Are you looking to do something totally different and highly rewarding this year? How about volunteering for Scotland’s largest charity dedicated to protecting our incredible native wildlife?

There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with the Scottish Wildlife Trust wherever you are in the country and Loch of the Lowes is no exception to that.

We have a number of different volunteering roles for you to choose from depending on your particular skills, experience and interests.

Do you enjoy talking to people and sharing your enthusiasm for wildlife? Are you a born sales person, who is good with numbers and has a keen eye for presentation? If you answered yes to either of these questions then Visitor Centre volunteering could be for you! Come and help us man our four-star rated visitor centre and gift shop.

Alternatively, are you more of an outdoorsy person? An experienced wildlife watcher; confident with using telescopes and binoculars and able to interpret animal behaviour? If so perhaps you would enjoy being an Osprey Watch volunteer or one of our Guides in the Hide? Our 24 hour Osprey nest protection watch runs during April and May each year, with “Guides in the Hides” provided year-round.

Or maybe a hard day’s physical work is what really appeals to you? Getting stuck in, removing non-native plant species and making a practical contribution to nature conservation? Coupled with the opportunity to gain wildlife survey skills and an understanding of nature reserve management? If this sounds more like your thing then consider becoming a Reserve Conservation Volunteer.

Volunteering can be a great way to meet people, utilise and build upon your existing skills and experience, make a positive contribution to society and the environment, and most importantly have fun at the same time!

But don’t just take my word for it – here are a few comments that current volunteers have made about what they’ve gained from their volunteering experience :

“The satisfaction of meeting people with similar interests to my own.”  George (Visitor Centre Volunteer)

“A chance to use my skills, knowledge and enjoyment of Nature within a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team.”  Brian (Guide in the hide and Osprey Watch Volunteer)

“It’s a great way of learning about what is all around us!”  Yvonne (Osprey Watch and Reserve Conservation Volunteer)

If you want find out more about volunteering at Loch of the Lowes send an email to lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or call in to the visitor centre and have a chat with one of our staff members.