Land of fire and ice!

In June 2009 I finished my HNC in Countryside & Environmental Management at SAC Auchincruive. Unfortunately financial circumstances meant that I could not afford to continue to do the HND (maybe in the future!).

Armed with my new found knowledge I was lucky enough to get on an international 5 week project working at the Skálanes Nature & Heritage Centre in the East Fjords of Iceland. Covering everything from volunteer management to practical conservation tasks I had a great time, made some good friends and gained some new knowledge and skills.

Returning to Scotland with mixed feelings I started applying for some of the limited countryside jobs on offer going into the winter season. Unfortunately I was unable to get paid work, but was taken on as a Volunteer Reserve Ranger by the Scottish Wildlife Trust/Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society at Spey Bay on the Moray Coast. This was a 3 month position (meals & bed provided) that involved a mixture of survey work, practical conservation and reserve administration.

2010 Finds me about to start working (paid this time) for the RSPB at Loch Garten on Operation Osprey. I have previously volunteered for the RSPB Osprey Watch at Aberfoyle, so to be paid to talk about Osprey is a dream come true.

Best wishes to my fellow students and staff at SAC Auchincruive. (Watch out...I may be back in the future)

Some photos below from my last year.....

Practical conservation work in Iceland on the Skálanes Reserve View of the Skálanes Nature & Heritage Centre in East Iceland View of the Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay in Morayshire Photographs of Dolphins taken from Spey Bay