Trills
Nature Recovery Trainee
Age - 28
Trills, from Leeds, wanted to take a different career path and try something new and fulfilling – and outdoors!
As a Nature Recovery Trainee at Hyde Park Source, Trills engaged in community centred work, which progressed their interest in cultivating connections between people and nature.
Before New to Nature, Trills was struggling to find work, and they hadn’t found fulfilment in any of their past jobs. This placement was a chance to transform Trills’ life, through gaining new skills and a new type of employment.
Trills was drawn to the people-powered nature of Hyde Park Source, a small and local organisation. During their placement, Trills also worked with Leeds Coppice Workers and Fruit Works Co-operative. These two organisations strongly appealed to Trills, who found the collaborative structure of worker co-operatives motivating and aligned with their political beliefs. This community drive helped Trills develop working relationships, the most fruitful part of their role. They learnt to value people and relationships as much as purpose and output.
As well as stronger working relationships, Trills hoped to gain stable and secure employment; experience in new scenarios; a range of skills; knowledge of growing and gardening; and more confidence.
“So many people who are desperate to work in this sector haven’t got a chance because it’s so competitive. People should definitely
get more access to these roles as it’s been so
life-opening.”
They were surprised at their lack of self-assurance in this new role, but confidence came with time and Trills learnt many things about themself during this experience.
Each day was spent outdoors but in many different ways. Trills could be planting orchards with community groups and schools, pruning trees, or even making products out of the trees felled with chainsaws! Being outside in their tasks profoundly boosted Trills’ mental health; both the physicality of this role and connecting with people through nature made them realise they don’t want to ever work mostly indoors again.
Beyond the placement, Trills hopes to continue this land work. Eventually, they seek to become a master pruner and confidently run workshops that facilitate groups of people to connect with nature. Co-creating joyful spaces and bringing people together through nature is Trills’ ultimate goal.
Trills said:
“I didn’t really know I wanted any of this before I started this placement! It’s opened up a whole new path for my life to go down. I now have lots of connections and experience that will springboard these ambitions for me.
“Mental health wise, winters can be a tough time for me, but this winter I haven’t felt the blues so much, and I really put that down to working outside. Overall, my mental health has benefitted a huge amount due the way my life has changed since starting this traineeship.
“I’ve been offered lots of 1-1 coaching and support sessions, phone calls, adjustments, and involvement in meetings. It’s been very helpful, and I’ve felt truly supported and like my needs were always heard.”
