Hello, I am Dora and I am one of the Working for Nature Trainee's for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The Working for Nature Traineeship has changed my life completely. I didn’t believe that I could ever learn so much within such a short period of time in terms of nature conservation, let alone get a job in the sector at the end of the traineeship.

I was working for several years in logistics in a money-driven, busy and stressful environment that did not get me anywhere. I spent my hours outside of the office outdoors doing anything that made me alive – being in nature, hiking, climbing or running. I always knew there was something else for me out there, something that made sense doing and something I could contribute to. My dreams about becoming a Ranger were never stronger. I felt my attitude, energy, and outdoor personality would be of great use to help me achieve my goal but back then I had only heard stories and opinions about how hard is was to get into the nature conservation sector.

I always knew there was something else for me out there, something that made sense doing and something I could contribute to.

I began my journey by signing up as volunteer with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and volunteered for a week at the Centre of Alternative Technology in South Wales. This wasn’t enough - I wanted to get in the sector quickly.  I consider myself a very lucky person as during my slow progress of becoming junior conservationist I met a very kind Ranger who told me about the Working for Nature Traineeship at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. I knew it was for me and applied.  I couldn’t believe how many like-minded people with the same values are out there. When I started my placement it didn’t take long for me to finally feel like I was home.

In the 11 months that have passed, I’ve learned an unimaginable number of practical skills like fencing, drystone walling, bridge and footpath construction and repair, bird, flower and tree ID and much more! I was leading group of hardworking volunteers at number of reserves within Derbyshire, I gain brushcutter and PA 1 pesticide ticket and got a Level 2 Diploma in Conservation and Habitat management. I can’t imagine any other path in my life that would put me through such a renovating and life changing process. Every day brought new adventures, new tasks, and issues to resolve. Traineeship made my dream come true, I’m now full time employed by environmental company as Habitat Restoration Operative and this is only a beginning of my journey.

We want to say a big thank you to the Heritage Fund, for providing funding for six trainees to take on the fantastic Working for Nature traineeship!