Yesterday was the last day of our season at the Mull - I had great ideas of writing a blog but with a long 'to do' list, I'm afraid that one slipped off the end. So it's a quick word to say thanks, on behalf of Rob and myself, to our friends and partners at the Mull of Galloway Experience, to our wonderful volunteers and of course, to our lovely visitors who travelled from far and near to enjoy the unrivalled beauty of the Mull. Hope to see you next year.
Roe deer, copyright Harry Hogg
While I'm here I would like to give a plug for volunteering at the Mull next year. We have two fantastic volunteers, Iain and Alan, who enjoy volunteering here and together gave us nearly 200 hours of their time this season. If anyone local is reading this and is interested in having a go next year, then have a look at the volunteering webpage to see what it's all about - and get in touch next March.
The residential volunteers again did us proud and, if you are thinking that this might be for you, have a look at this blog from one of our past volunteers, Carolyn. Carolyn's blog will give you an idea of some of the things you will be doing, and I hope it will inspire you to check out the residential volunteering web pages.
Ever thought of Volunteering with the RSPB?
Carolyn and Janet
Tuesday 20th August – the second week of our two week volunteering role at the beautiful Mull of Galloway.
Arrived and carried out the normal preparations and cleaning duties before people started to arrive. Was surprised at the number of visitors we had before 10.30 – the early bird and all that!
There's always a cupboard to clear out if it's a quiet day...
Spent time chatting about the springtime delights of the RSPB Reserve at Bempton ( one of my old stomping grounds), with some lovely visitors from Yorkshire. Helped one couple to understand why the large brown bird with the hooked beak seen nearby, was more likely to have been a buzzard than a sea eagle. Settled a family argument about swallow/house martin identification, then put up a display of dragonflies (that we’d been making with the children), in spare moments. Some visitors wanted to know where the Puffins had gone, whilst others wanted to know the whereabouts of the Isle of Man (which had disappeared in the haze).
Whatever our visitor’s particular needs or questions, it felt great helping them get the most from their visit and to hear them enthusing about birds.
In the afternoon, signed a lovely family up for a group membership – the children were so knowledgeable, it was a joy to see their enthusiasm.
Left a little late, after staying to hear all about some visitors fabulous osprey and otter sightings at Threave. Just time for a well earned cappuccino and cream scone at the Gallie Craig. It’s been a busy day – but it really didn’t feel like work!
Hope to see you next year!