Tell us a bit about yourself
I like all things creative. I studied IT in school and Games Design in uni. I’ve also taught as an animation teacher for primary schools around Brighton. My hobbies include gaming, animation, manga and currently trying to improve my art skills!
And your role with the Trust
I’ve joined as an IT Assistant, so I’m responsible for the day-to-day tech support. I have a lot to learn, but I look forward to managing the requests.
You’ve been involved with our Youth Rangers – tell us more about that
I don’t have a background in zoology or conservation, but my want to get involved stemmed from an unfulfilled desire to help with nature and community-focused projects. Volunteering was an accessible way for me to get involved and it gave me something to take pride in.
What do you enjoy about it?
I have come to appreciate the power of collective action and what ‘community’ really means to me. Before it was a vague, nebulous term. Now I can see it’s made up of so many hard-working, passionate individuals working towards a collective goal. A mission as important as protecting and raising awareness about natural spaces can’t be understated. I can also identify Knapweed now, so that’s a plus!
When and how did you get involved?
About two years ago, I attended a talk by [Director of Communities] Polly Kitson from the Trust about getting young people involved in volunteering and community action. The talk left a strong impression on me. I ended up joining the Youth Rangers, and I’ve been doing that for over a year now. I have also volunteered as a hit squad member around Brighton and Adur/Worthing. Since joining, I have worked about 100 hours and helped with a variety of events, such as surveying, wildflower planting, community outreach and more.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! Don’t feel like you have to know it all. I knew nothing but was still welcomed warmly and managed to contribute to the maintenance of our reserves and help with community events. It’s also a nice way to meet like-minded people!
How have you found the volunteer community?
Highlight of volunteering would be the cool people I met along the way. Really inspiring and easy to get along with. These are people with a genuine passion for the environment and there’s no shame in being new or not knowing things. I had no background in volunteering, and I didn’t study anything related to zoology or marine conservation. I just wanted to help out and it turns out there’s a place for me here, too. My initial days as a volunteer differ quite a bit from my current duties as an IT assistant at the trust. Volunteering is a lot of good, practical hands-on work. I got to appreciate the collaborative effort that goes into these events.
What do you think about these early days working for SWT?
Since joining as an IT assistant, I have been pleasantly surprised by how positive the experience has been. I haven’t worked anywhere with such a caring and vibrant work culture and learning about all the different sites and scope of the organisation has blown me away. It’s also fun to be nosey and ask what everyone’s up to. Bob Foreman, Biodiversity Data Specialist, identifies moths found in traps every Thursday morning and I’d say it’s a cool way to start the day. I now know what a Golden Twin-spot looks like (thanks Bob)!
Where is your favourite wild space in Sussex?
The Deneway Nature Reserve in Brighton, for sure. It’s a nice place nestled in a residential area and helping to build up the site over time has been a gratifying experience. It holds some sentimental value as a place where I developed as a volunteer and met so many cool people.
Tell us something about you most people don’t know
I’ve done some 3D art with programs like Blender and even managed to teach a ten-year-old how to do 3D animation. Robots and sci-fi subjects are my favourite.
Amir at the Youth Ranger’s SeaFest event © Kai Hilton
Leave a Reply