RSPB Cairngorms Futurescape with partner organisations like Butterfly Conservation and the local Ranger Service are kick-starting a conservation volunteer movement in the Strathspey. This is not to do work on RSPB ground, but to help farmers and land managers off the reserve that are interested in conservation but do not have the time to put in to get it happening.
The past activities have included aspen tree planting (hopefully in the future this will provide habitat for the rare Dark Bordered Beauty moth), bird surveys, and moorland ditch-blocking that may contribute to flood prevention as well as wildlife. Up and coming activities are likely to include breeding wading bird surveys (April - June), aspen woodland recording (April / May), scrub clearance to benefit Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly (summer). Full training and any equipment will be provided.
The next volunteer day is on Tuesday 18th March assisting a farmer to clear some scrub to benefit the hugely declining breeding wading birds. Photos to follow. Some of the future opportunities will be less strenuous such as the aspen woodland surveys.
If you are in Strathspey and interested in joining the list of people that are happy to be contacted about conservation volunteering in Strathspey, then let me know as soon as possible as we have lots of exciting activities in the next few months and beyond - Hebe Carus, Cairngorms Futurescapes Officer on hebe.carus@rspb.org.uk or 01540 661518.