Scotland’s conservation charity has announced its summer volunteer programme for the Highlands and Moray.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) will be working at Brodie Castle, Balmacara, Kintail, Inverewe and Corrieshalloch Gorge.
The projects will run from June 8 to November 17, and will last either one day, or a whole weekend. Accommodation is available at some of the locations.
Becoming a conservation volunteer costs £25 for non-members of the National Trust for Scotland and is free for current members.
At Brodie Castle, NTS conservation volunteers this year will be tasked with cutting back vegetation around Rodney’s Stone, an 8th century Pictish monument to improve access for visitors, cutting back vegetation along the exit drive and clearing invasive Rhododendron ponticum from the pond area.
In Balmacara, volunteers will be helping footpath maintenance and vegetation management at different sites across the estate, with the caveat that the work is demanding and could involve a long walk to the site.
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In Inverewe, duties will involve removal of non-native species, as well as helping to monitor the dispersal of red squirrels.
For volunteers at Corrieshalloch Gorge, work will also include the removal of non-native species and footpath maintenance, while in Kintail they will be helping to repair stone dykes dating back to the early 19th century, which are still important for crofting today.
As well as having the opportunity to learn new skills, volunteers also get the chance to attend training courses and lectures to enhance their understanding of countryside skills and conservation issues.
The projects are an ideal way to become actively involved in conservation, meet new people and get some fresh air and exercise, says Julie Bond, NTS conservation volunteer co-ordinator.
She said “The love for Scotland is at the centre of what we do, so we’re excited to be announcing this season’s outdoor programme of events.
“Our conservation volunteers make a massive contribution to the care of the Trust’s 200,000 acres of countryside, historic estates and beautiful gardens. If you enjoy the outdoors and fancy doing something a bit different this summer, please get in touch – new members are always welcome.”
Becoming a Conservation Volunteer costs £25 for non-members of the National Trust for Scotland and is free for current members.
Volunteers can choose how little or often they’d like to participate in activities. More information is available on the NTS website.