Focus species – Azure Hawker, White-faced Darter and Northern Emerald

Who is it for?

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.

What will it involve?

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 Glen Coe and Glen Etive. 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.

When?

15^th to 17^th August. We ask for people to arrive for the evening of the 15^th as the training will start early in the morning of the 16^th at 9am with a presentation at the Visitor Centre and finishing up on the 17^th at 4pm (or earlier if people need to depart for transport reasons).

Costs and cancellations:

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.

Accommodation:

We have booked a selection of bed spaces at Glencoe Youth Hostel in female and male dorm rooms and at the Red Squirrel Campsite we have a number of tent pitches. Please choose in the booking ticket option for the appropriate space you need. You may also arrange your own accommodation if you prefer.

Getting to the training:

We recommend car sharing if possible and if you are open to this please let Emma know (details below) and we will connect you with others. We may be able to pick people up from Glen Orchy train station or connect with others so please tell us if you are travelling by train. There are buses from Glasgow, Fort William and Inverness with stops at the Glencoe Visitor Centre and again let us know if you need a pick up there.

Food:

A packed sandwich lunch will be provided by Glencoe Visitor Centre on the 16^th July. You will need to provide all your other meals and snacks so please come prepared.

There are various eating out options in Glencoe in the evening depending on your access to transport otherwise there are self-catering facilities or some other options at the youth hostel.

Weather, midges and terrain:

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.

Booking:

Please book here.

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