Role Title: Livestock Checker
Reports to: Senior Reserves Officer
Work Area: Amwell Nature Reserve
Expenses: Travel expenses between home and Amwell Nature Reserve may be reimbursed if required.
Time Contribution: 40 minutes a week plus travel to Amwell

Role Purpose

To carry out a check once a week of rare breed pigs and old English goats grazing at Amwell Nature Reserve.  This can easily be combined with a general visit to the nature reserve.

Grazing is essential to maintaining the wildlife of the nature reserve and welfare of livestock must be maintained. Amwell Nature Reserve forms part of the Lea Valley Special Protection Area (SPA) and is internationally important on account of the wintering gadwall, shoveler and bitterns.

Rare breed pigs

Pigs are fantastic for vegetation regeneration, disturbing and turning the soil as they root for food. Their rooting will create habitats suitable for wading birds to nest and feed.

Old English goats

We will be grazing old English goats at Hollycross dragonfly trail. Goats are highly effective at controlling woody vegetation typically browsing on scrub for 50-75% of their feeding time – much more than most other large herbivores. This will help increase the biodiversity of the area.

Key Elements

1. Checking that all livestock are present
2. Checking that livestock are in the correct place
3. Look for signs of possible ill health on the pigs and goats.
    

To apply for this position, please fill in the form below. If you have any questions, you can contact Josh Wells, Senior Reserves Officer on 01727 858 901.