Our 2023 Volunteer Team
Each year HWDT’s core team is joined by a group of volunteers who help out with all things whale and dolphin over the summer. They are integral to the charity and are an invaluable part of the team. This year, our volunteers have come from a diverse range of backgrounds, all bringing different skills and aspirations to the charity, but what have been their highlights so far?
MAY, OUR BUDDING MARINE BIOLOGIST
I’m originally from the Peak District, Derbyshire so about as far away from the sea as you can get! I am currently studying Marine Biology and Zoology at Bangor University and due to graduate next year. I've wanted to work around whales and dolphins but also love seabirds. My best wildlife encounter is hard to choose as there’s been so many…seeing John Coe and Aquarius for a second time is definitely up there, but having my first breaching basking shark was also pretty special. I love hearing about everyone’s amazing wildlife encounters and being able to teach them more about these amazing animals that are in our waters. It’s also really special seeing someone get to see their first dolphin or whale.
May Redfern
JESSIE, OUR OUTDOORS ENTHUSIAST
I’m based in Devon, but my heart is in Scotland. Over the past few years, I’ve worked in Environmental Policy and Education. I wanted to come up to the Hebrides to gain some conservation and public engagement experience and that’s precisely what I’ve got this summer. My most memorable wildlife encounter was seeing bottlenose dolphins by Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. The sea was so calm, and they were so close to shore that you could hear them breathing! For me, guiding walks and watches is the best bit of the placement. I love to head out and explore new places while chatting to people about their wildlife encounters.
Jessie Stevens
RHIANNON, OUR RESIDENT ORCA-HOLIC
Originally, I’m from Gloucestershire so living in Tobermory has been quite a change! I have a degree in Zoo Management but am looking to move more towards a conservation-based role. I have always loved marine mammals, especially killer whales, so would love to work to protect our UK pods. My best wildlife encounter has to be the pod of bottlenose dolphins we saw whilst anchored in the Monach Isles during an expeditionon board HWDTs research vessel, Silurian. The water was crystal clear and so still that we had the most incredible view of the dolphins as they investigated our boat. They even had a tiny calf with them which was so wonderful to see! I’m really enjoying being in the visitor centre, especially giving talks and chatting with the public. Engaging with the public is such an important part of conservation and it’s lovely hearing everyone’s stories or helping people work out what they’ve seen.
Rhiannon Duberley