My name is Katie and I started volunteering with TCV in 2002 during my studies at Manchester University for a degree in Environmental Biology. I wanted to get some practical experience in Conservation to help with my experience and putting my degree into practice.
I remember my first day of footpath construction was in heavy rain but I still enjoyed it and came back! After I graduated I started a full-time Volunteer Officer placement with the, as was then, North Manchester Office, under Dominic Parker the local Project Officer. I spent 6 months gaining valuable experience and finding out more about the office running side of things and then a Project Officer position in South Manchester Office came up, I applied and I got it!
We have gone through some tough times since then with the funding landscape completely changing and local Authority budgets being slashed, but we have made it through so far and as the current Operations Leader for Manchester and Merseyside I can truly say how proud I am of the work our staff and volunteers achieve.
I have worked with some fantastic people over the years and achieved great things on practical projects for both nature and wildlife. I am proud to work for the Conservation Volunteers and hope we can continue for at least another 60 years!