Nature Skills for the Next Generation
Providing technical skills, knowledge and work experience in the natural environment is a major focus of the North Devon Coast AONB’s new project, Finding Nature’s Footprints. Using the University of Exeter’s Internship Programme, the AONB team is delighted to welcome recent graduate Lowenna Arnold, to benefit from the training opportunities. Thanks to National Lottery players, this three-year project, supported thanks to a £248,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to learn more about the nature in our villages, gardens, fields and shores through surveys, monitoring and mapping of wildlife. This information will provide a basis for actions to protect and increase nature within the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
During the one-year paid internship, Lowenna will have the opportunity to gain experience in practical nature conservation work, conducting ecological surveys and working with volunteers and the general public. In addition, she will participate in more formal training courses on habitat surveying, data management, species identification and people skills. At the end of the 12 months, she will be able to use the knowledge and skills she has gained to benefit nature.
Lowenna Arnold, graduate intern said “This is such an amazing opportunity to be able to help an exciting project such as this reach more people and help those interested to connect to nature and gain knowledge on how to record wildlife in their local area. Not only this, but I will gain surveying and data handling skills as well as public engagement and project organisation experience that will be invaluable for a future career in the environmental sector.”
Joe Newberry, Finding Nature’s Footprints Project Coordinator said, “In total we will have three graduate interns throughout the 3-year project. As well as the internships there will be opportunities for student placements, work experience and volunteering for others to get involved. We will be offering free training events for community groups and local people to support local wildlife surveys and nature recovery actions.”
If you would like to find out more about the Finding Nature’s Footprints project please email joe.newberry@devon.gov.uk or visit www.northdevoncoast-nl.org.uk/findingnaturesfootprints where you can sign up to the e-newsletter.
