Grants and Outreach Officer
Age - 21
Nina
For Nina, the New to Nature programme offered a path into a conservation career she thought was out of reach due to her level of experience.
As a Grants and Outreach Officer at Cotswolds National Landscape, Nina gained essential skills, knowledge and connections to advance in the sector.
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since her teens, Nina was unable to complete A-Levels or work full-time. Her search for entry-level conservation roles proved difficult, with most requiring qualifications or a commitment to full-time work.
Discovering the New to Nature job listing at Cotswolds National Landscape gave Nina hope. The organisation’s commitment to impactful environmental work and their accommodating, flexible approach throughout the application process felt unbelievable to Nina.
“Nature-based jobs are vital to our future, but the inclusion of underrepresented groups within this sector is even more important. With schemes like this, we can have a well-rounded workforce of young people who are passionate about creating a better future.”
During her placement Nina’s project-focused role taught her about grant processes and gave her the opportunity to learn more about the organisation and the varied work they do. Throughout the year, Nina gained confidence in her abilities, with outdoor work helping her realise she’s capable of physically doing more than she had thought.
This opportunity gave Nina entry into the sector and has inspired her to continue building her career in conservation. Following her placement, Nina now works as a Grants and Access Officer at Cotswolds National Landscape, managing a DEFRA-funded scheme to improve access to nature in the Cotswolds.
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.
