In every career there is equipment that is termed “essential”. Working on a reserve such as Forsinard this probably covers things like our 4x4 vehicles for accessing our massive reserve (approx 21,000ha), our GPS (Global Positioning System) Units for marking survey routes and the exact locations of interesting plants or our waterproofs (this is Scotland after all!).
While all of these things are essential for letting us carry out our work, the most essential piece of equipment that we have...used by every member of staff and volunteer alike...is far less glamorous than gadgets or cars...
I give you...
The Midge Net!!
Now I can assure you that while the Scottish midge, commonly referred to as “beasties” (normally prefixed by words I’m not allowed to use in a family blog) are our most enthusiastic insects, midge hoods are actually very useful at keeping a whole host of other annoying insects away from your face. When worn in conjunction with full waterproofs and wellies you are just about protected from head to toe! (Some desperate volunteers have been known to seal their cuffs with gaffer tape shortly before running off into the bog screaming!)
It is also, however, essential to drink plenty of water as it is easy to overheat when wearing a complete anti-midge suit and hiking across the peatland landscape. Some examples of staff/volunteers in these wonderful and ESSENTIAL pieces of equipment can be seen below...
Activities that "disturb the midges" are especially hazardous!!
Midge Nets can be worn in various styles...
The less skin exposed the better!
Yes, every grey dot is a midge! There were even more in the air that are not in the photo...
Long-term volunteers who forget this most essential part of our personal protective equipment (PPE) are gently mocked before help is given to come up with an alternative. (A "buff" and sticky tape combo in this case)
It must be remembered that at RSPB Forsinard we love all nature...we just love some a bit more than others!
It has been pointed out to me that this blog might scare away potential volunteers or visiting members of the public. Let me put your minds at rest; midge nets are only essential just now, at the end of the summer and mainly when working in forestry plantations. Most of the time, out on the bog we are midge-free! For the vast majority of the year we do not need to wear these fetching and fashionable accessories and soon we will be able to pack them away until next year (except when we feel like looking silly!).
If this blog has inspired you to find out more about our "wee beasties" have a look at: http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/advisorynotes/29/29.htm
Midge Hoods can be purchased at: http://www.tiso.com/shop/highlander/mosquito-head-net/
midges or i not i got to c forsinard hope they gone by october if not we get a liitle extra free!