Meet the staff: Leysdown Trainee Ranger Ben Hughes
Ben Hughes is one of two current Dr Vera Dalley Lederman Scholarship Trainee Rangers, along with Ellie Hollis.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm 24 years old. I grew up in Kent and studied Marine Biology at the University of Exeter, although my course was based in Falmouth. Living and studying in Cornwall was something I am grateful for, as it allowed me to apply my learning in a place rich in wildlife while enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, rockpooling and surfing. In the final year of my degree, I travelled to South America with the university, visiting Ecuador, before heading to the Galápagos Islands, which was an incredible experience. After graduating, I did a variety of jobs, including gardening and labouring. I then moved to Battle in East Sussex, where I did various jobs and began volunteering at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. I became completely hooked on birdwatching and found the team very welcoming. I challenged myself to see as many bird species across East Sussex as possible and have recorded 157 so far. Most of my free time now revolves around birds, but I also enjoy listening to records and reading.
Why did you apply to be a trainee?
Growing up, I was aware of the impact humanity has on the natural world, but my degree opened my eyes to the true scale and urgency of the environmental challenges we face. I realised that I did not want to simply stand by and watch; I wanted to play a role in making a positive difference.
What are you hoping to get out of the year?
While my degree provided a strong foundation in conservation theory, I felt that my practical experience was lacking. Over the course of this year, I hope to develop the hands-on skills needed to put that knowledge into practice and gain a deeper understanding of habitat management and conservation work on the ground. After university, finding a career in conservation felt quite daunting. It is a highly competitive field filled with passionate and dedicated people who all want to make a difference. I hope this traineeship will provide me with the skills, experience and confidence needed to pursue a long and rewarding career in conservation.
Volunteers are the backbone of conservation, giving up their time and energy to support vital work. Having previously worked in roles that were often quite independent, I am keen to develop my communication, leadership and coordination skills. Helping people feel welcome, enthusiastic and, above all, safe, as these qualities are essential to ensuring that conservation activities are both effective and enjoyable.
Starting out in rangering and conservation management can sometimes feel overwhelming, with so many different factors to consider. However, I am excited to learn from the highly knowledgeable staff and volunteers at the Trust and to gain the confidence and insight needed to manage habitats effectively.
Where is your favourite wild space in Sussex?
I would have to say Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The sheer scale means you can feel pleasantly lost within it, while the variety of habitats—from reedbeds and salt marshes to shingle shoreline and farmland—means there is always something new to discover. Every visit feels different, which is one of the reasons I keep going back.
Tell us something about you most people don't know
Between the ages of 11 and 18, I was a member of an athletics club and had the opportunity to represent Kent in national cross-country and track running events. One of the highlights was competing in a half marathon at the age of 17. My finishing time ranked me first in the UK for my age group in 2019, which remains one of my proudest sporting achievements.