Join us in protecting seabirds on the island of Madeira!

 

Every year, light pollution causes countless juvenile seabirds to become disorientated and fall into our cities, exposing them to huge threats. 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 (23 October to 5 November).

But be aware: juvenile shearwaters leave the nest between 15 October and 15 November and they may need your help!

 

Indicate how you will help the Save a Seabird Campaign

 

We need volunteers to go out on walks at night to find and rescue seabirds. You can participate systematically in the scientific patrols, or you can take part in occasional patrols close to where you live (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 receive insurance coverage and a certificate of participation, along with an excellent experience and valuable knowledge in the field of biology.

 

We have various types of volunteer opportunities available for this mission:

 

European Solidarity Corps Volunteers

We offer 2 types of volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program. We offer daily allowance for accommodation, transport and food expenses.

 

ESC requirements

  • Training in areas related to biology and environmental sciences (preferred)
  • Live in Madeira, Azores, Mainland Portugal or Spain (and speak Portuguese)
  • Be between 18 and 30 years old

 

  • Volunteering from September 16th to November 6th

We are looking for young people fluent in Portuguese, to support awareness raising actions and participate in rescue campaigns.

sign up

Number of vacancies: 3

 

 

  • Volunteering from October 22nd to November 6th

For participation in rescue campaigns. Residents of Madeira (preferred) or young people from mainland Portugal or Spain, with fewer opportunities.

sign up

Number of vacancies: 10

 

 

Formative Volunteering programme

You can volunteer in our seabird rescue campaigns and receive technical training. Find out about our volunteer training program, which runs from October 23 to November 5:

– Seabirds and their threats
– Birds of Madeira and census methodologies
– A beginner’s guide to working in wildlife conservation
– Insects and bats of Madeira and sampling methods
– Geographical information systems (QGIS)

 

Training Volunteer Requirements

  • Over 18 years old
  • Daily participation in the 15 days of the rescue campaign (Oct 23 – Nov 5)

 

This opportunity is dedicated to non-residents from anywhere in Europe and includes a 30% discount at the Funchal Youth Hostel between October 22 and November 6, 2024.

Learn more

Number of places: 10

 

 

 

Regional volunteers

Are you a resident of Madeira or Porto Santo, and can you only volunteer on certain nights between October 23rd and November 5th?

Would you prefer to volunteer in our LIFE Natura@night scientific brigades and also receive training?0

Sign up

 

 

Anyone can be a volunteer in the rescue campaigns that run every night from October 23 to November 5, a time when the garbage youths have two children, and fall in our cities, victims of light pollution. Contact us so we can help.

 

 

Contact

 

 

Find out the results for 2022

 

Find out the results for 2023