Meet Sophie Atkinson, Wild Coast Sussex Intern

Tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in Brighton and went travelling when I was 18, exploring the world. I returned a few years later to undertake a Master’s degree in Zoology at the University of Sussex. I have always loved being close to the Sussex coast. I remember lots of lovely days on the seafront during my childhood, no matter what the weather. But my interest in its ecology was piqued when I began volunteering with the Sussex Wildlife Trust in 2021. I applied to be part of the Wild Beach days organised by Ella Garrud, and the rest is history.

And your role with us?

Since June 2022, I have been employed at Sussex Wildlife Trust as a Wild Coast Sussex Intern, and I love it! The Wild Coast Sussex project’s main aim is to bring local people closer to nature and coastal spaces. We target children and young adults mostly, but also produce materials that can be used by anyone.

What are your favourite places?

I love Rottingdean, it’s where I went rock-pooling as a child and I have fond memories there. But it’s hard to beat the West Pier at sunset.

What do you hope to get from your time with Sussex Wildlife Trust?

I hope to make a difference in my local area by engaging young people with Sussex wildlife, and to learn from my knowledgeable colleagues.

What are you most enjoying?

I loved the Wild Beach Leader training. We spent three days learning about the activities Ella and colleagues do with children on Wild Beach sessions, and it was fun and lovely to spend that time by the sea. I am looking forward to the Ocean Hackathon, taking place on the 10th September in Bexhill. This is an event I'm planning with our partner organisation, the Marine Conservation Society. The Ocean Hackathon will involve working with 16-25 year olds to workshop local conservation issues and learn about what they would like to see happening in the conservation world.

What are your hopes for life after this role – and what would be your dream job?

I would love to continue working for the Trust if a suitable role came up, but I’m also keen to travel again after all the lockdowns and finishing my degree. I am yet to learn to dive, and it is top of the bucket list so hopefully that happens in the next couple of years. My dream job is yet to be decided, but as long as I’m working for a better world for nature then I’m not too fussy!