Who are you?
That feels like a very profound question to start off a blog post! I guess I’m a mishmash of lots of different things, I always find it difficult to explain what my jobs are and then to explain that yes, they are real jobs and no, I can’t believe I get to do this stuff either! I’m Co-Director of UK Youth for Nature, arguably one of the best jobs in the world, I get to work with such an amazing team of passionate, creative, nature-loving young people. I’m also a wildlife artist, aspiring natural history author and General Manager of Curlew Action, another incredible non-profit, working to reverse the decline of Curlews and to promote wider natural history education.
How did you get here?
Skipping over the long story of how I fell in love with nature and went to uni to study biology, my career all started with an email. Well actually, lots of emails. I sent one to every wildlife film company in Bristol asking for work experience, of the few who got back to me, a man called Richard Brock was one. I started working part-time for Richard and through that, discovered Mary Colwell and her campaign for a Natural History GCSE. So, drum roll please, I emailed her. Two and a half years later, Mary and I are good friends and colleagues at Curlew Action. UK Youth for Nature came along (through the magical medium of email) when they reached out to Curlew Action for support for their Natural Kingdom: Wild Walls campaign.
I was hooked, and reached out to the then Co-Director, Talia (via messenger pigeon this time), to ask how I could get involved. Side note: at the time I didn’t realise that UKY4N was for 16-35 year olds, I thought it was for U18s, so I remember being really impressed by how sophisticated and experienced her communication was. When a highly competent 28-year-old professional greeted me in our Zoom intro call, I was more than a little embarrassed… (side, side note: having now worked with numerous U18s who would put my communication and professionalism skills to shame, the joke is on me, again). When Matt and Talia decided to step down as Co-Directors last summer, I applied for the role and, as they say, the rest is history!
What is the coolest part of your work?
Honestly, the best bit is the people, I’ve met some of my best friends through UK Youth for Nature and I’m so grateful to Matt and Talia for starting such an amazing community. I’m so honoured to be a part of it as Co-Director. Working in the environmental sector means wearing a lot of different hats, being willing to learn different skills and having an open mindset to taking on new challenges. It is always exciting and always busy, I love it. Through my work I’ve met and worked alongside so many inspiring people doing amazing things. My work has had me giving talks across the UK, running workshops in France, attending the premiere of Wild Isles (in the same room as David Attenborough!), speaking on radio, podcasts, writing for magazines. I love what I do and I’m so grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey so far.
Biggest nature obsession?
Moths! These fascinating little guys don’t get enough love. At uni I developed the slightly weird habit of regularly talking about moths when I was drunk, to the point that my friends started calling me moth girl. I would like to take this moment to formally apologise to all the drunk students who had to listen to all my cool moth facts. I wish I could tell you that I’ve grown out of this habit, but based on a recent drunken night, I definitely have not… In fact, it’s worse (or even better?) because I now do it sober as well.
Any non-nature obsessions?
During the first lockdown in 2020 I picked up a pencil for the first time in years and rediscovered my love of drawing. I even ended up joining the masses who created a lockdown online business! Drawing really helped to keep me sane during what could have been a really lonely and difficult time. Highland cows are my number one favourite thing to draw, their hair creates such great texture and I just love their expressions!
Top tips for a budding environmentalist?
Email everyone! Get involved, reach out to people, you never know where it will take you!
If you’re interested in joining our community of like-minded young environmentalists, you can find out more information here.
