Join us in protecting seabirds on the island of Madeira!
Every year, light pollution causes countless juvenile seabirds to become disoriented and fall into our cities, exposing them to immense danger. By patrolling the streets of Madeira, we will be able to rescue these emblematic birds, which are particularly affected during the nights of the new moon. Our brigades are therefore focusing on this most critical time (October 23rd to November 5th).
But be aware: juvenile shearwaters leave the nest between October 15 and November 15 and may need your help!
Indicate how you will support the Save a Seabird Campaign
We need volunteers to go out on foot at night to find and rescue seabirds. You can participate systematically in the scientific brigades, or on an occasional basis, carrying out walks near your home area (for residents of Madeira).
The scientific brigades take place in the municipalities of Santana, Machico, Santa Cruz, Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, as part of the LIFE Natura@night project. To take part, we provide training.
Each participant will be entitled to insurance and a certificate of participation, as well as an excellent experience and acquisition of knowledge in the field of biology.
We have various types of volunteer opportunities available for this mission:
Regional volunteers
Do you live in Madeira or Porto Santo and can only volunteer for a few nights between October 23 and November 5?
Would you prefer to volunteer in our LIFE Natura@night scientific brigades and still receive training?
Training Volunteering
You can volunteer in our seabird rescue campaigns and receive technical training. Learn about our training volunteering program, which runs from October 23 to November 5:
– Seabirds and the threats they face
– Birds of Madeira and census methodologies
– Beginner’s guide to working in wildlife conservation
– Insects and bats of Madeira and sampling methods
– Geographic information systems (QGIS)
Training Volunteer Requirements
- Be over 18 years old
- Participation in rescue campaigns
This opportunity is open to non-residents from anywhere in Europe and includes a 30% discount at the Funchal Youth Hostel between October 26 and November 6, 2025.
Number of places: 15
Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps
Through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program, we offer a daily allowance for accommodation, transportation, and food expenses from September 15 to November 15 to support awareness-raising activities and participation in rescue campaigns.
ESC requirements
- Training in areas related to biology and environmental sciences (preferred)
- Fluent in Portuguese
- Reside on the island of Madeira (preferred)
- Be between 18 and 30 years of age
Number of vacancies: 3
Anyone can volunteer for the rescue campaigns that take place every night from October 23 to November 5, the time when juvenile shearwaters leave their nests and fall victim to light pollution in our cities. Contact us to help.
Contacts
See the results from previous years
