International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Working for nature in the Cairngorms
Helen Gray, Capercaillie Advisory Assistant on the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
“Women identify with the natural world on so many levels. At the very least they are adaptable and resourceful – their enquiring minds can make them effective scientists. It would be great to see more women choosing a career in science and conservation.”
Moya MacDonald, Cairngorms National Park Authority Nature Based Solutions Officer – Cairngorms 2030
What motivates you to continue working in this field?
“I love learning new things about how nature works and how we are a crucial part of it. The climate emergency and biodiversity crisis can make it hard to stay optimistic about the future, but working on projects that help to restore nature gives me a lot of hope!”
Daisy Whytock, Cairngorms National Park Authority Peatland ACTION Project Officer
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
We need to do more to celebrate the contribution that women make in science as they are so often overlooked. This will serve to inspire women and girls to pursue scientific careers – something that wasn’t encouraged when I was at school and consequently it took me a while to figure out that it was what I wanted to do.
In my work, I am lucky to be surrounded by awesome women (both in my own organisation and in the wider sector) and I am inspired and empowered to work alongside them.
What motivates you to continue working in this field?
So many areas of research inform the peatland restoration work that we do in the Cairngorms National Park Authority Peatland ACTION team and there is a learning opportunity at every turn. I have a natural curiosity and sense of wonder in the natural world, and I find working in this role to be mentally fulfilling and full of adventure
Alert
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 24 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Friday 24 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.
More news and views
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Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 25 July, 11am
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Glenmore wildfire update - 24 July, 8.30pm
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Glenmore fire update - 24 July at 4.15pm
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Glenmore fire update - 23 July at 5pm
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Glenmore fire update - 22 July at 9pm
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Glenmore fire update - 21 July at 5.30pm
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First Minister visits Glenmore wildfire site
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Glenmore fire update - 20 July at 9pm
