Back in early May last year I began my position as a Trainee Ecologist at HIWWT. My role has involved a lot of data collation and GIS. Having come from a Geography background, I’ve absolutely loved being involved with a lot of the map work but I’ve also had so many opportunities to develop my ecological skills.

One of the first things I was involved in was the orchid count at Chappetts Copse. My role has been supported by the Richard Hedley Fund and he was heavily involved in protecting the sword-leaved helleborines there. We counted the numbers of several different orchid species in the copse to determine if numbers have stayed constant or increased. Once the data was collated I was tasked with writing a report on the ecology, natural history and data analysis of the sword-leaved helleborines.

Over the summer months, I was able to get involved in surveys with the other trainees, Lucy and Izzie. I’ve gone on odonata surveys at Linwood, New Forest, riverfly surveys at Winnall Moors, reptile surveys at Baddesley Common and Emer Bog, butterfly surveys at Biddenfield, bat emergence surveys, dormouse surveys at Shutts and Chappetts Copses’ and crayfish surveys on the River Anton. I've even been on water vole surveys on the River Test and set my lifejacket off with excitement of finding a burrow! Having not come from a traditional ecological background, these are things I have never had the chance to do. I've learned so much and it’s been great!

During the winter months I have been more focused on the brent geese and waders surveys around Southampton. These surveys monitor the numbers and movements of the birds. This data can then be analysed and suggest sites that should be protected. This is then implemented in the Solent Waders and Brent Goose Strategy. I have learned loads on bird identification and visited so many areas I’ve never been to before.

9 months have whizzed by and I can’t believe it’s over! This job has given me more experience in GIS and data analysis, as well as ecological surveying. I think this is really going to help further my career in the environmental sector and GIS.

I will sorely miss working with the ecology team at HIWWT and feel really fortunate to have had this opportunity. It’s been such a lovely place to work and I’ve enjoyed every second. I would wholly encourage anyone who wants to be involved in conservation and develop their data analysis, GIS and ecological skills to apply for future opportunities! Good luck!

Just a final thank you to Jean Hedley, without which this opportunity would not exist. She's been an avid fundraiser and done so much to help give young people an opportunity to start out their careers in conservation. If you would like to make a donation to the Richard Hedley Fund to help support future trainees in conservation, click the link here.