Volunteer to control invasive, non-native mink in the Upper Irthing

Eden Rivers Trust is one of the partners in a new project in the Upper Irthing that will reverse the decline of nature while supporting sustainable agriculture and land use.

Covering approximately 9,500 hectares across the Cumbria/Northumberland border up to Scotland, the project will establish a new model for integrated land management focusing on Peatlands, Rivers, Invasives, Species Recovery, and Meadows (PRISM). Led by Forestry England, the project brings together partners, including ourselves, Natural England, the Ministry of Defence, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and four private landowners.

Over the last century, native water voles have disappeared from 94% of sites, mainly due to habitat loss, pollution and the devastation caused by the rapid spread of their nemesis; invasive, non-native American mink. Defenceless against the mink, whole colonies were swiftly decimated.

As part of this project, we’re looking at how we can improve the environment in this area to support the reintroduction of endangered water voles. We’re undertaking habitat surveys and have started a programme to control American Mink, a ferocious, non-native predator that poses the main threat to the survival of native water voles.

We are calling on volunteers to join the cause and help us control invasive mink by assisting with raft monitoring and humane dispatch. If you own an air rifle, are experienced in humane dispatch – or are willing to undergo training and can commit time regularly, please sign-up to volunteer using the form below and the project officer will get in touch with more information.

Complete this form to sign up as a mink control volunteer

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Dispatching invasive, non-native American mink*
Please confirm that you meet these requirements of this volunteer role
- I confirm that I own an air rifle
- I confirm that I have been trained in humane dispatch
- I would like to undertake training in humane dispatch
- I confirm that I am at least 18 years' old
- I have my own transport to get to/from the site
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I agree that Eden Rivers Trust may hold and process my data in accordance with their privacy policy.
We collect data you provide to us. This includes information you give when you express an interest in/become a volunteer. For example:

– personal details (name, date of birth, email, address, telephone etc.) when you become a supporter or join in our activities;
– details of your interests and preferences (such as campaigns, the ways you support us or types of environmental activities you enjoy).

You can contact us anytime by letter, email or telephone to change or update your details, or obtain a copy of your record.
If you allow us to use photographs you have taken, we may store your name and the fact that you have given us permission to use them. If you are pictured in a photograph and have given us permission to use it, we will record this.

Your activities and involvement with ERT will result in personal data being created. This could include details of how you’ve helped us by volunteering.

If you are a volunteer (either specifically for ERT or if you are helping us for other reasons – for example you work for another organisation which is running an event with us) then we may collect extra information about you (e.g. references, criminal records checks, details of emergency contacts, medical conditions etc.). This information will be retained for legal reasons, to protect us (including in the event of an insurance or legal claim) and for safeguarding purposes. We may also process your bank account details, if you claim expenses.

You can contact us anytime by letter, email or telephone to change or update your details, or obtain a copy of your record.

For full details of our privacy policy, please visit www.edenriverstrust.org.uk/privacy-policy
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