voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
FVA Staff Volunteer at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
Created: 03/06/2024To kick off Volunteers' Week 2024, some of the FVA team headed to Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve to volunteer their time to help Nature Scot restore sand dunes.
Tentsmuir's changing landscape includes coastal habitats, wetland, woodland, and lochs. There are many paths and trails for people to enjoy while spotting the many birds, butterflies, and other wildlife at the nature reserve.
The team receiving a demonstration from Nature Scot staff
Nature Scot staff showing us how it's done!
Our role was to cut back gorse and broom from the dunes to restore the natural dynamic dune system. Gorse and broom are invasive species which can prevent light streaming in and overtake natural dune plantation like marram grass.
FVA's Cara and Ken show off their broom and gorse cuttings.
The sun was shining and the temperature increased as the team walked along the coast, stopping to cut back gorse and broom plants. All of the materials we needed, such as gloves and bypass loppers were provided by Nature Scot. Nature Scot team members were on hand to show everyone how to find and cut the plants, assisting throughout the day.
FVA's Niasherelle, Chris, and Head of Volunteering Development Linda.
You can get involved too
Why not volunteer at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve? There's lots going on and they value all help. You can get involved with a range of tasks - from practical estate management to surveying birds and invertebrates.
Tentsmuir NNR can also be used for outdoor learning for all ages and they support visits whenever they can.
If you’re interested in volunteering or outdoor learning, please contact the reserve manager, Marijke Leith on [email protected] or call 01738 45 8818.