Meet the staff: Nikki Oliver

By Charlotte Wells

Communications Trainee

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve worked in conservation and animal welfare for many years. After getting my degree in Environmental Studies I travelled, spending a year in Thailand working at a Gibbon rehabilitation project. Back in the UK, I worked for WWF and IFAW on their Wildlife Trade campaigns, leading the team which successfully saw eBay UK ban the sale of all ivory. I’ve lived in Brighton for 15 years with my family, including three teenagers and two Labradors…the latter being my favourites!

Tell us a bit about your work for the Trust

I work as the Project Support Officer for the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project (SKRP). I’m responsible for administration, enquiries and communications for the project. The SKRP is a partnership of environmental NGOs, statutory bodies and research bodies, all collaboratively working towards rewilding our Sussex coastline through science-led and nature-based solutions.

What do you most love about your role?

I love the team that I work within – the Conservation team are all so supportive of each other, particularly George Short (Project Coordinator) who is the brains behind the project. And of course, I love the subject!

What are the biggest challenges within your role?

Reining in my many ideas to promote the project. I have to remember that I’m part-time and have limited capacity.

Are there any particular skills you need for your job?

Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload, and a degree of creativity to generate communications for the project.

Where’s your happy place in Sussex?

I love walking through Friston Forest and along the Seven Sisters with my dogs… although one dog is very old and wonky now, so rarely makes it that far.

How do you relax?

Depending on what I need (and the weather), I either get outside with my dogs, or I get creative – I enjoy pottery, murals, screen printing… anything where I can switch off.

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

I was involved in the attempted rescue of the whale from the Thames in 2006 – I am a trained BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) medic and was in the water keeping the whale hydrated with a watering can! It was a day I’ll never forget, for the sadness of losing the whale (despite our efforts); for being so close and seeing into the eyes of that beautiful creature; and for the excitement, support and interest the rescue generated along the banks and bridges of the Thames and beyond.