Careers in Conservation Event
By Mya Bambrick
Communities Intern
On Saturday 24th February, we hosted another of our Sussex Youth in Nature events, this time at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre. This was a young naturalists walk followed by conservation careers panel in the afternoon, both for 14–25-year-olds. Despite the rain showers, eight young people joined me for a walk around part of the reserve. Sheltering in the hides, we spotted a flock of over 100 Golden Plover, many Dunlin, Oystercatcher, and Grey Plover. Ringed Plover and Redshank also made an appearance, being very territorial!
After some lunch in the lovely café, it was time for the conservation careers panel discussion, which took place at the Discovery Centre. The panel consisted of Paul Tinsley-Marshall (Rye Harbour Site Manager), Ryan Greaves (Communities and Wildlife Leader), Lucy Bowyer (Senior Communities and Wildlife Officer), and myself (Communities Intern) as chair. An audience of young people and parents watched as we covered topics like completing job applications, what GCSEs to pick, whether you need to go to university or if practical experience is just as valuable as a degree. The panel gave some great tips, encouraging the audience to get involved as much as possible with different local wildlife groups, volunteer if possible, and look at the skills required on current job applications. We also touched on the barriers young people can face when trying to get a job in conservation – the lack of entry-level jobs, being able to afford to volunteer, and the resilience required to get your dream job.
It was a very successful event and hopefully gave the attendees the inspiration and knowledge to continue on their journeys to a career in conservation.
Thank you to Ryan, Lucy, and Paul for being part of the panel, being so open and honest, and giving some great tips.
