At 29 years old, it was a risk giving up my career to go back into full-time education. But my nine-to-five blues have been kicked into touch and I am studying the National Certificate in Gamekeeping at Borders College.

Predator and pest control; deer biology; practical deer tasks; gamebird rearing and releasing; use of shotguns and sporting rifles, and wildfowl and their habitats are just some of the subjects studied.

There is technical training for the professional use of a vast array of tools, mechanical equipment and machinery, combined with learning to drive and maintain tractors, quad bikes and various agricultural equipment. Fencing, building, the ancient art of drystone dyking, first aid, health and safety, as well as some ethics and law which are thrown in for good measure. All this education and training is put into practice on a number of placements.

Working in the wild and leaving your mark on the land, whether it be reviving a natural habitat, watching wildlife or simply fixing a fence, is all very satisfying. Gamekeeping and conservation will be my forte when I finish my studies. This course will lead to further qualifications and challenges and the lifestyle I desire.