No, I’m not talking about ospreys… this last week we have welcomed Chris Cachia-Zammit and Chloe Fourneret to Loch of the Lowes through the European Voluntary Service – a scheme which allows EU citizens between the ages of 17-30 to undertake a 12-month work placement with a charity or not-for-profit organisation in another EU country.

In return for free accommodation, work-based training and the chance to experience life in a different country, our two new recruits will be working with us full-time, primarily in the visitor centre. They will also have the opportunity to be involved with ospreywatch during April and May, assist with the practical conservation programme on our five Perthshire reserves, and visit some of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s other reserves, including Handa Island.

Enough from me anyway, I’ll let them introduce themselves to you…

Hi, I am Chris, a 25 year old birder and wildlife photographer from the small island of Malta. I have always been interested in wildlife, particularly birds.

I am a member and an active volunteer for BirdLife Malta, participating in numerous sea bird and raptor related scientific projects, illegal hunting/trapping and migration camps. I have also been involved with people engagement activities at both of the organisation’s nature reserves and events, mainly with kids and families. I was also an employee of Birdlife Malta as a Visitor Assistant at Ghadira Nature Reserve and Simar Nature Reserve for almost ten years, and as a Membership Administrator for about a year.

I have also volunteered with local authorities, helping to rehabilitate injured birds, and worked as a Guide and Media Coordinator with Majjistral Nature and History Park – a Natura 2000 site situated in the north-west of Malta.

I am taking part in this EVS project because I wish to improve my knowledge and experience relating to how you can improve the visitor experience in a visitor centre. This will also give me a great opportunity to learn more about Scottish wildlife and what’s being done to conserve it.

Hi, I am Chloe, I am 22 years old and I come from a small village in France. I studied tourism and how to increase awareness and protection of local heritage.

I decided to participate in the European Voluntary Service because for the first time it will give me the opportunity to work in the environmental sector. For me, the protection of our environment is very important and I wish to do my part to help in the conservation and protection of the environment.

The EVS also gives me the opportunity to learn and practice a new language, to meet new people, learn more about different types of animal species and experience a new culture.

I hope to use my knowledge and creativity at the Loch of the Lowes, to increase the public’s awareness about the breeding Ospreys and the environment that they inhabit.

So, if you’re planning on visiting Loch of the Lowes this year keep an eye out for Chris and Chloe – they look forward to meeting you.

Jonathan