My story with TCV is not a particularly long one in terms of the years I’ve been here, but the experiences and adventures I’ve had could certainly fill a book even after two years.
I began as part of the Natural Talent traineeship scheme, working from the Stirling office. The year flew in as I took part in projects all across TCV, travelled for training courses, spoke at conferences, even appeared on Countryfile no less!
I gained so much experience, and had never felt more inspired about the way in which I could, as an employee of TCV, start to put together projects of my own which would hopefully benefit both communities and wildlife.
Today I find myself in the role of Citizen Science Project Officer in Glasgow. No two days are ever the same, and each week it seems that I’ve found myself a new ‘highlight’, whether that be working in local schools to introduce children to nature and spark an interest in conservation in new and hopefully fun ways, developing exciting new projects working with hedgehogs, leading wildlife surveys with groups of enthusiastic volunteers , organising public BioBlitz events, and seeing the difference that engagement with local greenspaces can have on such a wide variety of people.
Along the way by spreading awareness of citizen science projects and the benefits of wildlife recording myself, colleagues, and the groups we work with have generates thousands of new valuable wildlife records too!
It’s been the most rewarding few years, long may they continue!