Hello one and all… I have not written a blog in a while so this may be a little rough round the edges, but hopefully interesting – maybe some rambling. So starting this traineeship I knew it was going to be a challenge and so far it has not disappointed. I should say that challenge as a Natural Networks Trainee: North Ayrshire Community Officer is to create a wider eco-network for the areas around Irvine, Stevenston and Kilwinning. Sounds very fancy but like all the other trainees it’s about trying to get people outside using their local green spaces and taking ownership – so that hopefully by the time my year is up people will continue for many years. Before we get to that though I shall shed a little bit of light on how I got here.
Birds feet on Stevenston Dunes
So my name is David and I am very enthusiastic about the great outdoors – I know everyone says that but I promise you I am. From a very young age I was always exploring outdoors, from climbing up the largest tree, to using the largest sticks as swords so my friends and I could wallop each other, to getting mucky all the time (sorry parentals washing machine). I grew up a little bit (I say a little bit but is there really an age limit on climbing trees) and started to appreciate the larger landscapes. In this case Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – this is one of my favourite places on planet earth. I think creating memories by hill walking and scaling the mountains over the years gave me an appreciation of how lucky I was to have this amazing landscape on my backdoor. Fast forward to University, studying conservation I started to realise that it made sense to get into a job sector where I am fighting (not literally) to protect the environment.
Stevenston Dunes from the ground floor
After University I volunteered for a year and a half with The Conservation Volunteers as a Conservation Volunteer Leader at the Glasgow Office. I was inspired by how TCV motivate others to take back their local green space. The warm welcoming atmosphere created by the staff and the volunteers creates an infectious feeling of wanting to be a part of something fun and creative. This brings me back to the beginning of my blurb and the beginning of my time as a Natural Networks Trainee. This is my dream start in the environmental conservation sector, to work on a challenging project with partners in RSPB, Scottish Wildlife Trust and North Ayrshire Council. I know the year ahead will have its ups and downs but I look forward to trying to create a more sustainable community involvement – to Join In and Feel Good. I will be working in some of the most amazing locations I have seen and I feel very lucky to have this opportunity. The areas I will be working in are quite urbanised and Industrial but the variety of ecosystems are amazing – from Eglinton Country Park over 900 hectares to Stevenston Dunes (see images above and below). I have been actively trying to get to know my partner organisations and the local people in the first few weeks. I am spreading the message that over the next year we can really improve their local green spaces. Hopefully I’ll see you out there.
Amazing view of the Dunes from up high on the ridges