In conversation with: Dr Sally Mackenzie
What’s your role at the Park Authority?
I'm the Freshwater Restoration Manager, which means I'm lucky enough to have a great role working on projects across the Rivers Spey, Dee, South Esk and Don. Looking after our freshwater habitats is a partnership effort and I work alongside a team of amazing folk from other organisations who are dedicated to ensure our river systems continue to deliver for both wildlife and people.
Do you specialise in any particular area?
My work covers all aspects of freshwater conservation, so I get to work on some exciting projects, some of which are helping conserve endangered species like the freshwater pearl mussel and our important wading bird populations. I have also been part of the beaver team which has seen the reintroduction of beavers to the Cairngorms after a 400-year absence, which has been very rewarding.
How did you end up with this job?
It all started with a school project on water quality and our local sewage works in Keith! That set me on this path and my later PhD focussed on the design of wetlands to clean water and provide wildlife habitat. After my PhD I took a role at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust focussing on wetland creation, restoration and research which took me all over the UK, and overseas to work on a project in Laos. In 2014 the Park Authority were looking for an ecologist with a freshwater specialism, I got the position and came back home to the area and the fantastic rivers of the Cairngorms.
What makes you passionate about rivers and wetlands why should folk care about them?
Rivers and wetlands deliver so many benefits for us - a functioning river catchment with associated wetlands will help reduce droughts and floods, provide clean water for drinking, industry and irrigation, provide directly for livelihoods - fish and plants. They are also wonderful places to recreate, whether that’s wild swimming, fishing or canoeing. Our rivers are so rich in wildlife but we mostly don't realise what's there because we can't see under the water, that’s why projects such as Underwater Cairngorms, which has been recording the underwater sounds in some of our lochs, are so important.
What’s the one thing you wish everyone would do to help with freshwater conservation.
If you have a garden, build a pond! It's so easy, you can link it to some rainwater run-off from a shed or house roof to keep it naturally topped up and wait for the wildlife to come, you will be richly rewarded. Even a small pond will see birds coming to drink and bathe and attract dragonflies and amphibians. Listening to the croak of frogs and toads in the evening while you're sat with a glass of wine - or in the morning with a coffee - is one of life's absolute pleasures.
Something about you that others might not know?
I am a frustrated nature artist and crafter- I love to print, photograph, paint and willow weave but there aren't enough hours in the day!
