Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust are partnering with leading renewable energy company, Ørsted to deliver Wilder Humber - an ambitious seascape restoration programme to reintroduce and restore marine habitats and species throughout the Humber estuary, a large tidal estuary on the east coast of northern England, and one of the busiest and fastest-growing trade routes in Europe.

The iconic Humber estuary is also one of the most important natural features and conservation sites in the UK. These habitats are critical for marine biodiversity. For example, seagrass provides rich nursery habitats, breeding and feeding grounds for a vast array of marine and oysters are ecosystem engineers that work tirelessly to keep our seas healthy and clean, filtering 200 litres of water per day!

We need a team of volunteers to provide support to our Wilder Humber restoration team and help us to deliver this exciting project which will see us:

• Restore and enrich nearly 40 hectares of protected habitats and rebuild the Humber’s lost native oyster population to over half a million oysters;
• Restore 30 hectares – in the 40-hectare area – of lost seagrass meadow at Spurn Point. Seagrass provides rich nursery habitats, breeding and feeding grounds for a vast array of species, including shore crabs, juvenile flatfish, bass, brent geese and other wading birds.

Due to the dynamic nature of the project the tasks could be variable depending on the needs of the restoration team. Reporting directly to the Native Oyster Restoration Officer you will primarily be assisting with the following tasks.

Seagrass:

• Collecting seagrass seeds and subsequent care
• Planting seagrass
• Seagrass surveying

Oyster:

• Oyster monitoring and tagging of oysters
• Oyster restoration e.g. moving spat on shell to restoration area
• Oyster husbandry

This role requires walking over soft ground in occasionally quite challenging weather conditions, while carrying heavy equipment. There is also the regular need to use a manual hand tool whilst in a standing position. If you would like to explore whether this role is suitable for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat.

The opportunity is based at Spurn Point NNR, Field Station. 

You can now book onto our Seagrass and Oyster Restoration Task Days using this Eventbrite link below.