Are You Scotland's Next All-Weather Eco-Surveyor?

21 December 2010

Ecological Surveyors in the field, examining wildlife

Tracking the effects of Climate Change and severe weather episodes on Scotland’s species will be just one of the challenges ahead for 10 would-be ecological surveyors.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust will soon call for applications for an exclusive training programme.  This training is set to turn 10 promising environmentalists into the ecological surveyors of Scotland’s future.

Scottish Wildlife Trust will provide 10 full-time 18-month training placements.  These include an annual bursary of £12,500 and are set to run between April 2011 and October 2012.

The course will include outdoor training across Scotland. It is open to anyone with a commitment to a career in ecological surveying.  The training is expected to provide a sustainable future for the individuals.  Successful candidates will receive on the job training, experience and skills to allow them to start their own business. It will also provide sustainable outcomes for Scotland’s environment. 

Eric Coull, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Head of Conservation Teams, explained:  “This scheme holds potential benefits for Scotland’s wider environment as well as the individuals lucky enough to secure a training place.  While completing their training, our candidates could discover new species on protected and unprotected sites, record the effects of climate change on species and biodiversity loss, determine how the Scottish Wildlife Trust might better manage our reserves, and ensure new developments respect natural heritage.”

Players in Scotland have raised over £1.3 million for Scottish Wildlife Trust to date.