Nurturing Tomorrow’s Guardians of the Planet
Summary
An Ecology student from Blackpool is paving the way to his future career, thanks to a programme funded by the National Lottery. New to Nature provides paid work placements for young people aged 18-25 to support young and diverse talent into environmental roles.
An Ecology student from Blackpool is paving the way to his future career, thanks to a transformative programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
New to Nature provides paid work placements for young people aged 18-25 across the natural environment and landscape sector. The aim is to support young and diverse talent into environmental roles. It is already changing lives and landscapes alike, by bringing new people and a fresh energy to environmental roles.
Sam Thomas, from Blackpool, recently completed the 2nd year of his degree course in Ecology and Conservation at Nottingham Trent University. Ecology is the study of organisms and how they interact with the environment around them. As part of his degree, the University insists that students gain practical hands on experience in a working environment.
Born with a passion
Sam is one of those rare people who has known from an early age what he’d like to do for a career. Fuelled by a passion for wildlife and the environment, he first began volunteering with Blackpool Junior Rangers, run by Blackpool Council, at the age of 8. From age 15 until going to University, Sam then volunteered with Groundwork on the North Blackpool Pond Trail. So when the opportunity came along for a paid work placement working in that very same area, he seized it with both hands.
Out on the Pond Trail
For 3 days each week, Sam works as part of Groundwork’s conservation team on the North Blackpool Pond Trail. For the remaining 2 days, he works at the Grow Blackpool community garden, based at the @TheGrange community hub. This project teaches people about food growing and which tackles isolation and also helps people to improve their wellbeing through Eco therapy. It means that throughout each week, Sam is gaining valuable experience in everything from woodland management, to food growing and sustainability.
Sam says, “I love the fact that no two days are ever the same. As well as gaining hands on practical experience that is useful for my degree, I’m learning about things like project funding, report writing, data protection and health and safety. I’ve already completed my training to do tree inspections and will soon start a course about the surveying and ecology of great crested newts.”
Groundwork isn’t just a charity – it is a catalyst for change.
Working at Groundwork
Sam says “Groundwork isn’t just a charity – it is a catalyst for change and empowers volunteers to take action and take charge of their communities and their futures. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how effective nature can be in breaking down barriers and improving wellbeing and resilience.”
I really enjoy interacting with people and inspiring them to learn about and care for the environment.
Looking to the future
Sam says; “Working at Groundwork has given me a real insight into the challenges faced by charities, particularly when it comes to funding. I am learning how to be resourceful, as well as the value of partnerships and team working. I really enjoy interacting with people and inspiring them to learn about and care for the environment. After completing my degree, I’d ideally like to work for a charity. With a bit of luck, I’ll find myself working for a charity like Groundwork, where every day is a chance to make a difference.”
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New to Nature is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation. The programme is delivered through a partnership of Groundwork, The Prince’s Trust, Disability Rights UK, Mission Diverse and the Youth Environmental Service.
