Trainee stories

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Around 100 trainees have taken part in the New to Nature programme we supported during 2023/24. Trainees took on a range of roles, from environmental education and community garden development to creating media campaigns and shaping environmental policy. 

Throughout their year with us, we had the privilege of learning about their journeys — how they joined the programme, the work they did, and the impact it’s had on them and the environment. 

These case studies offer a glimpse into their experiences, highlighting the skills they’ve gained, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the positive change they’re making to the sector.

A young man in a high vis vest and a blue raincoat knelt down on the grass holding a small tub with a bee in it, smiling up at the camera
Two young adults holding a small plant and working soil into a ball around the plant's roots

“I had previously thought that my disability and circumstances made me unemployable and I was never going to see a role that I would fit into but this placement has shown me otherwise.”

— Trainee

Meet some of our trainees

Discover the exciting journeys of two of our trainees in their case studies below. Find out how they got into their roles, what they gained from the programme and their ambitions for the future.

Keep scrolling to meet more of our incredible trainees!

A young adult with pink braids wearing a green shirt with text overlaid that reads: 'Ade spent a year working as a Learning programme trainee teaching children and families about the environmental importance of The Royal Parks'
A young man with short locs wearing a grey jumper with text on top that reads: 'Adam spent a year working at RSPB as a community and visitor engagement trainee, connecting people with nature through events at the reserve'

Emma
Scottish Seabird Centre

Emma spent a year working as a Conservation Trainee, focusing on community engagement and practical conservation.

At the end of her placement she wrote a poem about her experience on the New to Nature programme.

Stephanie
Bat Conservation Trust

Stephanie spent a year working as the Volunteer Engagement Trainee, where she supported with citizen science activities and helped to deliver volunteer sessions at the Trust.

Cinder,
Chelsea Physic Garden

Cinder spent a year working as the Learning Programme Trainee, where they split their time between supporting the practical management of the garden and engaging visitors through guided tours and delivering workshops.

Explore more stories

  • Hugo - Nature Conservation

    Bumblebee Conservation Trust

    Hugo supported with data handling and GIS mapping for a range of citizen science projects.

    Read Here

  • Trills - Community Gardening

    Hyde Park Source

    Trills engaged their community through workshops and planting orchards for locals.

    Read Here
  • Girl lighting a fire in a forest

    Heather - Outdoor Education

    Scotswood Garden

    Heather supported with planning and delivering a range of outdoor learning sessions for young people.

    Read Here

  • Aydan - Nature Conservation

    Bumblebee Conservation Trust

    Aydan helped create and maintain habitats for bumblebees across South Kent.

    Read Here

  • Rebecca - Community Gardening

    Green Synergy

    Rebecca helped with practical garden maintenance work and managing volunteers.

    Read Here
  • Guy knelt down helping kids cook food in a forest

    Ben - Outdoor Education

    The Heart of England Forest

    Ben planned and delivered outdoor education sessions to young people, helping them connect with nature.

    Read Here
  • Girl knelt by a vegetable patch

    Thea - Community Gardening

    Groundwork Northern Ireland

    Thea helped with managing local community gardens and running volunteer engagement sessions.

    Read Here

  • Bonita - Policy

    The Woodland Trust

    Bonita supported the Trust' policy work through using science, data and mapping.

    Read Here

  • Laura - Community Engagement

    RSPB Northern Ireland

    Laura helped to improve access to the reserve for neurodivergent people and engaged visitors at the reserve.

    Read here
  • Girl in a red top standing in front of a waterfall

    Peri - Community Engagement

    Cymdeithas Eryri / Snowdonia Society

    Peri combined her love of art, education and the outdoors to engage people in nature.

    Read Here

  • Hugh - Nature Conservation

    Earth Trust

    Hugh surveyed Ancient trees, educated people on their importance and led volunteer sessions.

    Read Here

  • Freya - Social Media and Comms

    RSPB Cymru

    Freya helped run social media channels by planning and creating a range of content.

    Read Here

  • Gregory - Nature Conservation

    Dedham Vale AONB

    Greg worked with volunteers doing practical conservation work and maintaining the site.

    Read Here

  • Nina - Grants and Fundraising

    Cotswolds National Landscape

    Nina connected with local groups to distribute grants for nature restoration projects.

    Read Here

  • Ed - Community Gardening

    Grow

    Ed worked with young people to teach them practical gardening skills and provide them with career support.

    Read Here

  • Ben - Community Gardening

    The Ecology Centre

    Ben helped with the development of their market garden and growing food alongside local volunteers.

    Read Here

  • Benn - Social Media and Comms

    British Ecological Society

    Benn helped create media communications by writing articles and posting social media content.

    Read Here

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