International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Working for nature in the Cairngorms
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re shining a light on the incredible women we work with. From rivers to peat bogs; From wood ants to capercaillie … Each have their own expertise, with crucial roles to play in protecting the special natural environment we enjoy in the National Park. We hear from three women in conservation about what it’s like to work in their field.
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, CNPA Nature Based Solutions Officer – Heritage Horizons: 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, CNPA 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 CNPA 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