As further introductions are probably necessary, I will let you know something about myself and my role within BTCV Scotland’s Natural Communities programme.
I decided to take the great step into the conservation sector at 26. Discovering wild places which I had never know existed and meeting kind & interesting people while travelling, combined with my passion for wildlife and the environment, drew me in. Realising that both relevant working experience AND a degree were (are) almost essential to progressing in a conservation career, I filled my holidays and spare time by volunteering on a variety of projects while studying for my Bachelor’s degree.
My hard work was rewarded when, at the end of my final year, I was offered a job as a seasonal warden on the National Trust’s Farne Islands. I had an amazing time on the Islands, learned a lot about seabirds, seals and the sea, and I met some great people. It made me certain that I had made the right choice in investing so much in a career in conservation.
Community Biodiversity Networks.
After an incredible 2010 spent in Canada, working on a variety of projects in some very different places, meeting great people and having some unique wildlife experiences, I was lucky enough to be offered this traineeship with BTCV. My placement provider is actually BTCV Scotland (meaning, I have the good fortune to be in an office with BOTH of my bosses) and the focus of my year is the establishment of a network of ‘Biodiversity Mentors’ throughout S.W. Scotland.
Natural Communities is a great philosophy. The state of the planet will not be turned around by isolated individuals. There needs to be a change in the way communities think; if we are able to help people better appreciate their natural heritage, then many barriers to conserving that heritage will be lessened and people’s well-being will be increased.
Nature is anything but boring.
Attenborough has seen to that. The more people learn about the natural world, the more interested they become; I have seen it happen many times. People can also be brought together through mutual appreciation of their wildlife; showing that a healthy clean environment is of great benefit to any community.
Anyhow, that’s me done for now. I’m heading off to the Orkneys for my holidays!