Meet our volunteers - Lewis Thornhill

Tell us a bit about yourself

I live near Gatwick and I’ve always been an ‘outdoor’ sort of person, so when I was 13, which was in 2016, I asked my mum to help me look for something that I could do. She found Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership’s Wildlife Rangers group. I went along to Tilgate Park and Upper Pickets Wood. I got on very well with the staff team, Tom (Simpson, Gatwick Greenspace Partnership Officer) and Tamara (Jewell, Community Project Officer). They’re very knowledgeable and helpful. In fact, I still volunteer with them. I’m given responsibility which I really like and has helped my confidence.

Holding a moth 2018

What did you enjoy most about Wildlife Rangers?

Being outside in the fresh air, going into the woods, making fires, helping wildlife and learning about it. I loved getting muddy and all the cooking over a campfire. We made cakes, stews and cooked sausages. Once we had a bat evening, then a roast dinner. The food was unrelated to the bats.

What have you learnt?

I’ve learnt how to use various tools safely. I’ve learnt about native species and how to look after them. We did rhododendron clearing my first day as a volunteer. We built a wildlife garden on a mound and dug steps out. I then did the same at home. We made bird boxes, which I also did at home, and sold! I’m quite a practical person.

Building the steps 2018

What are you studying now?

I’m doing a Level 3 course in Countryside Habitat Management at Merrist Wood College.

Are you enjoying it?

Yes, except the last year has been a bit hit and miss for obvious reasons. I drive tractors at college and like that. It’s great fun.

Did your time as a Wildlife Ranger and your current volunteering contribute to your decision to take this course?

Yes, because doing that had helped my social skills and confidence as well as everything else.

Coppicing with Wildlife Rangers 2019

What do you hope for in the future, career wise?

I’m not sure, but I would like to work outside, and everything I’ve learnt from Gatwick Greenspace Partnership and Sussex Wildlife Trust will help me with that.

Building a boardwalk 2019

What would you say to any young person considering joining Wildlife Rangers?

If you want to learn new skills and meet new people – do it. It’s great to get outside and not just be inside plugged into video games.

So you don’t like video games?

Yeah I do! As well. I like racing games best of all.