Restoring Whixall Moss
Community Engagement Officer
Background information
About Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Shropshire Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to the conservation of Shropshire's wildlife species and
habitats. The Trust plays an important role in providing information and education for all ages on how to
observe, enjoy and protect wildlife.
The Trust owns/manages 40 nature reserves throughout Shropshire. Its headquarters is also a visitor
centre in Shrewsbury.
There is a full and part-time staff of 45 people and the Trust relies on around 400 active volunteers who
are involved in every aspect of running the organisation. There is a growing membership (currently
around 10,000) that supports the Trust's work through their membership fees and donations.
About the HQ and visitor centres
Opposite Shrewsbury Abbey the Trust has its administrative headquarters and visitor centre. Around 25
staff are based here (though many spend time out on site). Staff cover a wide range of activities, such
as conservation, education, fundraising, finance, administration, membership and special projects.
The free entry visitor centre has wildlife gardens, a tourist information centre, a shop, displays on wildlife
and wild places plus meeting and event rooms. Around 20,000 people per year pass through the centre
as casual visitors or for specific events, activities and meetings. The HQ is located within Shrewsbury
town centre, adjacent to a large pay & display car park, on bus, cycle and walking routes.
The Trust is also a partner in running The Boathouse visitor centre at Ellesmere. The Mere attracts
250,000 annual visits with over 100,000 using the visitor centre and restaurant. Trust staff and
volunteers provide information and advise to the general public, raise awareness of the Meres and
Mosses landscape, deliver events and generate income to support the Trust’s work from sale of goods.
About the job
The aim of this job is to support the development and submission of a successful stage 2 bid to the
Heritage Lottery Fund. The focus of the bid is to acquire, restore and promote wetland habitats around
the complex of peat bogs at Whixall National Nature Reserve. In particular you will lead on community
consultation.
The process of submitting a stage 2 application involves consultation, exploring options for activity,
developing detailed work plans and producing accurate budgets.
The project is in partnership with Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, with whom you will
need to liaise closely. In addition you will liaise with the Meres & Mosses Landscape partnership
Scheme (based at Shropshire Wildlife Trust).
Natural England is currently developing a bid to the EU LIFE programme. The stage 2 application needs
to mirror this bid as closely as possible.
The post sits within the development team which covers project development, fundraising and
communications.
Working hours etc
This is a 21 hour, 3days per week or 28 hour, 4 days per week post based at our Abbey Foregate HQ.
This is by negotiation.
It is a fixed term contract until for one year.
To apply for this post complete the application form and return with a
covering letter (email preferred) to:
heatherb@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Heather Bennett
Shropshire Wildlife Trust
193 Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
SY2 6AH
The closing date is 5pm Monday 7 September 2015
Shropshire Wildlife Trust
August 2015