Rob, our new Information Officer has just finished his first week at the Mull. It's great to have him here - we've both come through the RSPB internship scheme in 2012 so we've met before and are proof positive that volunteering and especially internships will help you take the next step up the conservation career ladder. I'll let him introduce himself, here's his blog and mugshot!
Hi, I’m Rob the new information officer with the RSPB at Mull of Galloway. I have been involved with the RSPB for around six years as a volunteer and member of staff on many sites, mostly wetlands and mostly around Yorkshire, so the Mull of Galloway is a nice change for me.
I am originally from Clydebank and spent most of my life in the west of Scotland so it is good to be back, this is however my first time in this neck of the woods, and can I just say how delighted I am to be here, what a stunning place the south Rhins is! I have only explored a small part of it so far but as a keen walker I am looking forward to getting out there and discovering more.
Having found accommodation in Damnaglaur I often walk to work and so far have been spoiled by the weather, warm morning sunshine, gentle breezes, the sound of bird song around me and glorious views of Luce Bay and of course the Mull itself make the 4 mile commute a joy.
I expect this luxury of good weather may not last for ever but then again, what do I know, maybe the sun always shines on the south Rhins?
I am a keen wildlife enthusiast with general knowledge in many areas, every day I am learning a little bit more, and the more I learn the more enthused I become about the wonderful wildlife and fabulous habitats we have in this country.
So far I have witnessed porpoise in Luce Bay, sandwich tern diving in Port Logan, peregrines hunting over the Mull, brown hares racing across fields, roe deer grazing along cliff tops, yellowhammers, linnets and skylarks entertaining me as I walk to work and of course the guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes and other gulls around the coastline all add to the experience.
Each day I notice more wildflowers emerging, birds seeming more frantic as they try to defend their territories or attract a mate, all of which makes me feel very lucky indeed to be working here.
The people I have met so far have been most welcoming and I look forward to getting to know more of you over the summer so if you find yourself down the Mull, be sure to pop into the visitor centre and say hello.