This week, NHSN welcomed 25 young naturalists to a new programme dedicated to developing their skills in natural history.
Thanks to the generous support of the John Spedan Lewis Foundation and NHSN members, earlier this year, NHSN launched a new Field Identification Skills programme providing local students, young naturalists and early-career professionals with opportunities to improve their skills, grow employability and learn from experienced local naturalists.
With transport, training and resources provided, a total of ten trips will take place to various sites across Northumberland and County Durham including some of the best places to enjoy and learn about nature in our region. Continuing NHSN’s long history of field trips that have taken place since the early 19th century, participants will enjoy looking for early-season bees at Netherwitton in Northumberland, explore dazzling orchids at Bishop Middleham Quarry and Lindisfarne and have the opportunity to admire Spring Gentians and other iconic flowers at Upper Teesdale. All in addition to trips to Warkworth, Wallington, Prudhoe and many other sites. They will also have the opportunity to learn from and network with land managers, and to meet like-minded naturalists connected by a shared passion for nature.
North East nature needs passionate young people but NHSN recognises that traditionally, there has been a lack of opportunities for young people to develop their skills and build on their interest in natural history. We also recognise that the current job market is incredibly competitive and that young people must grow their CVs to stand out – this can be difficult for many due to a lack of opportunities and often, the costs incurred. We want to help and are incredibly grateful to the John Spedan Lewis Foundation for making this exciting opportunity possible.
Celebrating the project, NHSN Director, Clare Freeman, said:
The most inspiring part of my under and postgraduate studying was always the field trips! The opportunity to learn from others, outdoors, often in wonderful locations was so much more effective for me than indoor lectures. I especially enjoyed learning from others and some of their tips and hints still stay with me. I hope that the NHSN Field Skills Programme can provide a similarly positive experience.
On behalf of NHSN, a huge ‘thank you’ to the John Spedan Lewis Foundation for making this exciting opportunity possible.
The first trip of the Field Skills Programme will take place to Allenheads on Saturday 13 April where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about early-season bees from local entomologists, Louise Hislop and Gordon Port. For updates from the programme, and to see what participants discover, please keep an eye on NHSN’s social media channels.