The Goose is Loose - a fond farewell from Annabelle
It’s almost time to say goodbye to life as a placement student here at WWT Caerlaverock. As my last day rapidly approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how it all began…
My mind goes back to a cold and drizzly morning in November 2022. I had just left my career in fashion design and begun studying Wildlife and Conservation Management at SRUC when I arrived at Caerlaverock for my first ever volunteer task: willow coppicing. Armed with plenty of enthusiasm but little experience, I threw myself into the work. The weather was miserable, the task was tough, and in my eagerness to impress I powered through for a little too long — nearly fainting in the process! Thankfully, Jake and Lucy, the wardens at the time, were kind and reassuring. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, a mutiny was brewing among the volunteers. Tools were put down in protest, and the soggy work party was called off early. That day has since gone down in volunteer history as the infamous day the “Vols Revolted” — and, luckily, not the day that broke Annabelle.
Getting stuck into reserve tasks.
From then on, I returned to Caerlaverock every Tuesday I could manage, building up my practical conservation skills and getting to know the brilliant team behind this incredible reserve. I watched the 2022–23 placement students, JC and Isaac, develop their skills in habitat management and survey work, and decided that when the time was right, I would take the plunge and apply myself.
And what a great decision it turned out to be. Over the past year, I’ve learned so much it’s hard to keep track, but a few highlights stand out. My bird ID has come on leaps and bounds — from daily whooper swan feeds, to watching thousands of barnacle geese fill the skies at dawn flights, to listening for summer bird calls, I’ve fallen completely in love with species I barely noticed before. I’ve also gained a wealth of practical skills: from tractor driving and chainsaw use, to wielding a scythe and (most importantly) mastering the art of de-nailing timber — all invaluable for a budding conservationist.
Overwintering birds on the Folly Pond.
A real highlight has been developing my biological survey experience. I’ve taken part in saltmarsh plant surveys, nest box monitoring, wetland bird surveys and expanded my knowledge of wildflowers, trees, and invertebrates. I’ve also supported bat activity surveys and been involved in habitat management and monitoring for natterjack toads. These experiences have given me a solid grounding in survey work, something I am especially passionate about as I move forward to build a career in conservation.
Scrambled egg slime.
This year at WWT Caerlaverock has strengthened my skills, deepened my knowledge, and reaffirmed my passion for conservation. It has been a privilege to play a small role in the work being done here to restore habitats, support wildlife, and connect people with wetlands.
I will take everything I’ve learned with me into the next stage of my career, and I hope to contribute to conservation with the same dedication and enthusiasm I’ve witnessed here.
Thank you to everyone at WWT Caerlaverock for making this such a memorable and inspiring chapter in my journey.
Words by Annabelle Gurney
