Countryside Warden placement 2022
Jenny
"I have really enjoyed my time on placement with Conwy County Borough Council. As someone who applied for this placement to gain relevant skills and knowledge without a related degree and hoping to gain a foot into the conservation/wildlife sector - this placement has delivered in providing me with a range of practical skills and knowledge needed to work within this sector.
"These 10 months have been filled with a variety of ever changing tasks such as maintenance of the nature reserves, engaging with the public and learning the skills of data processing. We have worked in all seasons and weathers - that has provided me with a fulfilling and well-rounded view into the day to day work within this sector, which I have enjoyed immensely.
"The Placement has offered the flexibility for me to choose in which direction I wanted to take my training, so it best fits with my interests and possibly what I would like to focus on in the future.
"I have really enjoyed my time here, working as part of this team. I feel really grateful for the opportunity."
Jody
"This placement has given me invaluable practical experience, given me an advantage over other postgraduates, looking for a career in this sector. Seeing the real life, day-to-day work in this sector has providing me with an informative view on how well I have suited the sector.
"I’ve found it fascinating and rewarding working outdoors in all seasons and weather, seeing the reserves change over the seasons.
"I feel I’ve gained knowledge on tree and plant monitoring and management that I would not have got through my Zoology degree.
"The training budget and networking opportunities made this placement great and I’m very honoured to have been a part of it."
Countryside Warden placement 2021
Joe
"I’m part way through a BSc (Hons) Zoology with Marine Zoology course at Bangor University. This 10 month work placement has been an amazing experience to say the least. From installing steps to litter picking I’ve loved every part of it. This placement has helped me grow as a person. Adding this experience detail to my CV, I’m hoping this will greatly improve my chances of gaining employment in a similar field in the future.
"The aspect I’ve enjoyed most has been the practical side. I love being in the outdoors and installing benches, steps, fixing way marker posts come rain or shine. Really glad to have been out and about to learn more about the local wildlife, rather than picking up those ID skills from a University lecture theatre.
"Sounds cheesy, but I am really sad that it’s come to an end, I wish it was permanent as I truly feel that I’ve found a team that truly values and cares about me.
"To any student or just anyone looking for a chance to gain experience I couldn’t recommend the placement highly enough."
Chris
"I’m very grateful for the 10 months that I have spent with Conwy County Borough Council. When I applied for the post I knew that I enjoyed working in the outdoors and having a job that is different each and every day, and my placement provided exactly that for me.
"I now have real-world experience of working in the environment and conservation sector – what more could you ask for in a placement?
"The countryside warden placement is extremely varied and I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in many areas, from understanding the fundamentals of how different ecosystems function throughout the seasons, to practical DIY skills and even working on publicity and interpretation for the nature reserves.
"I’m really grateful for the flexibility within my placement to be able to put my focus on what interests me the most, it really helped me get the best experience possible."
Access Warden placement 2019-20
Jordan (Undergraduate, Bangor University)
"It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve really loved every minute of it!
"Have learnt so much about conservation and management that I never could have gotten from sitting in a classroom.
The placement scheme has been great and I get a real say in what direction I want to take my training so I can study something that really interests me.
"The Access Warden post means you get to see some of the most beautiful, lesser known parts of North Wales and helps you gain experience in every aspect of conservation, from ID skills to DIY."
Izzy (Undergraduate, Aberystwyth University)
"A great opportunity to ignite your practical mind and experience working outdoors all day. It can be tough in the rain and wind but once you complete a job there is no better feeling. You’re given a lot of responsibility but it feels good to be a valued part of the team.
"I enjoyed fixing steps and rebuilding fences the most, as each time we returned to the nature reserves, I could see and appreciate my handy work again and again.
"This job is not for the faint hearted but if you thoroughly enjoy being outside and problem solving this placement will be good for you."
Countryside Warden placement 2019-20
Mollie (Postgraduate)
"This placement gave me loads of invaluable experience especially in tree and plant ID.
"Just having access to guides and bringing them along on maintenance days taught me so much. Being with the warden to confirm or deny our identification was really helpful.
"It also gave me loads of opportunities to work on specific areas of weakness for me and tailor the placement to my needs.
"Not to mention the large number of practical skills and tool use opportunities."