Inspired by some of my favourite stories from Gerald Durrell, I always wanted to work with animals and be a zoo keeper. I started out working for the RSPCA at their wildlife hospital, looking after injured and sick animals, but became aware of the impacts that habitat loss had on our wildlife, and realised that preventing this was just as good a way of helping wildlife. Therefore I changed career to become an consultant ecologist in the commercial sector. I travelled the country doing ecological surveys, away from home for days at a time, but protecting the environment from inconsiderate development.

After many years dealing with the ecological impacts of development, this started to have an impact on my work/life balance. So, when a friend I used to work with but was now at DWT told me there was a position to essentially come and work for the “good guys” I jumped at the chance. I now work in the DWT Planning Team and also run the Derbyshire Biological Record Centre (DBRC).

I am especially proud of the improvements I have been able to influence in how the DBRC is run, thus helping keep records of the wildlife in the county so that DWT can show the good work they are doing or act accordingly to save wildlife in danger. This advocacy, is being further supported as we are in the process of switching to a new database software that will completely change the way the DBRC is run making the us more efficient, effective and improve the quality of our data.

I always used to think that to help protect animals and wildlife you needed to be an ecologist. But at DWT I work with people who have a wide variety of skills that can all help contribute to the bigger picture of conservation. Even if you know how to run a database, manage a team of volunteers or work in marketing and promotion, these can all help with conservation, as much as the rangers and ecologists who get their hands dirty. But making connections and friends and being interested in wildlife is still just as important! To return to Gerald Durrell, he says “As a naturalist you will never suffer from that awful modern disease called boredom – so go out and greet the natural world with curiosity and delight and enjoy it”

After studying Biology at university, I started volunteering with my local Wildlife Trust and nearby wildlife groups. This helped me to secure a 9-month traineeship on a Wildlife Trust nature reserve. After a short time travelling, I got my first job in conservation. I currently work as a Living Landscape Adviser for the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. 

My main role is monitoring Local Wildlife Sites and providing advice to their owners. Last year I was able to visit lots of interesting existing and potential Local Wildlife Sites across the county. I also work with farmers in the Jordans Farm Partnership scheme, ensuring at least 10% of their land is managed for wildlife. Whether you volunteer or work in conservation, you are bound to meet lots of lovely and inspiring people!

I knew I wanted to work outdoors and given the chance, improve spaces for wildlife. I studied geography and environmental monitoring and modelling at university then volunteered with Natural England and TCV, learning the practical side to environmental conservation. After this I got hooked, getting my first conservation job with TCV and then moved to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

I’ve been at DWT for nearly 16 years now, mainly managing several nature reserves in the north of the County. Every day is different; I could be leading a volunteer group carrying out practical tasks such as habitat creation, improvement or general estate management, livestock checking and welfare, monitoring wildlife, organising and hosting events, talking to visitors, sorting out site issues, or community engagement in the wider landscape. There is always something new to learn.

I’ve been involved in some great projects over the years and have many fond memories, it’s too difficult to choose just one! From my first-or second-week helping volunteers move tonnes of pea gravel to one of the reedbed island creating a nesting area for waders. Installing nest boxes and Osprey platforms; picking and installing stone blocks to create seating and a reserve focal point in the form of a grass snake; many different ecological surveys including woodland surveys, looking for Great crested newts at night and much more.

More recently, I have been involved in a fantastic project at Thornhill Carrs nature reserve where we have been able to install some new welcome panels and information on our Wilder vision for the reserve and Derbyshire. Wooden sculptures of ‘missing’ animals (Wild boar, Osprey, Red squirrel and Pine marten) were also installed giving a great visual impact. This project brought together and involved many different people and partners, all made possible by a legacy fund. We have since received so many positive comments which has been very humbling and incredible to see how a project can inspire so many.

If you enjoy working outdoors and spending time in nature then a role in conservation could be for you! In my job I’m lucky to work outside surrounded by beautiful landscape and wildlife and act as a guardian for some of the best nature reserves in Derbyshire!  Working with likeminded people is also great part of my role. Without the enthusiasm and help of local volunteers it would be very difficult to look after our sites. It always amazes me how many people give up some of their free time to help look after our open spaces.

Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and never give up!