Jupiter Artland was the backdrop on 8th September for our third volunteer gathering in Scotland this year.  The setting was a stunning stately home, owned by a family who have filled their beautiful grounds with public artworks. 

Our wonderful group at Jupiter – thanks go to them for such great company and shared knowledge!

Fourteen volunteers joined members of staff for talks, lunch, and an ancient tree recording session, topped off with a guided walk from Jupiter staff to see the artworks.  The main objectives of the day were for volunteers to network, to catch up on Trust news and for us to provide an enjoyable day as a thank you to our fantastic volunteers in Scotland! 

There was also a session first thing in the morning, before the main event, run by Sarah Locker, for volunteers from our Talking Trees (speakers) project.  Three of our volunteer speakers were given an update on our latest version of the talk and able to ask questions and share with the others how they are getting on with their role.

After that, in the main meeting, volunteers heard from me about our work and volunteering at Woodland Trust Scotland.  Then Iain Moss, an Outreach Advisor based in our Perth office, shared beautiful photos and information about his team’s woodland creation work.  Sarah Locker, Communities and Engagement Manager for the whole of the UK, gave updates about our work with Community Woodlands, the Charter for Woods and Trees, and about our volunteer speaker programme.

After a delicious lunch, provided by the venue, with soup, sandwiches and chocolate brownies to die for, we headed out to have a go at recording some ancient trees for the Ancient Tree Inventory.  There were a few beautiful old oaks, limes and horse chestnuts in a private part of the garden that we were given special permission to record in.

The tour of the artworks was fun!  From weeping girls to a shoe made out of saucepans, there were plenty of eccentric surprises!

Matilda Scharsach

Volunteering Development Officer, Scotland