The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) is looking for community volunteers to support a community-based, Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)  project.

The SISI are looking for volunteers who are passionate about Scotland’s rivers and wildlife and want to get involved in conserving our freshwater environment, keeping it clear of invasive species.

No experience is necessary, SISI can support volunteers by providing training and qualifications such as outdoor first aid and pesticide application as well as the equipment to tackle invasive species in your community.

They also want to help our volunteers grow and can support you through your John Muir Award, provide training in volunteer management, and support students in projects. Whether you want to come along just for a day out in the fresh air, or become a dedicated INNS crusader, there is an opportunity to suit everyone.

Opportunities in Aberdeenshire

Support the Mink control project

Adopt a mink raft, a project officer will supply and help you install your mink raft, you will then need to commit to visiting the raft every 2 weeks, checking for mink footprints on the clay pad. No experience necessary.

Monitor a mink trap If mink are present in your area our project officers will provide a live capture trap for your mink raft. Traps must be checked every 24hrs without fail and mink will be dispatched by SISI staff.

Get hands on with plant removal

Giant Hogweed spraying

Working alongside qualified staff you can help with pesticide application to control Giant Hogweed using knapsack sprayers. No experience necessary, full instruction and equipment provided, but does require basic fitness to walk to site and work outdoors. Opportunity to gain your pesticide application qualification.

Group Invasive plant removal – Himalayan Balsam

Join in with one of our led conservation volunteer work parties to remove Himalayan balsam using hand tools. No experience necessary, all instruction and equipment provided, but does require basic fitness to walk to site and work outdoors.

Japanese Knotweed injecting/spraying

Working alongside qualified staff you can help out with pesticide application to control Japanese Knotweed using stem injectors or knapsack sprayers. No experience necessary, full instruction and equipment provided, but does require basic fitness to walk to site and work outdoors. Opportunity to gain your pesticide application qualification.

Develop a community invasive plant removal group

SISI can support existing local groups or help you start a new group to bring local people together to adopt your local river and remove invasive plants, helping you with training and equipment, etc.

Other opportunities

SISI also offer opportunities to carry out INNS surveys, support education and outreach activities or help with the coordination of volunteers. Alternatively, come along and help by taking photographs, blog about our project or make the tea – there’s a role for everyone and it’s a wonderful way to get outdoors and meet new friends. To get involved or find out more, visit the SISI website.

First published 20 January 2019