Meet the staff: Charlotte Wells

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Sussex – big up Eastbourne where I grew up. Before working for the Trust I worked as an outdoor activity instructor for six years, and completed three winter ski seasons in France and Finland. I went back to uni later in life to pursue a career in conservation – which led me here!

And your work for the Trust?

My main focus is using Comms to engage more young people with nature and conservation – mainly through social media channels like TikTok and Instagram. I also get to play outside the office. I’m in the process of visiting different groups of young people and discussing the types of comms they enjoy, how they like to be communicated with, and what they’d like to see from organisations like us.

What do you most love about your role?

I love the creativity of the role and having to come up with fun and engaging ideas to capture your audience’s attention. I like to think of myself as a happy, chatty person and I to try to show that through my work.

What are the biggest challenges?

Sometimes you just have a creativity block. One week the ideas are flowing, and then next … zilch. There can be a bit of pressure when working on TikTok to constantly be on the latest trends to keep up engagement. But I find a short screen break and content inspiration walk around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve soon sorts me out.

Are there any particular skills you need for your work?

Attention to detail is very important, which I’m getting better at. Apart from that, just being creative and writing in a way that sounds friendly and engaging are probably the key things.

Where is your happy place?

I love a lot of Sussex. I do have a soft spot for the beach though. I grew up a two minute walk away from the sea, so I feel it’s just the best place to be.

How do you relax?

I love music and playing the piano. Don’t get me wrong, put me in front of a group of people to play and I would melt into a puddle of fear. But just playing on my own, for fun, is the best.

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know

I am in-line to one day inherit 13 Tortoises from my mother … which is great. I love Tortoises. However, slightly concerning I currently live in an upstairs one bedroom flat with no garden. Hopefully one day I will have a garden for them to live in.