Beth Thompson, Skomer Island Visitor Officer

"My interests have switched and changed over the years, but they have pretty much always had one thing in common: the sea.

 I have a degree in biology, but, if I’m being entirely honest, I don’t use too much of that day-to-day. After graduating I ended up working in an array of part-time jobs, ranging from lifeguarding to waitressing, before joining the team at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre as a seasonal volunteer. For some reason I’d never really considered working in marine conservation, and this very much kick started things for me. I’ve since been lucky enough to have worked and volunteered for marine charities and research units on both sides of the world, and have now been on Skomer for two seasons.

It's tough to pick my favourite part of the job, but in terms of the actual ‘work’, for me nothing beats monitoring. Long days spent out on the water, furiously clicking away as you pick out guillemots and razorbills from a, startling similar in colour, rock face. But it’s undoubtedly the team that makes it – I get to spend my days surrounded by wonderful people, on an island reserve jam packed with wildlife.

Conservation is a wonderful, if not slightly bonkers, field to work in. More and more it’s being recognised just how difficult it is to get a foot in the door, with many people spending years volunteering before they get their first paid role. It’s tough, because this isn’t a possibility for everyone. My advice would be to go at your own pace, not to compare yourself to others along the way, and keep in mind why you chose to take your first steps on this crazy journey to begin with. There will inevitably be highs and lows, but it’s important to remember that there are so many ways to enjoy nature and contribute to protecting it. Pob lwc!"

Lil Witcombe, Nextdoor Nature Project Officer

"I am passionate about nature being for everyone and that everyone can do something to make a positive difference for wildlife – even if it is just a small action. Nextdoor Nature is a project based in Swansea that is working to empower communities to take action for nature in urban areas where there is less access to greenspaces. It’s about giving people the skills and resources to be able to continue to make positive changes for wildlife, even after the project ends.

This is my first job in conservation! Before this I did an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation and a BSc in Biological Sciences (Zoology), with a Professional Training Year spent living in the rainforest. My background is more research based, but I am enjoying the experience of trying a more people-based role.

The best part of my job has been finding out how many other cool projects there are already going on in Swansea. It’s amazing how enthusiastic people are to make a difference and give up their time to improve nature in their area. I also really enjoy how varied it is, sometimes I go to community events like knit and natters to chat to people about nature, and other times I am helping to run tree ID courses. 

My advice would be to try and have confidence in yourself and your abilities. It can be easy as a young woman to apologise for taking up space or peoples time, but it is important to remind yourself that even if imposter syndrome says otherwise, you deserve to have a great job in conservation, and you are good at it!"

Dr Sarah Perry, Marine Conservation and Research Manager

"I am a marine scientist and have been involved with Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) since 2003 when I first came to New Quay as a volunteer! I now head up the marine team based at the. I am responsible for managing the centre, the CBMWC marine conservation team and our scientific research. 

I originally studied Zoology at the University of Liverpool and I also have a PhD on developing predictive habitat models of megafauna distribution from Aberystwyth University.

My main area of interest is undeniably the sea and marine conservation. I am passionate about safeguarding the marine environment now and for the future. If I was to pick a species I am passionate about it would have to be bottlenose dolphins, they are one of the species we conduct research on and the Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphins have been part of my life for 20 years!

As part of my job I spend time on the sea conducting boat surveys which involves gathering valuable data and information on marine species in Cardigan Bay. This includes capturing photo-identification images of bottlenose dolphins and collecting dolphin vocalisations as part of our acoustics research.

My advice to women and girls trying to pursue a career in conservation is to go for it! Follow your passion. Of course, hard work and determination gets you far. Never give up and remember no matter what it appears like on the face of things, we are all facing our own battles – be kind. I used my free time to learn new skills and dedicated myself to what I was interested in. If you are able to volunteer then I would recommend doing so as volunteering is a great way to network, to gain experience and meet new people."

Ceris Aston, Skomer Island Assistant Warden

"I’m fascinated by seabird ecology, and feel strongly about the importance of generating long-term data sets to monitor their populations and influence conservation strategy. I’m also committed to creating better opportunities for everyone to engage with the natural world and to working collaboratively to help tackle the barriers to inclusion and diversity in the conservation sector.

I had a meandering route into conservation – after studying philosophy and English literature at university, working in journalism, then working and campaigning in the women’s sector, I upped sticks and started volunteering on nature reserves. I completed an apprenticeship at Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve in Northumberland and haven’t been far from salt water since.

I love the variety of my role. It’s a great mixture of ecological monitoring and people engagement, with a fantastic team of staff and volunteers. And of course, it’s not a bad office... there’s not much to beat falling asleep to the sound of shearwaters, or watching young guillemots tumbling from the cliffs to begin their life at sea.

For anyone trying to build a career in conservation, I would say that whilst it can be a hard old slog at times, there will be some incredible moments, generous teachers, and steadfast friends, which – for me – have made this funny old lifestyle worthwhile. Also, remember that even when you love your job, it’s still a job – so make room for the other bits in life too. Pob lwc!"

Gretchen Taylor, People & Wildlife Officer

"I am a qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Psychology. I work part time at Teifi Marshes as a People & Wildlife Officer. This involves providing curriculum linked activities for school visits, holiday activities for visitors and guided walks/talks for all ages. All of my working life, I have worked with children and young people in various roles including providing educational, entertaining and engaging activities.

Although I always had a love for and an interest in nature, it wasn’t until my thirties that I became involved with a local conservation group and started volunteering. I learned about habitat management, created ponds and developed heritage skills such as dry stone walling and hedge laying.

The best part of my job is stoking the fires of interest and enthusiasm in others; there is nothing better than seeing a child (or adult) really engage with nature and what they’re learning. I hope that some of the people that I’ve influenced go on to develop a lifelong love for nature or even decide to pursue a career in the industry.

If you wish to work in the conservation sector, I would say follow your passion. Volunteer with a group if you can to get experience and knowledge. Also develop your own skills and knowledge by learning more about species or habitats that you are interested in. I know so much about invertebrates and insects now that I didn’t know when I started this role but I’ve taught myself and learned from others. And never think it’s too late; if you’re passionate about something, you’ll have the motivation to learn & progress. Go for it!"

Lira Valencia, Volunteer Skomer Island Warden 

"I was a long-term volunteer on Skomer island last season, living a completely different life to my usual city girl lifestyle! I am now a visitor engagement ranger at Walthamstow Wetlands in London- Europe’s largest urban wetlands! My journey into this sector hasn’t been the smoothest but every step has been so worth it. Spending my days outside, connecting people to nature and knowing I’m making a positive impact is the most rewarding feeling ever!

Against the odds, I have always had a burning fascination with the natural world. Almost every child goes through a stage where they’re intrigued by snails, ants and twigs- I just never grew out of that stage. I never really had a particular area of interest until I did an internship with Birdlife Malta which triggered a slight bird obsession. Before this internship I only knew a few birds such as Robin and Pigeon (honestly!) and now I carry my binoculars everywhere and run bird identification workshops as part of my job. Above birds, my real passion is connecting people to nature. Nothing feels better than seeing people get excited over a random wildlife fact you’ve told them!

Although I am not academic (I hate lectures and I really suck at exams), I studied Zoology at university hoping I would graduate knowing what field I wanted to work in. In all honesty, I left university more confused than when I started. The feeling of being lost, together with the lack of representation of minorities meant I gave up on my dream to work outdoors and took up a job as a checkout girl instead. During the lockdown, I realised how important conservation was to me and decided to move to Malta to intern with Birdlife. I gained the most invaluable amount of experience and came back a year later a completely different person- full of drive, bird knowledge and a great tan! I completed the London Wildlife Trust traineeship, a programme aimed at young people from under-represented groups which teaches a wide range of skills needed in the environmental sector. The most valuable thing I gained was my confidence; I realised its ok to be different! Around this time, I also joined walks held by Flocktogether, a bird watching group for people of colour which opened my eyes to a new world- a world where people who looked and sounded like me also loved nature! After my traineeship, I spent 3 months on Skomer island where I met the most incredible people and learnt the life of seabirds. I did everything from welcome talks to seal surveying- it was magical! My Skomer experience was the final push I needed to feel confident enough to apply for my first role which is my current role. 

In my role, there are two things I love the most. Firstly, it’s creating an interest for wildlife in a range of different people and knowing this could have ripple effect. It’s rewarding to know I am part of that story for many people. Secondly, I enjoy working closely with people from the local community who are often from marginalised groups. From experience, I know how important it is to have relatable role models in the sector and to meet others who have been through similar struggles. I just love connecting with people through nature!

If you feel lost, confused, tired, out of place and/or discouraged, I completely understand. Not everyone is privileged enough to go to university, volunteer and land their dream job in the fields. But what I will say is, do not give up. Find ways to get yourself outside, network with others (join wildlife walks, workshops, job fairs etc), get creative with nature (photography, poetry, social media) and never compare yourself to others. Now more than ever, fresh ideas and approaches are needed in this sector. If you are different or are coming from a completely different academic background- great! There is space for everyone in this sector and sometimes you have to create your own opportunities. You are needed."

Grace Hunt, Digital Fundraising & Communications Officer 

"I am the Trusts Fundraising and Communications Officer, which means my job is wonderfully varied. I am responsible for producing videos, writing blogs and creating content for social media, as well as supporting fundraisers and finding new ways of raising money for the charity.

I am interested in everything! From butterflies to bottlenose dolphins, everything in the natural world fascinates me. I studied Conservation Biology at University in Cornwall, which ignited my love for all things marine. It also instilled the importance and my passion for connecting people with wildlife and inspiring them to act for the natural world. I’ve always loved using my camera to capture the beauty of the world around me and after graduating I combined this with my science background to make a range of short films for environmental charities, as well as setting up a small zero-waste business to empower sustainable action.

There are so many things I love about my job. I really enjoy all the opportunities I have to be creative, work collaboratively with a team of inspiring people and get out to explore the incredible wild places we have in South Wales.

Trying to secure a job within the conservation sector can be challenging. My advice would be to not be afraid of putting yourself out there and creating your own opportunities. Taking on your own projects  can help you learn new skills and find out what you enjoy, which better prepares you for when the right opportunity comes along."

Tara Daniels, Healthy Hillsides Project Officer 

"The Healthy Hillsides Project is working to reduce the impact of wildfire across the South Wales Valleys in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and local councils. As part of the land management, I help to implement fire breaks and reinstate grazing to reduce fuel load and rebalance the ecosystem.

I started my childhood by crossing roads as a toddler to see animals, this progressed to animal management at college, wildlife conservation at university, lots of volunteering and a placement with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. After a few jobs in the wider industry, I found my calling with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

My favourite part of my job is connecting to nature and helping to protect what I am passionate about. A close second is helping people to connect with nature in their way and see the passion ignite in them and sharing that joy.

My advice to anyone wanting to work in conservation is to persevere in following your dreams. If you do not know exactly which aspect you are most interested in, get experience in as many different areas as possible, volunteering or through your career. If you do what you love, life makes much more sense!"

Sarah Purdon, Swyddog Wiwerod Coch - Red Squirrel Officer

"Doedd gen i ddim pwnc arbenigedd pan o’n i’n prifysgol. Dw i wastad wedi cael diddordeb mewn sawl pwnc yng nghadwraeth. Dwi wedi gweithio ar Ynys Sgomer, lle nad oes llawer o famaliaid, a nawr dwi’n gweithio gyda mamaliaid yn y canolbarth Cymru! Dwi wedi wrth fy modd ar y ddau! Dwi’n mwynhau mynd allan yn yr awyr agored a gwneud arolygon, a dysgu am y tirlun amdana. Astudiais i Ecoleg mewn Prifysgol East Anglia yn Norwich, a ddysgais i lawer, ond dwi’n siŵr ddysgais i fwy mewn yn wythnos y tro cyntaf es i i ynys Sgomer!

Felly, fy nghyngor i fenywod eraill sy’n dechrau eu gyrfa, yw i baid â phoeni os does dim hoff bwnc gyda chi. Does dim rhaid i chi ddewis! Hefyd, ewch allan! Gwirfoddolwch a helpwch ble bynnag y gallech! Hon i'w ffordd orau i gwrdd â phobl, ac ennill profiad go iawn. Edrych am gyfle tymor hir sy'n cynnig llety, a mwynhewch!

I didn't have any specialisation when I was at university. I've always had an interest in many areas within conservation. I worked on Skomer Island for several years, where there aren't many mammals, and now I work with mammals in mid Wales! I loved both! I enjoy getting outdoors, and doing surveys, and learning about the landscape about me. I studied Ecology at an East Anglia University in Norwich, where I learnt a lot, but I'm sure I learned more in my first week on Skomer Island!

So, my advice to other women starting their career is not to worry if you don't have a specialism. You don't have to choose one! Also, get out there! Volunteer, and help wherever you can! This is the best way to meet people and gain real experience. Look for a long-term opportunities that offer accommodation, and enjoy yourself!"

Feeling inspired and want to join our team of inspiring women? Check out our volunteering and job opportunities.