Nigel Carr volunteers for Little Assynt Tree Nursery, Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape
I ALWAYS thought I would get involved in voluntary work when I retired and I have been a volunteer at Little Assynt Tree Nursery for six years.
Before retiring I spent around 15 years working in an industry which has contributed considerably to global warming. It’s good to now be involved in an activity which is part of the solution. The nursery is a few miles west of Lochinver. Part of the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape project, it opened in 2012 and produces 30,000 native trees each year from seed that we collect from local woods.
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It’s rewarding to see batches of birch, alder or Scots pine saplings bagged up ready for collection. Knowing you have had a very small part in creating something that may go on to grow successfully for a couple of hundred years – or even longer if conditions are favourable – is really satisfying.
Until six years ago I was in full-time work and didn’t get involved in much voluntary work so I was new to volunteering. I have always enjoyed trees so the idea of working in a tree nursery appealed. When I came to volunteer at the nursery I had no idea that I would find the work so interesting. I had a reasonable knowledge of trees common to Scotland and the UK but I had little experience of growing young trees and all that it involved.
As a volunteer working through the seasons, I am fortunate to be involved in the whole process of growing young trees. Jobs range from collecting and processing seeds to sowing, weeding and grading them ready for sale. To be honest I don‘t mind what job I’m given. I always learn something and it’s nice not to be in charge anymore!
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Nick and Susan who run the tree nursery have excellent knowledge and I have learned a lot from them, as well as having the opportunity to socialise with other volunteers.
There are other benefits to volunteering too. It’s actually good to be given direction and to just fit in with what needs to be done on a particular day. I try to volunteer on Friday mornings. I like to have a regular time as this is good for me and also for the nursery staff so that they can generally expect me to attend.
Retiring is a big transition for anyone after 40 or so years of work. Volunteering has really helped me adapt in a positive way, and at the same time I see how the nursery has grown as a business. It’s good to be a small part of that success.
Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape is a unique community partnership project, led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to bring environmental and economic benefits to the Coigach and Assynt regions of North West Scotland. For more information about volunteering opportunities with Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape visit coigach-assynt.org/
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