Waterside Specialist (Aston Nature Reserve)

Our Waterside Specialists help maintain the sustainability of the waterways by giving higher levels of skills through their volunteering.

**Aston Lock Reserve – Montgomery Canal **

Overview - After the Montgomery canal was abandoned and no longer a navigation, it became a haven for flora and fauna. During this time the areas by Aston lock became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the array of rare pondlife and plant species have become established and are located there. For the canal to be reopened as a navigation route it was and is essential to preserve the rare species and ensure an undisturbed area was created so they could continue to survive and thrive. Hence in 1986 the creation of the first Nature Reserves along the Montgomery Canal was established at Aston Lock 1 followed by a further 2 larger ponds in 2018.

**Who we want**
We are seeking volunteers who have a keen interest or are already skilled in wildlife and or nature conservation.
Volunteers will be supporting our Ecologist and staff to carry out essential monitoring and maintenance throughout the year.
Enthusiasm and passion about wildlife and conservation is essential, good observational and recording skills is a required, but can also be learnt as you gain more experience.

**Who we need**
We are seeking reliable and responsible volunteers, who have availability to support on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis and wish to offer their time and skills to this specialist role.
The ability to use or learn to use smart devices is essential as they will be used to record essential information on species and location for example.

**When do we need you**
Currently on Tuesdays, however there is flexibility depending on the time of year, task required and availability of specialist staff.
Volunteers will be provided with any specialist training that is needed to carry out this role and the jobs it entails, such as.
1.
Plant surveys
2.
Bat surveys
3.
Clearing litter
4.
Managing overgrowth and coppicing trees.
5.
Maintaining the wildlife observation hide.
6.
Clearing of invasive species such as Water soldier and Canadian goose grass
The works will be carried out on foot, from a paddle craft such as a canoe or a motorised workboat depending on the task. Training is provided to use said crafts or you will work alongside a qualified volunteers of member of the CRT staff.

Canal and River Trust volunteers must be willing to learn and complete our online training and record their time etc on the Trusts chosen platform which is Assemble.
Specific Location where work is to be caried out is Aston Locks 1,2&3 Nature Reserve, Montgomery Canal nr Queens Head Oswestry. What 3 words is stands.treat.stammer

Why we want you

Our Waterside Specialists help maintain the sustainability of the waterways by giving higher levels of skills through their volunteering.

Volunteering with the Trust takes on many guises and welcomes people with specialist skills in a wide range of areas from practical to surveying, indoors and out. These skills may include working alongside existing specialists within the Trust or bringing skills that we don’t currently have within our team? We have a wide range of skilled activities which you could be doing.

What you will be doing

The skills you need

What's in it for you