Get Involved

We welcome your interest in the Scottish Beaver Trial. Read here about how to get involved and learn more about Scotland’s most exciting conservation project:

 Volunteering with the Scottish Beaver Trial   

The Scottish Beaver Trial is a large and complex project with many different aspects. Over the next five years, there will be some opportunities to be involved whether you are keen to make a long standing contribution or join our team on a more temporary basis.

Do you have what it takes?

We always welcome volunteering offers, though it might not always be possible to find a suitable task for every volunteer, as we receive many requests from potential volunteers. We are looking for people who are happy to consider volunteering on a longer-term basis, have their own transport, do not expect to be paid expenses or for the project to provide accommodation. Ideally, you should have knowledge of the trial site, relevant previous experience and can work with the minimum of supervision.

The variety of work means that there are jobs to suit different people and their interests. These can be split into two main groups: Beaver Rangers and Office Beavers. Keep reading to find out which post might suit you.

Beaver Ranger Volunteers

Beaver Rangers will be the bodies on the ground assisting the Field Staff with tracking and beaver monitoring work where appropriate.
Beaver Ranger Volunteers should:

1.   Be keen and able to work for the Scottish Beaver Trial in sometimes difficult terrain, challenging conditions and unsociable hours.

2.   Be happy to get their hands dirty and (on occasion) their feet wet.

3.   Accept that we may not always see beavers but that monitoring tracks and signs is just as valuable.

4.   Be conscientious and able to follow methods as instructed by the Field Staff.

5.   Reliably follow health and safety regulations.

6.   Equip themselves appropriately for the conditions in outdoor clothing and stout footwear.

7.   Specialist equipment, e.g. buoyancy aids, will be provided.

Volunteer Office Beavers

Not everyone wants, or is able, to go out in the cold and wet lugging heavy equipment around. However, there is still work to be done in and around the Beaver Office. There are plenty of aspects of this work with which help would be appreciated.
Volunteer Office Beavers will:

1.   Help at local events.

2.   Distribute information leaflets at relevant venues in the local area (hotels, B&Bs etc.).

3.   Help to keep equipment in tidy working order.

 4.   Respond to requests for information about the project. (Good communications skills would be helpful in this role).

If this sounds like you then please contact us. Let us know whether you would like to be considered for a Beaver Ranger or Office Beaver position and if you have any relevant prior experience.

Student Placements

The independent monitoring of the Scottish Beaver Trial project is lead by Scottish Natural Heritage, who advise the Scottish Government on how the trial is progressing. SNH coordinate the overall independent monitoring programme of the trial, which is delivered on the ground by the trial partners Scottish Wildlife Trust, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and a variety of independent monitoring partners. As such SNH lead on and authorize any core research and survey projects.  Due to the need for SNH to focus its resources on the delivery of essential monitoring there is unfortunately no current capacity for any study proposals from undergraduate students.

Local Events

Please check our blog and website to see if there are any Scottish Beaver Trial events happening soon. Please refer to the trial website where any changes or opportunities will be posted in due course.

Schools

Studying the Scottish Beaver Trial is a perfect way to help kids learn about ecology and conservation in Scotland today. We are currently developing a learning pack which will act as a classroom tool to teach youngsters about our project. Please contact us for more information.