We rely a lot on the time and dedication of the stream of residential volunteers that pass through here at Kinnordy. Without our volunteers I don't think our reserve would be as great as it is. Every volunteer is appreciated whole-heartedly and the work they do is amazing.
Amy Telford, a new Residential Volunteer who started a couple of weeks ago, thought it would be a good idea to share some thoughts about the time she has already spent here with us at Kinnordy. I hope you find this little passage interesting and inspiring, like I did:
"Having completed an Honours degree in Tropical Environmental Science and a Master of Research in Ecology and Environmental Sustainability, I am now looking to take my first step on the career ladder in the conservation sector. As I have found, this is no easy task!... So I decided that becoming a residential volunteer for one of Europe’s largest conservation charities would be the best way to gain vital practical experience to help me do so. Two weeks into my residential placement, I am thoroughly delighted that I made this decision. Loch of Kinnordy is a beautiful location and with thanks to Kim, the assistant warden, my time here so far has been very rewarding. From conducting daily bird surveys, my bird identification skills are already improving and I am now confident to point out these species such as; reed buntings, sedge warblers, marsh harriers, coots and widgeon, to our steady stream of visitors. There are numerous dedicated birders who pay us regular visits and it’s really nice being able to recognise faces in the hides of people who have returned to enjoy the reserve. It’s also enjoyable for me to spend time with them as they have a wealth of knowledge to share with me which, in turn, I can pass on to our new visitors. I would highly recommend residential volunteering to anyone who is looking for a hands-on introduction to conservation work or even to those who are looking for a new and exciting experience. I have already been involved is a variety of different task such as bird monitoring, water level management, reserve maintenance, tree safety checks, liaising with the public and more. Some more personal highlights include; watching the osprey fishing across the loch, discovering that the honeysuckle outside our front door occasionally attracts the intriguing hummingbird hawk-moth and gradually seeing the tadpoles at Lillypond transform into a swarm of tiny frogs! I’m looking forward to the next 4 weeks here at Loch of Kinnordy and while I’m in such a fantastic setting I’ve also decided to try and improve my photography skills."
After that feel-good message it's time to ask: Have you ever thought about sparing a couple of hours a week to do some volunteer work? If you are interested in, or know anyone interested in, volunteering here at Kinnordy feel free to get in touch. Just look at all the things Amy feels she has achieved in such a short space of time. It's not just what you could do for us but what could volunteering do for you?