Meet the staff - Leysdown Ranger Anya van Heuvelen Treadwell
Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up in Sussex, and from a young age, I have always had a passion for wildlife and the outdoors, so naturally I went on to study Zoology at the University of Lincoln. After uni, I continued volunteering in the conservation sector, including data administration for the marine team at Sussex Wildlife Trust, assisting different projects bat surveying in Lincolnshire, even Sea Turtle conservation in Malaysia. After that, I was successful in my application for the role of Leysdown trainee Ranger, and could not be more pleased!
Why were you interested in becoming a trainee?
Being able to work for Sussex Wildlife Trust is a dream come true, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to learn new things and develop my existing skills - so it was a no brainer! Being able to work outdoors was so important for me. It also feels great to be able to do my bit for the places I grew up in and know that I am contributing to the protection of important ecological sites in Sussex.
How’s it going so far?
I am thoroughly enjoying the traineeship so far, we have got off to an exciting start, getting stuck in with lambing at Wiston – it was so great to see the behind the scenes of the grazing team. I have learnt so much already, and we have also already completed our 4x4 off road and brush cutting training, as well as First Aid.
What have you most enjoyed?
I recently took part in a bird race across Sussex with some of my colleagues, where we competed against other conservation organisations to spot as many birds as we could in the allotted time. Despite the 4am start, it was a day well spent – I really enjoyed getting out to all these great birding spots across Sussex and learning from my very knowledgeable team-mates.
What are you looking forward to?
There is so much, it is hard to choose! I am excited to put what I have already learnt into practice and develop these new skills. I have already met so many great people, who are supportive and willing to share their knowledge, I am excited to meet and work with the rest of the team. I am also very keen to further explore our reserves and learn more about their individual ecologies, and the work that is being done on them. I feel so lucky to be part of the team, and I am excited for what the rest of the traineeship has in store for us.
What’s your favourite wild place in Sussex and why?
It would have to be Seaford Head Nature Reserve, I may be a bit biased as I grew up in Seaford, but you can’t beat those views and the sea breeze. I have very fond memories of this place, and it has definitely contributed to inspiring my love for nature.
Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know
Although my work now mainly focuses on land-based conservation, I am also a big advocate for protecting our oceans. I have an advanced scuba diving license and that I like to take part in reef clean ups.