I joined Cumbria Wildlife Trust in June to undertake a student placement with the southern reserves team. I'm midway through a degree in biological sciences which has a given me some understanding and a huge amount of appreciation for the theory surrounding ecology and the inner workings of all kinds of organisms.

Having previously worked as a tree-surgeon, it was clear that working outside was a priority for me. I went through a baptism of fire learning the literal and figurative ropes, beginning climbing within a month or two of starting with the firm.

While I gained a lot of experience and new skills in this work, I felt strongly about having a positive impact on local wildlife, which was not the case when cutting mature trees to allow more light into someone’s living room or clear-felling healthy woodland habitats for a day of engineering works.

I felt much more at ease working on an organic farm, helping to grow, pack and distribute vegetables with sustainable practices and an ethos that took native species of flora and fauna into consideration. This environment instilled an urge to learn, leading towards me moving to Plymouth to study.

While my degree has covered a broad range of topics, including biotechnology and microbiology, my interests have been piqued by ecology, evolution and plant physiology and interactions between bacteria, plants and fungi.

I realised early on that I wanted to take my studies toward conservation and environmental restoration, but felt that my degree wasn’t focussed enough to find employment after I graduate.

When I came across the student placement with the trust whilst searching for summer placements, it sounded like an unmissable opportunity to gain experience for the career that I want to build for myself. Two months in, I am far from disappointed!

Working mostly with Scott and Callum, I have been introduced to the twelve reserves that they manage which cover a range of different habitat types. I had never encountered the moonscape-esque limestone pavements, such as Hutton Roof and Clawthorpe Fell. I’m thoroughly enjoying learning to identify key plant species that occupy the grikes through assisting with vegetation surveys to assess the condition of the pavements and limestone grasslands.

I have gained insight into management plans of the reserves to maintain and improve biodiversity and public access, as well as ideas of ways to create or restore new habitats for native species to populate.

This insight into how sites of scientific interest are cared for is extremely valuable to take forward into a wide range of careers and I hope to be able to come away feeling confident in planning and implementing practices to help nature thrive.

The placement offers a training budget which covers courses for any relevant skills that will benefit my learning and career prospects. So far, I have completed a course in emergency first aid, which came in handy just the following week when a colleague had a run-in with a bowsaw!

I am soon going to be doing a hill skills and navigation course, as well as qualifications in tree felling and surveying. I have been given freedom to choose which courses that I want to pursue, so by the end of my 10 months with the trust, I will be well equipped with transferrable skills to other roles in conservation.

As well as the practical experience, I have been surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate individuals, including colleagues, contractors, graziers and the unbelievably hard-working volunteer workforce who join us on conservation days.

I will never cease to be amazed by the commitment that people have for contributing to their local reserves. I have learned to scythe, picked up many new bird call IDs and acquired so much local knowledge by spending work days completing a multitude of variable and satisfying tasks.

This work has felt so fulfilling, having the chance to be immersed in some amazing settings, surrounded by nature. I have been humbled by just how much there is to absorb and learn about, but I feel very grateful to have the chance to do that.

Get involved

Cumbria Wildlife Trust offer apprenticeships, internships and student placement opportunities. Annually, we recruit for students on a recognised sandwich-year course to join one of our teams for up to 10 months to gain real-life experience in the field, office and within the community, supported through our bursary and training programme.

If you’re seeking wildlife and conservation practical work experience directly in the field whilst studying your nature conservation and/or media course, then get in touch.