Volunteer Julie shares her experience of undertaking a summer placement at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre

 

I’m currently studying Environmental Science with Outdoor Education at the University of Stirling and towards the end of my second year, I contacted the Falkirk Reserves Ranger, Claire, to ask if it would be possible for me to undertake a placement at Jupiter over the summer months. 

As part of my 12-week placement, I was fortunate to get involved with a variety of activities including school groups visits, the adult volunteer group, public events and wildlife surveying of moths, butterflies, bees, and birds.  I’ve been able to improve my ID skills by regular exposure to the reserve’s pondlife, wildflowers and invertebrates during surveying.  I’ve also had the chance to develop and implement some of the book learning I’ve had during the last two semesters, where all the coursework was online, in a supportive and encouraging environment.  I definitely feel that I’m now more confident about speaking to the public about what I know from my studies and what I’ve picked up from shadowing Claire and the Seasonal Ranger Ellie.  I’ve also used equipment and resources that I’ve never used before, and I’m honoured to have been encouraged to take the lead during some of the activities and events. 

 

 

 

After completing my placement I had a chat with Claire about extending my volunteering with Jupiter and I’m really pleased that she has agreed to this!  I’ve learnt so much from both Claire and Ellie, and can’t wait to see what other experiences are ahead of me. 

I’m looking forward to finding out more about being a ranger and the wider work that Scottish Wildlife Trust do over the coming months and hope that I’ll continue to be an asset to the organisation as well as having the opportunity to continue to develop the skills and new knowledge I have.  

If anyone is thinking about volunteering at Scottish Wildlife Trust, I’d highly recommend it!  Volunteers provide a host of benefits to the Trust, but I’ve also gained so much from the Trust in such a short time, and I will happily tell anyone what a wonderful place it is to volunteer!

 

To find out more about volunteering opportunities at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, please contact Claire Martin, Falkirk Ranger – falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk