From the early days when first establishing my self-employed business in the south-east, I worked with a conservation group as a volunteer - gaining certification in use of chainsaw and much knowledge of all things environmental along the way.
On moving back to Scotland and to Langholm, I quickly became involved with one of the local charities - the Langholm Initiative, and was invited to become a Trustee of the organisation.
Langholm Initiative & Tarras Valley Nature Reserve
The charity specialises in local environmental/educational and regeneration work, and is the mainstay of the recent community moorland buyout, now known as the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.
South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project
From friends made through the Langholm Initiative, I have also become a supporter of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) and have organised the ‘release aviary’ builds for this Project over a period of several years.
Tarras the Golden Eagle
In 2021 I was privileged to be asked to name one of the eagles being released (amongst others such as the naturalists Gordon Buchanan and Iolo Williams). Naturally he had to be called Tarras and he has already been seen flying over our Nature Reserve, and also down on day trips to The Lake District.
Following the impact of Storm Arwen around Langholm, I am also working with the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve and fellow artists/ceramicists to make small pieces from storm damaged trees, with proceeds going towards supporting the community moor.