Gregory
Nature Recovery Assistant
Age - 26
Before starting his New to Nature placement, Greg thought a career in conservation was unattainable. As the Nature Recovery Assistant at Deadham Vale, and Coast and Heaths Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Greg developed the skills and experience he needed to build a successful career in the sector.
Before finding the placement, Greg worked at a groundskeeping company and volunteered with a local conservation group, but found that he lacked the qualifications to properly break into the sector.
Greg was eager to find paid conservation work, so when the role came up at Deadham Vale, he knew he had to jump at the opportunity. The specific placement appealed to him as he knew there would be a range of tasks and sites to work on, helping him gain a variety of experience throughout the year.
In the role, Greg got to work alongside a number of volunteers, who inspired him with their passion to make a positive impact. The daily activities ranged from managing invasive species to working in wildflower meadows and maintaining footpaths. Getting to see the difference him and the volunteers were making, made the job feel worthwhile.
“I would have really struggled to find a similar role without this placement.
Similar positions are nearly always unpaid, I wouldn’t have had the money to support myself or the energy to work another job
at the same time.”
Over the year Greg noticed the positive impact the placement had on both his physical and mental health, as he was working with friendly, likeminded people with a common cause. Having the opportunity to work flexible hours and be part of a supportive team also helped.
In the future, Greg hopes to continue working in practical conservation, as a ranger or warden, where he can continue on his journey of learning how to protect the environment.
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.
