Rural estate working life during the winter months is one of the toughest. The working life of an Estate chimes along to the tune of the seasons, and as the year ticks along, challenges are met head on. . Each role on an estate has its fair share of responsibilities with some workers based in rural and remote locations working single-handed. During the winter months, the working landscape transforms.
Challenges during the winter months
Probably the biggest challenge facing men and women working outdoors on Scottish estates is the weather. Working outdoors in the winter months requires preparation but over the last few years we have experienced unprecedented extreme weather events making preparation impossible. Torrential rain caused flooding, rivers and burns were in spate. The volume of water washed away paths and bridges making some routes impassable. During the summer, the prolonged hot weather caused water shortages and wild fires. Storm Arwen brought another level of destruction. The high winds wreaked all sorts of damage across the landscape, endangered life, brought down trees, damaged buildings, blocked road networks, disrupted power and communication supplies, and cut off rural communities.
Seasonal Extremes for estate working life
The seasonal weather is now presenting extremes many of us have never seen during our lifetime. Each season requires a considered approach. During the summer months, skin needs protection from the harsh direct sunlight. Additionally, keeping hydrated is essential too. Wrapping up in warm layers and keepings mobile in the winter months. During winter, risk to life is greater due to extreme cold and increased snowfall. Daylight is in short supply too, where light improves around 9am and darkness closes in around 3pm.
Caring for Wildlife in winter
Supporting the wildlife through the winter months is a priority on a number of estates. Deer managers feed their deer herds daily, and mineral licks are distributed over the high grounds. Remote hillside bothies frequented by walkers. They are often an attraction for those wishing to explore the wintry landscape. However, if ill-prepared and lacking in experience safety may be an concern. All to often, estate workers may be the first to find people in trouble or injured.
Rural estate working life during the winter months can be the toughest season for workers. During the dark nights as the fireside heat beckons you closer, give a thought to the men and women working all year around in the Scottish countryside.
This article first appeared in Scotland in 4 Seasons Magazine in November 2022, you can read the magazine for free here.
