Volunteer Crayfish Field Surveyors - Devon

Make a real difference this summer while gaining hands on conservation experience.

THE PROJECT

Devon's white clawed crayfish - our only native freshwater crayfish - are on the brink of extinction. Habitat loss, pollution and invasive American signal crayfish have caused dramatic population declines, putting this iconic species at serious risk.

The Wildwood Trust is leading the Saving Devon's Native Crayfish Project (SDNC) to protect and restore Devon's remaining populations. This summer, we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team as volunteer field surveyors, helping to secure a future for this endangered species.

Alongside a captive breeding programme, SDNC is identifying safe "ark sites" where native crayfish can thrive free from invasive species. These are small, isolated coastal streams in South Devon that flow directly into the sea - beautiful, wild locations with real conservation value.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

As a volunteer, you'll support field surveys designed to confirm the absence of invasive American signal crayfish. Activities include:

• Setting and checking crayfish traps
• Kick sampling and hand searching
• Surveying streams in stunning South Devon coastal landscapes

You'll be working alongside licensed crayfish ecologists, who will provide full training, supervision, and all necessary equipment.

There will also be opportunities to visit the Wildwood Devon crayfish hatchery and help with white clawed crayfish rescue surveys.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This role is ideal for:

• Students or recent graduates in ecology, biology, environmental science, or related fields
• Anyone considering a career in wildlife conservation or field ecology
• People who enjoy practical, outdoor work and are ready for a physical challenge

You'll gain valuable field survey skills, and insight into real world conservation projects.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Time Commitment:

• 2-3 days per fortnight
• Between late June and late September

Fieldwork is hands on and physically demanding. You should be prepared for:

• Walking up to 5km over rugged, hilly, uneven terrain
• Wading in streams and rivers
• Scrambling up and down riverbanks
• Getting hands and arms wet - and often muddy!

WHAT WE OFFER

• Expert training and mentoring by crayfish specialists
• All PPE provided
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
• Insurance cover (registration with the Wildwood Trust required)

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer role.

WHY VOLUNTEER

This is a chance to contribute directly to the conservation of a species on the edge, build your CV with meaningful field experience, and spend your summer working in some of Devon's most beautiful hidden waterways.