We are excited to be joined by two enthusiastic student naturalists. They will be working with us to build their natural history and conservation skills over the next few months.
Passionate students Bryony and Alex recently joined the team to complete a work placement as part of their university courses. They will be working with our volunteers at Gosforth Nature Reserve and helping with winter talks, events, citizen science.
Alex is a Zoology Student at Newcastle University and Bryony is studying Wildlife Conservation at Aberystwyth University. They are joining us for nine and six months respectively, aiming to gain a practical understanding of what it means to work in the field of conservation and for a charity.
Next week I will be joining the team at the NHSN and I can’t wait to get started. I have a passion for conservation and spent a large part of my second year at university searching for the right placement for me, one which related to my studies in zoology. My first exposure to the NHSN was through researching Gosforth Nature Reserve. This quickly led to me learning all about the work done by the organisation from protecting local ecosystems to getting the local community involved with protecting our natural world. From this, it seemed very clear to me that the goals and values of the NHSN so strongly aligned with my own.
In the future I would love to be able to work in the field of conservation or in animal care, simultaneously encouraging others to get more involved in the natural sciences. This placement opportunity can set me on a path to achieving my aspirations through increasing my experience in many different aspects including the management of a charity, communications and research projects/practical work at Gosforth Nature Reserve.
Alex, NHSN Student PLacement
I chose NHSN for my work placement because I am hoping to explore a variety of roles within the industry to get a unique insight into how charities operate. I also love seeing other parts of the country, hiking in out of the way places and discovering the different ecosystems and landscapes there.
After my placement I will be returning to Wales to finish my degree. I hope that in the future I will be able to get a job working in the conservation industry, helping to improve and manage the amazing habitats we have here in the UK and engaging people in learning and experiencing our wildlife and outdoor environments.
Bryony, NHSN Student PLacement
Involvement in the environmental field has never been more important, and we understand that this has made the sector incredibly competitive. The NHSN is well placed to help young people develop their skills and experience.
This is exactly what we hope to achieve by providing work placement students with the skills necessary to advance in their chosen field. In doing so, we can make sure that North East nature is held in safe hands over the years to come.
Are you a student and want to get involved? Take a look at our Student Award Scheme.