Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteers gave an incredible 50,000 hours of their time in 2016. 

The Trust is supported by around 1,000 volunteers across a wide range of roles including practical conservation, office-based work and engaging with visitors at the Trust’s four visitor centres. 

Tasks carried out on our network of 120 wildlife reserves include conducting surveys, maintaining footpaths and controlling invasive species. 
Volunteers also organise activities for children, as well as talks and other events in their local area. 

Whether they are counting seabirds from a rugged clifftop or talking to the public about our exciting conservation projects, our volunteers are making a big difference and helping to protect Scotland’s wildlife for the future.”

 

Peter Gilbert, Volunteer Development Officer, Scottish Wildlife Trust 

Colin Wilson volunteers for two days a week with the Trust's Reserves Project Group based in Dalkeith.  He said: “Being a Reserve Project Group volunteer is a great opportunity to get out and do something positive now I’m retired. It's very rewarding work that is helping to create lasting change.

“2016 has been an enjoyable year with lots of different projects. It’s been particularly satisfying to see that the dams we have installed at Longridge Moss Wildlife Reserve over the past couple of years to raise the water level in the bog have been effective. This work is encouraging the regrowth of sphagnum moss, cranberry and other plants.”

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “By giving just a small amount of their time volunteers can make an enormous difference to charities and help them achieve great things. It’s fantastic to hear about the big contribution that the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s volunteers have made in 2016.”

Find out more about volunteering with the Scottish Wildlife Trust