Marian's story

Marian Kemp - water vole and otter survey co-ordinator

I began volunteering with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust many years ago, as a contrast to my full time job as a science teacher. I enjoyed going to events, engaging members of the public, and generally helping out where I could. As my family grew up and more time became available, I became able to commit time to help out with data entry and other routine tasks that eat up staff time in the office. In addition, I completed seasonal bird surveys and water vole and otter surveys. Last year I was able to combine these experiences and take on the role of coordinating the water vole and otter surveys carried out by our volunteer surveyors.

Monitoring species by carrying out regular surveys is essential to many aspects of the work carried out by the Trust. The data collected helps to Inform habitat restoration, facilitates appropriate management of reserves, provides evidence to support planning decisions, it enables sound defence of endangered species and so much more!

My role facilitates the collection of this data for water voles and otters, throughout Derbyshire. I help to organise survey training events, where we give enthusiastic newcomers the training and hands on survey experience they need to become part of our survey team. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust aims to survey over 60 transects for water vole, twice each year, and an additional 60 sites for otter, monthly from May to September. In total, this is a considerable number of survey hours delivered by our great team of volunteers!

I provide each surveyor with letters of introduction to landowners, maps and survey sheets as needed, and answer queries about carrying out surveys, submitting data or other issues that arise.

It is great to work within a diverse team of enthusiastic volunteers, and exciting to see the new season data as it starts to come in. Knowing that this work underpins decisions that will help to ensure that future generations can enjoy seeing these iconic species along the waterways of our county is very satisfying.