How to get involved

Before deciding on how you might contribute to the project, here are some things to consider. Long hours of intensive shore-based observation will be involved, so each day of the survey period will be split into two sessions with a two-hour lunch break (see survey methods and schedule). Individual observers who are particularly keen wildlife observers may be happy to cover several days, but others may wish to participate as a group, with one or two manning the watchpoint while others relax on the beach, go snorkelling in nearby coves, or walk parts of the spectacular SW coastal path.

Download guidelines for observers

Each day of the survey period will be covered by at least one Seabird Observer, who will be responsible for collating daily seabird observations (including Balearic Shearwaters) and who will have previous seabird observation experience. Seabird Observers will receive free accommodation and brunch if required (a single room is provided at Ardensawah Farm B&B, which is a short walk from Gwennap Head) and travel/food expenses equivalent to £70 a week. We already have Seabird Observers in place for much of the 93-day survey period, but still have a few days to fill between 1-7 Aug and 22-31 Aug (click here for survey methods and schedule). If you are interested please get in touch with the project co-ordinator now. If you need any more persuading, read the 2007 and 2008 annual reports to get an idea of what was seen in previous years.

2. Marine Wildlife Observers
Marine Wildlife Observers work alongside the Seabird Observers, and have responsibility for collating daily observations of Basking Sharks and other target species such as Ocean Sunfish, Grey Seals and cetaceans (click here for survey methods and schedule). Previous experience is not essential, and this role is ideal for students and others interested in gaining experience in marine wildlife observing and recording. Although we cannot offer free accommodation for Marine Wildlife Observers, there is a range of affordable options in the area, including camping and caravanning at Sennen Cove. If you are interested in being a Marine Wildlife Observer, contact the project co-ordinator as soon as possible.

3. Supporting Observers
The two core observers are unlikely to see everything passing the watchpoint, and the more pairs of eyes we have the better! So even if you have never undertaken any wildlife survey work in the past but are keen to get involved, then please consider contributing some time to the project (see survey methods and schedule). We understand that not everyone will be able to commit time up front, but if you are able to provide an idea of which days and times you could cover, please contact the project co-ordinator. For those observers who are unable to make plans at the present time, but would still like to get involved, then of course feel free to come along and join us at short notice during the survey.