Funded by the National Lottery, the Life on the Edge (LotE) project aims to restore viable populations of some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and Wembury, including the last known colony of the Six-banded Nomad Bee (Nomada sexfasciata). The project is run as partnerships involving, the South Devon National Landscape (project lead), National Trust, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Buglife, Doorstep Arts, Milkywire, South Hams District Council, Devon Environment Foundation and the South West Coast Path Association.
LotE Apprentices will be helping create, restore and conserve important habitats on the South Devon coast, all working towards securing a future for 30 rare and threatened invertebrates which call South Devon home. Species include Mediterranean Oil Beetle, Long-horned Bee and the rarest bee in Britain, the Six-banded Nomad Bee. They will work towards a Level 2 Countryside Worker qualification, with a partner training provider.
Working alongside project partners, the National Trust, apprentices will be hosted by local Ranger teams at two locations; Southdown farm and Coleton Fishacre who look to conserve and enhance the spaces for people and for nature. Working at National Trust sites, ranging over 90km along the entirety of the South Devon Coast, these LotE apprenticeship opportunities will have a fantastic insight into the world of nature conservation, whilst improving access and inspiring others about nature.
Applicants who meet the scheme requirements and have a keenness to learn more about the natural world and how to conserve it, are urged to apply. The work will be varied and will range from practical estate work, surveying plants and insects, and engaging with the public at events. The scheme will also benefit from the wider Life on the Edge project with opportunities to be involved with broader project activity with other project delivery partners.
- Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
- Contract Type: 18 month fixed-term until April 2026
- Salary:£22,737 per annum (Level SCP03 – £11.79/hr)
- Location: Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear or Southdown Farm, Malborough (with National Trust Ranger Teams)
- Application deadline: 3rd of September, 2024
Further job information and application details can be found here. Applicants can also contact Nicky Bailey, Life on the Edge Volunteering and Learning Officer – nicky.bailey@southdevon-nl.org.uk.