Charity thanks its volunteers for the brilliant shift they have put in

Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) volunteers gave an incredible 50,000 hours of their time to the charity 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 the public at its four visitor centres.

Tasks carried out on the trust’s 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.

Peter Gilbert, volunteer development officer at the SWT said: “We’re privileged to have so many dedicated volunteers supporting our work.

“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.”

Chris Cachia-Zammit from Malta is volunteering with the trust as part of a year-long European voluntary service placement.

During 2016 he completed a range of tasks including orientating visitors to Handa island in the north west of Scotland, working at the trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, and helping to count geese at Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve in Angus.

Chris said: “Volunteering for the trust has given me the opportunity to work with like-minded people, learn about the problems facing wildlife, and take part in a wide range of activities. Some of the most memorable moments of my year have been working on Handa island and being awed by thousands of pink-footed geese at Montrose Basin during a count this autumn.”

The SWT has a number of current vacancies for volunteers, including some with regular conservation groups in Cumbernauld and Irvine.