Field Notes: Summit work party cleans up

Nevis Conservation Officer Nathan Berrie reports on a successful summit conservation work party at the end of August.

The Nevis team (myself, Ali Austin, Steph McKenna) and Nevis Landscape Partnership ranger Evie were joined by a fantastic group of volunteers last Saturday for a Ben Nevis litter pick and path maintenance volunteer day. The weather was brilliant and with a busy hill we had lots of opportunity to chat to walkers about the work we were doing.

We split into two groups with one focusing on path work and the other picking litter on their descent from the summit. A total of 20kgs was removed from the hill. Add this to the other Ben Nevis litter picks from 2022 and so far 91.5kgs has been taken off by staff and volunteers. Last year's total was 200kgs. The Real 3 Peaks Challenge litter pick usually happens in October and it typically gets around 100kgs of rubbish, so I expect this year's total to be roughly the same.

One of the day's highlights was having Archie along with us. Archie was one of our Nevis Junior Rangers from last year and he has become very enthusiastic about the Trust. He is keen to stay involved and is even considering applying for the NQ in countryside skills and rangering course with UHI which the Nevis team are involved in delivering.

This example clearly highlights the importance of our work. From awareness to advocacy, Archie is now sharing his experiences with his friends and family who are now wanting to know more and may help in the future. It is important we continue to offer opportunities for under 18s beyond the Junior Ranger programme.

• Read more about how we care for Nevis and get involved in other conservation work party oportunities.

Photography courtesy of Nellie Wilson, one of our fantastic volunteers from The Alba Cross - a group who are documenting their human-powered journey from west to east of Scotland, exploring our relationship to nature along the way.