Thea
Horticulture Assistant
Age - 24
Graduating during the pandemic made it difficult for Thea to find stable work aligned with her passion for nature conservation. However, her role as Horticultural Assistant at Groundwork Northern Ireland, secured through the New to Nature programme, has set her on a path to pursuing an environmental career both in the UK and abroad.
While working as a bartender, Thea found the role at Groundwork and was drawn to its focus on creating green spaces for urban communities. She saw the role as an opportunity to gain structure in her work life and support her mental health, which her bartending didn’t provide.
In the role, Thea worked across allotments, community gardens, and schools, helping to develop and maintain their green spaces. She also facilitated volunteer events, which allowed her to develop skills in community engagement. Thea’s time outdoors also improved her physical and mental wellbeing and reinforced her ambitions to build a career focused on connecting with nature.
“A career built on my passion for nature and conserving our planet is something I would be very lucky to do. The New to Nature placement is the first step in this journey.This opportunity has given me the motivation to continue with my career.”
Thea hopes to use the skills and experience gained from her placement to continue working in conservation and has ambitions to work internationally in the conservation sector. Her time on the New to Nature programme has given her the confidence and motivation to pursue her goals.
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.
