Volunteer sought to keep track of waterway wildlife

27 July 2010

British Waterways is on the lookout for a committed individual to help keep the varied fauna and flora along picturesque Llangollen Canal in good order.

Part of the hugely successful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal Community Project, the post of volunteer Biodiversity Records Co-ordinator will be based at scenic Ellesmere office on the banks of this wildlife rich waterway.

The two year project is building a comprehensive understanding of the flourishing heritage and biodiversity along the 11-mile World Heritage Site corridor between Llantysilio and Chirk Bank. It is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Community Project Officer Piers Warburton said the project involves engaging with local schools, community groups and individuals along the entire corridor.

“The Llangollen Canal is home to some fantastic heritage and abundant wildlife like water voles, bats and otters. We are working to identify their locations, then protect them by improving the quality of their habitat,” said Piers.

The biodiversity records co-ordinator role involves collating wildlife and species records from recent community awareness events, in addition to developing future activities.

The rewarding role also involves:
• promoting the importance of these wildlife surveys among corridor communities;
• inputting and collating wildlife sighting reports from wardens;
• Recording, monitoring and maintaining accurate species records.

A customer & administration volunteer is also being sought to help keep the busy Ellesmere office running smoothly and providing a high standard of customer care. The post will involve dealing with personal and telephone enquiries about British Waterways services, including taking bookings for training events. It will also entail collecting project outputs such as timesheets.

For further information on these roles please email: piers.warburton@britishwaterways.co.uk

ENDS

Media enquiries: Michelle Kozomara Marketing & Communications Manager on 01606 723854 & 07917 899222 & John Clayton Media Unit on 01606 723866 & 07754 278511.

NOTES TO EDITORS
British Waterways is the public corporation responsible for the care and enhancement of the nation’s 2,200-mile, two centuries-old network of canals and rivers. We work in partnership with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to realise the full social, environmental and economic potential of the waterways for the benefit of all. www.britishwaterways.co.uk British Waterways is a partner of the UK International Year of Biodiversity 2010 www.biodiversityislife.net/