Before arriving to Aviemore, we had an early start at Sheffield before an 8-hour coach journey: there were plenty of stops on the way and our excitement for the trip just about managed to keep most of us awake! Throughout the trip, we took notes when out in the field: this was an important skill to develop, as it enhanced our field recording skills as well as our note-taking abilities.

 

When we arrived in Aviemore, we settled into the youth hostel: not only was it located close to Aviemore town centre, it was also a short walk away from Craigellachie Nature Reserve, meaning it was an amazing location for studying both human and physical geography. After settling in, we explored Aviemore, discussing in groups whether it had a distinct town centre and the effects of tourism on the local community. 

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In the evening, we split off into groups to set up camera traps around Craigellachie nature reserve – this allowed us to develop knowledge of professional ecological monitoring and observe what wildlife was in the area without causing disturbance. Any species caught on the camera trap was great, but we were all really hoping to get something rare: particularly wild cats! The camera traps were checked twice every day throughout the week, and a log was created of what species were observed. As well as this, many students recorded the bird species that they could hear or observe when out in the nature reserve and these were also logged. We also installed a series of bioacoustic monitoring sensors. In total 33 different species of bird were recorded including Eurasian woodcock, Osprey and Willow warbler.

 

 

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Image 1: The number of call detections for each species of bird recorded in Craigelleche National Nature Reserve. Species in bold were captured by students on the Merlin App. All data will be uploaded to the National Biodiversity Network Atlas to enhance the records of wildlife in the area. ​

Image 2: Students working together to plot and reconstruct glaciers on maps during the visit to Cairngorm Mountain.

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​For our first full day in Aviemore, we travelled up to Cairngorm Mountain: we started by looking at the ski resort and the impacts of tourism on the environment surrounding it. After this, we walked up Cairngorm Mountain, stopping to take in the scenery and discuss the impacts of glaciers on the development of the landscape. We then were given maps and attempted to plot and reconstruct the areas where glaciers once were on the map. We were blessed with beautiful weather for the day (and the week!), and so some students continued further up the mountain to look closer at Coire an Lochain. As student Jared Brough explained, “It was really interesting to see the effects that the glacier had on Coire an Lochain up close, rather than on pictures”. 

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On our way back to the youth hostel, we stopped briefly to discuss tree identification: an important skill that we would need for the next day. During this stop, we had a discussion about the impacts of deer on the landscape and then turned around to see a group bringing down some reindeer, which are an interesting example of early species translocation: they were reintroduced into the Cairngorms in 1952, and currently numbers around 150 reindeer. 

For our next day, we explored more of Craigellachie Nature Reserve. We were joined by Ian Sargent, Nature Reserves Manager NatureScot to discuss Herbivore Impact Assessments: looking at whether the plant species in an area had been degraded by herbivore such as deer, we can determine whether there needs to be an increase or decrease to deer populations. After this, we looked at how sound can have an impact on the appeal of a landscape: walking through the nature reserve, we stopped at different locations to listen and record what we heard, and how we felt it impacted the area.

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In the afternoon and evening, we were joined by Dr. David Hetherington. David is Nature Network Manager for the Cairngorms National Park Authority as well as an independent researcher on lynx and lynx reintroduction. In the afternoon both David and Ian talked us through some of the key challenges facing nature recovery in the Cairngorms ranging from ecological monitoring, land management, competing land use pressures and the importance of stakeholder engagement.  As an independent researcher, David presented a lecture in the evening which discussed in detail the characteristics of lynx as a species and whether it would be feasible to reintroduce them into Scotland. It was interesting to learn about the benefits of their reintroduction by looking at other countries where they currently live: the lecture highlighted how its important to not only focus on the ecological dimensions of species reintroduction, but also how humans will interact with the species and the social impacts they will bring. David also spoke about how recent illegal releases, such as the three lynx that were found within the Cairngorms in early January, had significant negative impacts: not only were the lynx and surrounding environment put under stress, but actions such as this can create negative stigma, which can have major impacts on decisions made surrounding reintroduction. 
 

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Image 3: Reindeer being taken through the Cairngorm National Park.
Image 4: David Hetherington presenting his lecture on lynx and lynx reintroduction to the students. 

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Our final full day was spent following the River Spey, looking at how different groups interact with the river at different locations. We were joined by Jonathan Willet the Beaver Project Manager for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, who discussed the reintroduction and importance of beavers within the River Spey, and in small groups we looked at the different ways beavers interact with the landscape, such as felling and coppicing trees. Some of us even got to bring home sticks that beavers had eaten the bark from! 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Image 5: Student observing the effects of beaver introduction on the landscape, in particular the felling and coppicing of trees.

Video: Roe Deer captured on camera trap.

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At our next stop, we visited Cairn distillery, and learnt about the impacts that the whisky industry can have on both the natural environment and local communities. At every stop, we undertook a brief environmental assessment, meaning that we could compare how different groups of stakeholders interact with the River Spey in different ways, and both the positive and negative interactions that occurred.

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Although we were travelling on the final day, it didn’t stop some students from getting up for a dawn chorus walk around Craigellachie  Nature Reserve. Using a bird identification app, we observed a wide range of species, and some continued further to watch the sunrise. Before heading back, we checked our camera traps for a final time. Whilst we unfortunately didn’t get any wild cats, many of us observed Roe deer, which is also exciting to see!

 

On our way back to Sheffield, we stopped at Highland Wildlife Park to talk with the Saving Wildcats team about their work. We discussed the threats of domestic cats on the Scottish Wildcat populations as well as what we can do to help support this amazing species. We even got to see a wild cat in captivity, so although it wasn’t on the camera traps we were still happy to have seen one!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image 6: A wildcat resting at Highland Wildlife Park.

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Overall, our trip to Aviemore helped develop our fieldwork skills and geographical knowledge. Many of the memories made were from working alongside other students and being able to enjoy the beauty of the Cairngorms. It was an unforgettable trip, and we all hope that future years enjoy it as much as we did. ​​​