Ade
Trainee Learning Officer
Age - 26
As a Trainee Learning Officer at The Royal Parks, Ade helped engage school children across London with the natural world. Her placement, through New to Nature, supported her growing passion for community engagement, with a focus on breaking down barriers and improving access to green spaces for all.
After experiencing negative impacts on her mental health, caused by institutional discrimination at university and the impacts of Covid-19, Ade gained a deeper appreciation for the positive effects green spaces can have on mental wellbeing, especially in reducing eco-anxiety.
In her role at The Royal Parks, Ade worked directly with schools and families, delivering educational sessions that explored the wildlife, habitats, and heritage of London’s iconic Royal Parks. These sessions helped people, particularly children, connect with nature, build confidence and enjoy learning.
After years of volunteering and working with grassroots organisations, Ade’s New to Nature placement helped them develop the skills necessary to support communities and spread awareness of environmental issues.
“I ultimately applied because, as a young person, it has been hard to find paid job opportunities in the nature heritage sector, which can have various barriers to accessing it.”
Looking ahead, Ade is focused on continuing her work in environmental education. She plans to use the skills she gained at The Royal Parks to pursue community engagement roles, where she can educate and support communities.
Encouraged by her Groundwork employment coach, Ade has set specific goals for her future, including continuing her studies and adapting her Engineering degree to focus on environmental issues.
New to Nature is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation, delivered through a partnership of Groundwork, The King’s Trust, Disability Rights UK, Mission Diverse and the Youth Environmental Service.
