09 Sep New dates – Upland path volunteer maintenance programme

We are delighted to announce new September and October dates for our upland path volunteer maintenance programme in the Cairngorms National Park.

The dates and locations are:

• Monday 19 September Meall a Bhuachaille
• Thursday 29^th September Morrone (Braemar)
• Saturday 1^st October Chalamain Gap/ Braeriach path (Northern Cairngorms)
• Monday 10^th October The Snub and Loch Brandy (Glen Clova, Angus Glens)
• Tuesday 11^th October Dreish, Kilbo Path or Jocks Road (Glen Doll, Angus Glens)
• Sunday 16^th October Chalamain Gap/ Braeriach path (Northern Cairngorms)

New dates are highlighted in bold / New dates to be confirmed are highlighted in italics

We are keen for current OATS volunteers to sign up, and urge those path-users keen to give something back to the trails they enjoy through path maintenance volunteering to give it a try.

For further details on our scheduled volunteer upland maintenance days and to sign up, please e-mail Shona Irvine, our Activity Projects Manager – [email protected].

OATS volunteer maintenance days include upland path maintenance and erosion control, and other practical conservation work. Volunteers work alongside experienced people, learning techniques that enhance their practical conservation skills, and increase their knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of our mountains. Volunteer days give people the chance to get involved and play their part to protect and enhance upland habitats in a fun and welcoming environment. All you need is good general fitness and experience in the outdoors, tools are provided and no prior path work experience is required.

Shona Irvine, Activity Projects Manager for OATS, said: “On our mountain path maintenance days volunteers will help to repair erosion to the footpath, prevent further damage caused by rainfall, and repair sections of path in order to encourage users to stick the original path line. This will be centred around what is known as a ‘drainage run’, walking the route of the path with the OATS volunteer manager and other volunteers, and clearing the drainage features as you go. It is basically a fantastic hill walk on an iconic Scottish mountain, with a spade, and making essential repairsas you go – a great day out in the hills.This work is vitally important to ensure the built paths are kept in a good condition, protecting the surrounding landscape and maintaining the accessibility of the hills for outdoors enthusiasts. You’ll also make new friends.

“If you are part of a group, a club, a school, a business, or an organisation looking for a volunteering opportunity, we can help you get involved by tailoring activities to suit your needs.”

14 to 18-year-olds are welcome to join in as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Shona Irvine has hit the ground running since joining OATS as Activity Projects Manager in January 2022. She is leading on the OATS volunteer projects, Adopt A Path and Volunteer Maintenance, with a key role in access projects for the Cairngorms.