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Volunteers working on the project are actively involved in both research and conservation activities of the project. The project runs from mid May till October. Volunteers are welcomed throughout June-September:

Volunteers at project base in Karpaz Penninsula

What you do?

In June and July activities involve monitoring of some beaches at night, observing nesting females, recording their behaviour, measuring and tagging individuals and protecting nests. The other beaches around the island are monitored during the day. An assessment is made of the previous night's turtle activities and any nests are screened to reduce predation.

During August and September nests are monitored at night as part of a study into the emergence patterns of hatchlings. On the remaining beaches hatched nests are observed during the day and excavated to release any remaining hatchlings and assess the success of nests.

Excavating nests with visitors

In addition to this work, a large effort goes into education and increasing public awareness. At our main base we have an information centre which is open to the public. Here we give out information, and arrange small groups to accompany us to the beach at night to witness nesting and post-hatching excavation.

Is it for you?

We are always looking for fit and healthy volunteers that do not mind sleeping on a camp bed for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. You must be able to get on well with other people and also be prepared to cook and clean. You do not have to be a zoology or science student to participate. However, all volunteers should have a basic knowledge of marine turtle biology and the research findings of the project by the time they come out to Cyprus. In addition, a knowledge of Turkish would be invaluable although not essential, you can learn as you go.

It is important to stress that you must be fit to partake in this work. You should expect to be walking up to 20km a day/night in temperatures of 30-40°C.

Does it cost?

All volunteers are asked to contribute a sum which covers all costs of their stay,  food, accommodation and transport. This does NOT include your flight or insurance which must be arranged by each individual. Copies of all insurance documents must be sent to the organisers before departure. You are welcome to attempt to raise your personal contribution from fund-raising events or sponsorship, and will also be given raffle tickets to raise funds towards your costs.

What is the accommodation like?

Our accommodation usually consists of three different bases, all have running water and electricity but are quite basic. You must be prepared to share a large mixed room with up to 10 others! All shopping, cooking and cleaning is shared communally.

Is there more than just work?

The project is a great deal of hard work and volunteers can expect to work long hours 6 days per week, on average. However there is time for leisure, often as an integral part of routine project business. As well as seeing many of the historical and natural sites of Northern Cyprus there are occasionally times for more traditional holiday activities.

How to Apply?

Applications are now invited for voluntary field assistant positions for the year 2015. Please note that the closing date is 15th December 2014.

Application forms can also be obtained by sending an email to Robin Snape (rtes201@exeter.ac.uk).

Forms are also available in Adobe's Portable Document Format from this site. Simply download the form and view and print it using Adobe's free Acrobat software. Please complete and return the form in electronic format.

If you would like to go ahead with the download click here for a PDF version or here for a MS Word version

If you need to find out more about Adobe Acrobat or download a copy click here

NB For logistical reasons, candidates cannot be considered unless all organizational correspondence is by e-mail.