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Is this possibly the cutest job in the world?

It certainly seems so for residents in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, who escort 20 ducks each evening so they roost for the night.

The ducks first started to make the trip unsupervised last year which meant four were killed while crossing the road.

This is when the locals, affectionately known as ‘duckies’, decided to step in and help.

Once the ducks pick their favourite spot, the ‘duckies’ place cones around them and watch the cute birds until they sleep.

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It’s a mystery why the ducks make the trip but some believe the mother ducks feel safer sleeping with their chicks away from river predators.


The ‘duckies’ help lead a group of ducks to their nesting spot in a car park (Picture: SWNS)

Emma-Jayne Hutchings, 48, volunteers and said: ‘It is really heartwarming and adorable escorting the ducks on their walk.

‘You know when they are leaving as they all start quacking like a call for arms then they march up in two battalions.

‘It has brought a wealth of community spirit with all parts getting involved to make sure the ducks are safe.

‘We have have been donated high-vis jackets to wear and food for the ducks.

‘The local pub, the Mowbray Arms provides us with cups of tea or coffee whilst we watch over them.

‘Not just that it has been a really nice way to meet like-minded people who have since become friends.’

"Duck Wardens" help lead a group of ducks to their nesting spot in a car park in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, 30 July 2025. After the killing of 4 ducks last year, the group was formed to help keep the animals safe, slowing traffic and allowing them to cross the road safely. Watch as volunteer 'duck wardens' help a group of birds cross their town's busiest road. Locals of Thirsk, North Yorks., personally escort the 20 or so birds to the town centre where they roost for the night. The ducks start the 15-minute journey from the The Cod Beck river at around 8:30pm and waddle to the market square car park where they sleep until around 4:30am the next morning, locals say. It is unknown why the ducks make the trip though residents believe the mothers "feel safer" sleeping with their ducklings in town rather than on the riverside. Once the ducks have picked their spot, the 'wardens' place cones around them and watch over until the "town falls silent" which is around 11pm on weekdays and as late as 2:30am over the weekend. Photo released 01/08/2025
Cones are placed around the ducks by the volunteers to help protect them (Picture: SWNS)

Top jobs if you fancy a change of career…

Chocolate consultant
Beer taster
Master sommelier
Gumologist
Tea taster
Professional bridesmaid
Dog surfing instructor
Zookeeper
LEGO builder
Professional snuggler

The formation of the ‘duckies’ was the brainchild of Jodie Wood, 41, who set up a Facebook page and now organises volunteers alongside Emma to keep the ducks safe.

What’s more, the group has officially gone viral and has received support across the globe from countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Italy.

Jodie revealed that it’s not all fun and games though when volunteering as a duckie.

"Duck Wardens" help lead a group of ducks to their nesting spot in a car park in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, 30 July 2025. After the killing of 4 ducks last year, the group was formed to help keep the animals safe, slowing traffic and allowing them to cross the road safely. Watch as volunteer 'duck wardens' help a group of birds cross their town's busiest road. Locals of Thirsk, North Yorks., personally escort the 20 or so birds to the town centre where they roost for the night. The ducks start the 15-minute journey from the The Cod Beck river at around 8:30pm and waddle to the market square car park where they sleep until around 4:30am the next morning, locals say. It is unknown why the ducks make the trip though residents believe the mothers "feel safer" sleeping with their ducklings in town rather than on the riverside. Once the ducks have picked their spot, the 'wardens' place cones around them and watch over until the "town falls silent" which is around 11pm on weekdays and as late as 2:30am over the weekend. Photo released 01/08/2025
The group was set up to stop the ducks from being killed (Picture: SWNS)

How to apply?

Although it isn’t technically a job you can apply for, the group is asking for volunteers (if you want to travel then you might have too).

The best place is to join the Facebook Page, Thirsk Ducks.

‘Sometimes we get drunk revellers trying to touch them, mess with them and walk through them,’ she revealed.

‘But 99 per cent of the time it’s fine and people just come to chat and take pictures, but you do get the odd one.

‘We’ve not had any fatalities since we started the group and had the volunteers.

‘We are lucky to have such a great following and so much support.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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