Here at Loch of the Lowes the ranger team is comprised of Emma, the Perthshire Ranger and three volunteer Assistant Rangers: Bryan, Noa and Ben. Since the Ranger manages six different reserves across Perthshire. Volunteers are recruited for the summer to help carry out practical conservation work. Although we all have different backgrounds (Bryan is a species protection officer, Ben is a geographer and Noa is a zoologist) we share an interest for nature and live in a cosy bothy by the loch shore.   

Life is busy during the peak season here. Our work involves habitat monitoring, species surveying, reserve maintenance, assisting in events management as well as osprey watching. Yesterday we went on a loch patrol around Loch of the Lowes and visited our Balnaguard reserve to check out our nest boxes for pied flycatchers. We also went to Tomdachoille Island for species surveying. As for this morning we continued our Osprey monitoring work and painted some squirrel boxes. In the afternoon, we began building a bug hotel for “The Big Bug Hunt” event on Saturday 30^th June, which will be a great chance for children and parents to get their hands dirty and discover some new wee beasties. Don’t miss the post that will come up next week advertising it!!

 As you can see, our role is very varied and no two days are the same. This makes our time at Loch of the Lowes very enjoyable, despite the midges when they are out in force!

 The Volunteer Ranger Team

Above: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) that we saw yesterday at our Tomdachoille Island Reserve whilst carrying out a species survey.