Meet the new Leysdown Trainees - Ellie Hollis

Ellie Hollis is one of two new Dr Vera Dalley Lederman Scholarship Trainee Rangers. She tells us a bit more about herself. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in Sussex, then went to university in Sheffield to study languages, which included studying in Lisbon and working as an educational youth tour operator in Buenos Aires.
I have a passion for travel, so planned to work in tourism. I organised summer schools for international students for six years, but then the Sussex seas called me back. I've always loved wildlife and being outdoors, getting muddy and I decided to pivot, careerwise, towards conservation. Without an academic or professional background, I spent a year volunteering, with groups including the RSPB, Knepp, and, of course, Sussex Wildlife Trust. I met fantastic people and fell back in love with my home county, learning about the diverse landscapes and rare species. I spent the summer working, to fund the volunteering. I am ecstatic to be one of the new Leysdown Trainees, and have loved every minute so far. You can usually find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen, reading a book, or moving my body (running, swimming, dancing!). 

Why did you apply to be a trainee?

The Traineeship provides such a brilliant opportunity to gain new skills in practical conservation, volunteer coordination, surveying, and so much more. Being a ranger is such a varied role, and I really liked the idea of trying my hand at lots of different tasks and areas of conservation, whilst also being able to give back to the landscapes I grew up in. 

What are you hoping to get out of the year?

I'd like to shadow as many people as possible within the Trust to soak up the knowledge of my incredible colleagues, learn about the organisation and help decide on my next step. I want to carry out meaningful work to support our reserves. I believe I've found a career which will allow me to be curious forever, which brings me joy.  

Where are your favourite wild spaces in Sussex?

Cissbury Ring, where you have panoramic views of the county steeped in history, and Cuckmere Haven, where I spent many a glorious sunny afternoon as a child. I love being in the water, and really missed it when I was living in land-locked cities. You can't beat the smell of the sea breeze. I think Sussex is special because we have such diverse habitats, from the coast to the heathland, we are never far away from something wonderful.

What did you have for breakfast?

Almost always porridge with flax, chia, and hemp seeds, seasonal fruit, cashew butter, and some dark chocolate. 

Tell us something about you most people don't know.

I grew up training as a dancer and stunt cheerleader (I have a trophy from the World Dance Championships in New York City, nearly as tall as me!). Recently I wanted to try something different, so turned to triathlon. Last year I completed a half-Ironman. That's a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile cycle, and a half marathon to top it off.

Sussex Wildlife Trust has been working in partnership with the Leysdown Conservation Trust to deliver the Dr Vera Dalley Lederman Scholarship since 2016. Set up in memory of Dr Vera Dalley Lederman in 2012, the Trust aims to provide training, support, and experience to equip trainees with the skills required to go on and develop a career in nature conservation. The trainees live at Leysdown Cottage for the period of their placement with us, hence being known as the Leysdown Trainees.