knowledge:

• Degree/HND/NVQ in environment/conservation or equivalent experience
• An understanding and interest in wildlife and habitats; and
• Experience working with young people

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive with the ability to work on own initiative, independently and as part of a team
• Ability to organise personal work programmes and meet deadlines
• GIS software knowledge desirable
• First Aid qualification desirable
• General IT skills essential; and
• Full driving licence

Personal qualities:

• Enthusiastic with an ability to inspire others
• Dedicated, adaptable and flexible approach to work
• The ability to deal with a wide variety of people in a friendly and professional manner; and
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines