How lucky the Stirling volunteers are!! We spent several weeks working on a footpath project in an RSPB nature reserve at Inversnaid. The location was truly amazing. We usually had lunch on top of the hill, over-looking Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills (including Ben Lomond). Some knowledgeable volunteers had the chance to spot different species of bird and to tell the other volunteers about them.
As well as improving our knowledge we also developed our muscles. Indeed, no need to go to the gym when you volunteer with BTCV! The first part of the project was to upgrade the footpath going up the hill. Volunteers built steps using material made of recycled plastic. A few water drains were also built to avoid the footpath being flooded during heavy rain. Another big job was the construction of the bridge. We had to take all the wood and tools that we needed up the steep hill (climbing the newly built steps, very useful indeed!). The result of the volunteers’ hard work is a beautiful and secure bridge that hikers will enjoy for a couple of decades. I am very proud of this bridge, can you tell? : )
Volunteers will probably not miss the long drive to go to Inversnaid (and the accompanying car-sickness), but we will most certainly miss the breathtaking views and the wild goats!
