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 specific 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 survey training will be run by Jen Davidson our Scotland Conservation Officer and Emma Stevens-Veitch our Dragonflies on the Bog Project Officer. We will have two expert photographers supporting the sessions with James Aikman joining us for the first 2 days and Paul Fraser for the second 2 days.

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 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.

The photography skills elements will be integrated into the sessions after an introduction. It will be very hands on and will work with the equipment that people have whether you have lots of macro lenses or just a smart phone. Photography can be an important component in supporting the identification of dragonflies as well as helping to promote the species more widely.

23rd to 27th July (starting in the evening of the 23rd with a presentation at the chalets at 7pm and finishing up on the 27th at 5pm – there are trains south 12:02 or 17:57– people can leave on the early train as preferred). If people can only make a few days of the training we may be able to accommodate you please check before booking by emailing Emma. Details below.

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 each day from nearby accommodation at Roy Bridge departing 08:04 and returning 15:24. The Sunday location will be at Glen Roy National Nature Reserve and we will car share to there. We will arrange lifts back to Roy Bridge around people’s return journey south.

NB there is no authorised vehicle access for this event into Corrour 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 the days we are there. 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 breakfasts and dinners for each day away and lunch for the 27th July.

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.

A further course will be run at Glencoe 15th-17th August and booking is open. You may book on multiple courses.

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