This training is for people that are able to make a small commitment to supporting long term

volunteer monitoring of the Dragonflies on the Bog project restoration sites across the north-west

Highlands. The commitment will involve surveying 1 or more sites, 3-4 times over a 10 year period

which will involve 1-2 days of surveying time – so likely around 3-8 days over 10 years. This is

probably best suited to people that either live in the area and also those who travel there on

holidays/for work and are prepared to incorporate some surveying on their adventures. Please only

sign up if you are prepared to commit to this longer term volunteering.

The training will be run by Jen Davidson our Scotland Conservation Officer and Emma Stevens-Veitch

our Dragonflies on the Bog Project Officer.

A brief training presentation and background information will be delivered but this training will be

mainly practical and will run in all weathers so be prepared for the best and the worst! We will be

visiting a mix of pools across the Corrour Estate some of which have previously been restored. We

will be surveying for larvae and looking in particular for the rare species but learning about all the

species we find. We will familiarise you with the habitats and help you evaluate how the pools are

holding up to climate conditions. We will support people to use ID guides, look for key features as

well as uploading survey results to iRecord. All equipment will be provided and takeaway ID guides

will be supplied. There will be around 4-5 miles of walking across the sites over the few days but it

won’t be fast paced and there is a chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes as we move between

pools. But please note this training takes place on boggy unstable ground.

4th to 6th July (starting in the evening of the 4th with a presentation at the chalets at 7pm and finishing

up on the 6th at 5pm – there are trains south 12:30 or 18:25 or back to Roy Bridge 15:24 if picking up

cars – people can leave on the early train as preferred).

Please note the course and accommodation costs have been fully funded by the Nature Restoration

Fund (NatureScot). If for any reasons you have to cancel we ask that you give as much notice as

possible. We will hold a waiting list for the course and it will be good to offer this valuable

opportunity to others. Our last course had a few no shows and it was really unfortunate that this

funding is lost and that those on our waiting list could not be offered the opportunity. We know that

life happens and ask that you please communicate as early as possible if you cannot come so spaces

can be passed to others.

Your self-funded costs will be travel and food.

Travel will be by train into Corrour Station on the Saturday from nearby accommodation at Roy

Bridge departing 08:04 and returning 15:24. The Sunday travel is to be confirmed but will likely be by

pre-arranged car share as there is no early train to Corrour although later trains are running.

NB there is no authorised vehicle access for this event and cars can be left at the Roy Bridge chalets.

For travelling to the event you can travel directly to Roy Bridge on the train and the chalets are just a

few minutes away.

You will need to book and pay for your own tickets for each day please remember any railcards. It

will be recommended to book places on the trains in advance as these can get busy and booked up.

We have accommodation booked for the Corrour Estates at Roy Bridge Little Houses. People will be

in shared chalets and there is a mix of rooms available and you may need to share a bedroom. Self

catering facilities are available.

Some food will be paid and provided including a soup/sandwich lunch at Corrour Station on 5th July

and cake/hot drink on 6th July. Options will be limited to their normal menu.

There are various options in Roy Bridge for dinners out.

There are self-catering facilities at the chalets.

You will need to organise your own food for the 4th July, breakfasts and dinners for 4th , 5th and 6th to

fit with your travel and lunches for 4th and 6th .

As you will all know the Scottish Highlands can be hugely unpredictable and you need to be prepared

for anything as we will potentially be a long way from shelter and we will go out in all weathers.

Plenty of layers, waterproofs, sun screen, hats and midge nets/repellents are a must. Good wellies for the bog are probably preferable as we will be on very boggy terrain but if you need extra support

then hiking boots may be better – choose to suit your own needs. Long sleeves/trousers are also

recommended as we are in tick territory.

Early booking was available to our existing volunteer community and there are limited places left

and booking is available here. Further courses will be available later in July and August and details

will follow in due course.

If the event is fully booked and you want to be added to the waiting list or if you have any questions

please contact Emma Stevens-Veitch at emma.stevens-veitch@british-dragonflies.org.uk