With a vast array of habitats, species and ongoing scientific work, Cairngorms Connect offers various opportunities for students of all ages to interact and contribute to the project. This ranges from work with local schools to funded PhD opportunities.
Project type: MSc field research
Overview: Deadwood is a crucial part of a healthy forest: it supports a wide diversity of species and is essential for ecosystem function. This project will collect new data to compare the ecological effects of different methods of deadwood creation on one key component of forest biodiversity: deadwood beetles.
Project type: MSc field research
Overview: Since 2021, Pine Hoverfly larvae and adults have been released into four sites, including two sites at the RSPB’s Abernethy reserve, and the number of larvae have been monitored annually. The ultimate aim is to establish self-sustaining populations that are not dependent on these interventions and exist within natural rot-holes in mature pines. To get to this point we wish to optimise the surrogate breeding habitat we are providing and this study should help us do this.
Project type: MSc field research
Overview: to assess how far reintroduced Pine Hoverflies will disperse from their release sites in the Cairngorms, through both experimental field study at the RSPB's Abernethy nature reserve and data analysis for sites across Strathspey.
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Project type: Funded PhD, School of Biological Sciences
Overview: Are you fascinated by how animal populations fluctuate across space and time and how this knowledge can help solve real-world conservation challenges? This PhD project investigates the drivers and consequences of spatially variable vole population cycles and their cascading effects on predators, vegetation, and land management decisions.
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The next generation are key to advancing Cairngorms Connect’s 200-year vision and we are committed to involving young people in our work. We have highly skilled people working within the Partnership, that can share their knowledge and expertise with local young people like you who are interested in this area for your future career.
We have four types of work experience placements for young people in S4–S6 at Kingussie High School, Grantown Grammer, and Speyside High School. The four placements would involve working in Deer Management, Science and Monitoring, the Cairngorms Connect Tree Nursery, or Youth Engagement.
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If you are interested in taking part in one of our work placement opportunities, speak with your teachers who can help you apply.
We are occasionally able to host postgraduate (MSc/PhD) student placements of between 1–4 months. Students must have their own local transport and accommodation. If interested, please send your CV to enquire@cairngormsconnect.org.uk. Please note these opportunities depend greatly on staff availability and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, depending on our requirements and the student’s area of interest and expertise.
