Peter Wood (GIS/Predation)
My placement at the Trust has been fantastic. While here I have learnt lots, from GIS skills to field and lab work techniques, many of which will definitely be put to use in the third year of my degree. The work I have done has been wide-ranging, from mapping the distribution of UK deer species to analysing fox scats to establish their diet. The staff here are keen to help you learn new skills and there are many other opportunities outside of work to learn, whether it be a lab session determining the energy stored within woodcock tissues or hare surveys and land management.
Ruth Highley (Scottish Demonstration Farm)
During my placement with the GWCT on the Scottish Demonstration Farm I have had experience of the day-to-day research carried out on the farm. This included breeding bird surveys, raptor monitoring, rabbit surveys, and carrying out grass measurements and camera trap surveys for the EU LIFE Laser Fence project. I have also had some practical experience helping out on the farm, rabbit-proofing fences and helping with the sheep shearing. The GWCT has also sent me on training courses, including a butterfly and moth course and a bumblebee identification day. I would not hesitate to recommend this placement to any student interested in gaining practical outdoor research experience.