I first signed up as a volunteer in July 2008. I must admit my reasons for volunteering where not selfless, I was hoping to increase my practical experience with the aim of gaining employment in the conservation sector. The practical conservation programme is very varied and it offered lots of different experiences which I was looking forward to. Through the programme I have gained many new skills and even employment, however what I was most surprised by was the friends I made. When I signed up for volunteering I never imagined I would meet so many different and wonderful people.

 

Some of the projects I have been involved in include red squirrel surveys, invasive species surveys, drain clearance and general path work. I was also involved in a bat and moth survey on the island of Inchcailloch, which involved camping over and was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I would recommend the National Park volunteer programme to any recent graduates (as well as anyone else) as it is very successful and very professional. In fact I believe without the volunteer programme I wouldn’t be enjoying my second season working with the Park.