What does your role involve?

Being a Myplace Project Officer is a massively varied and interesting role! I get to work with and meet lots of people, be they participants, colleagues or partners within the local community. I’d say one of the main parts of my role is running weekly sessions for people within the Chorley area who want to reconnect with nature and other people to help improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. 

This would normally be out in local greenspaces within the community but with Covid, we have moved our wellbeing offer online. We do all sorts of activities on sessions from practical conservation to bushcraft to natural art! I also work with the participants individually to support them to progress positively onwards from Myplace either into employment, education/training, volunteering or into other local community groups/services. It’s a really interesting role and there’s never really a dull moment.

How long have you worked for The Wildlife Trust?

Just over 2 years. Before this I was volunteering with Myplace for a year and a half whilst at university.

What made you want to work in the environmental sector?

I love nature and wildlife and I love being outdoors – especially bird watching and photography – so being able to work in a sector that allows me to be outside, surrounded by nature, is the dream job. On a personal level, nature has really helped me get through times of stress so it seemed like the perfect way for me to be able to give back to that. It is a wonderful sector filled with wonderful people who are so, so passionate about what they do and are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge and experiences with others.

What are the best bits about your current job?

The people, the variety, being able to be out in nature and knowing what you’re doing is making a difference to both nature and the people we work with. 

What advice would you give to women interested in working in a similar job to you?

Don’t be nervous about getting out and getting involved in outdoor activities and groups that are local to you. Volunteering is one of the best ways to get into this sector if you can, not only is it rewarding knowing you’re making a difference for your local wildlife and nature, but you will also meet some amazing people and learn so, so much! Go for it.