Meet the staff: Andy Fry, WildCall Officer

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Essex. I came to study Zoology and Spanish at Sussex Uni and fell in love with the area and decided to based myself here. Living in Brighton gives me access to all of the benefits of living in a city, but still being near nature, on the edge of the South Downs National Park and next to the sea.

When did you develop an interest in conservation?

I've always been interested in animals. From the age of about five I knew I wanted to work with them. This solidified when I went on a family trip to Borneo aged nine. There was evidence of biodiversity everywhere. I love all animals from the smallest insect to the largest mammal. This meant the decision as to what to study at university was clear. I felt lucky about that. I always wanted to work in a rainforest, but since starting my course, and then especially after lockdown, I've gained an appreciation of the wildlife we have here in the UK, especially the birds and invertebrates. We can take our back garden wildlife for granted. I now know a lot more about the nature within reach, including noticing and learning to identify moths and spiders, for example.

What is your favourite wild place in Sussex?

Now I'm spending a lot of time at Woods Mill, I'm loving seeing how it changes through the seasons.

How are you finding being WildCall Officer?

I really love it. I like the variety of requests, such as, what animal have I found? How can I best support nature in my garden? Where can I go to find wildflowers this spring? I love finding out how many people care about conservation and local wildlife. I like that I can help others engage with and get excited about wildlife in their back garden. It is so important for us to look after and appreciate our green spaces.

What skills do you need for your role?

A broad knowledge of ecology, conservation and planning. Above all else the ability to find reliable information, so research forms a big part of it. Being engaging, friendly and willing to help is crucial.

What would you dream job be?

I'd like to teach Zoology at a university as well as working in conservation for part of the year, ideally.

Tell us something about yourself we don't know.

I was the president of the University of Sussex ultimate frisbee team!

Here is how to contact WildCall