Enthusiasm, passion and curiosity: What Shapes me as a Green Volunteer

Two poepl crouch in the grass conducting a earthworm survey. — Earthworm soil pit surveys in the Cotswolds (Millie Gates)

By Millie Gates, BSc Wildlife and Conservation Student at Merrist Wood College & University Centre

Everyone remembers the first time they really considered what job they wanted. It might have been at school, or even once already on the career ladder. For me, when making my ‘future me’ profile, I chose a vet due to my love for animals. I have always loved animals, kept hamsters and fish, and so it was an obvious choice and the only related career path I was aware of.

Throughout school, it was always in the back of my mind that I would be a vet. I was encouraged to take A-level Biology, Chemistry and English to achieve this; however, after much deliberation, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and study animal management at college. Even though a veterinary career is rewarding and could provide financially in the long run, I put my present self first and, through the help of work experience, understood that training and working inside wasn't for me. Even though it made me realise I wasn't cut out for the role, I still greatly enjoyed my time in the workplace and wanted to gain experience in another setting.

A group of people in a field hold spades and tubs. — Soil sampling with My Green Future (Millie Gates)

Prior to my next voluntary placement, I found myself considering whether I had made the correct choice regarding my course. I missed my normal routine and friends who had stayed on for A levels.

Once again, volunteering helped me to conclude I was going in the right direction. I undertook a worm survey with a conservation group and was suddenly surrounded by like-minded individuals from a range of backgrounds - from qualified entomologists and biologists to career changers and other young enthusiasts. I was required to undertake over 300 voluntary hours, but I ended with over 500 as I was excited, interested and therefore received longer-term placement offers with the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

This did come with challenges such as balancing family, friends, paid work, coursework and maybe a day off. Managing these commitments proved I could cope in this often tough and competitive field. If you have fun, if you see volunteering as ‘you’ time, if it doesn’t feel like work - then you know it's a good fit. Conservation and countryside careers are a lifestyle, you have to be committed to early starts and (many) rainy days, but at the end, if you can still get gratitude from helping the environment and those who rely on it - it's undoubtedly worth it.

Once I started University to study Wildlife and Conservation at Merrist Wood College, I asked myself, “who am I as a volunteer?” I concluded that I am enthusiastic, passionate and want practical experience in as many conservation areas as possible. I'm also located in London and so looked for opportunities specifically in urban areas, tackling fragmentation and sprawl issues. One of my favourites has been raising funds for the RSPB through selling pin badges of threatened species - something small but impactful and incredibly easy to sign up for!

A highlight has also been completing a program called ‘My Green Future’ run by AirTime CIC. This was a big turning point for me. It showed me that volunteering, and the green industry overall, was extensive and far-reaching. I shadowed Surrey Wildlife Trust teams such as the nature-based solutions and grazing teams, rangers, regenerative farmers and more. I discovered GIS, hedgerow and habitat management, nest box building and a variety of survey techniques, but interestingly, I had the most questions for Jo Woodhams (Director of AirTime and Nature Based Wellbeing Practitioner) and SWT’s community engagement team.

A group of people sitting down watching a presentation. — Presenting at Chessington World of Adventures (Millie Gates)

This is when I realised I love working with people. Of course, I started out for the animals, but I have come away with a new appreciation for others' connection to nature.

I love seeing others light up when a stunning red kite flies past, or being able to blow people's minds by telling them some worms around the world are over a metre long. I did mention my earthworm surveying… my interest has expanded greatly since. They are cool, clever and charismatic, and incredibly important for our soils, particularly with growing concerns over pollution and microplastics in the ground. But a big reason why worms are my favourite animal and make a big part of my voluntary experience is that (most) people are also intrigued by them, and I can be a part of that excitement. I have completed soil pit sampling and species identification sessions in the lab with the Biological Recording Company, which led to a fieldwork opportunity with Oxford University. This experience has given me the confidence to conduct an earthworm-focused dissertation with my own ecological surveys!

Three people give a presentation at a conference. — My group presentation at a university conference (Millie Gates)

I also enjoy attending conferences, webinars and workshops (anything and everything on Eventbrite). All sessions I have attended so far have been free. It does take a few searches, but what has really helped me is joining youth groups such as YoungWilders, Emergent Generation and the SWT Youth Action Committee. These groups post, often local, events aimed at those ages 18-30 interested in a green career, or just meeting other amazing individuals with similar interests. I also use the Countryside Jobs Service website to keep up to date with organisations, citizen science programs and courses.

I have been incredibly fortunate as my volunteering and CPD have provided me with skills for the workplace. The first talk I completed was with My Green Future, on worms, of course. This inspired me to take a leap, quit my job and become a Zoo Education and Experience Host at Chessington World of Adventures. Through this, I enhance my growing passion for engagement and education surrounding conservation. Many individuals I interact with are based in the city, and so I can provide tips to encourage urban wildlife, such as hibernacula creation and wildflower planting, to a wide audience. I quickly realised my skills actually lie here in outreach rather than species ID or GIS, for example, and even if I do change my mind later on, there are plenty of other volunteer days to help!

I have also found it very helpful to choose a niche. Worms just happened - I chose a book on them by random and fell in love, but this doesn't happen for everyone. It’s not essential, but being the 'worm girl' definitely makes you memorable.

A person wearing a hard hat and holding asaw by some trees. — Completing an AQA woodland management course with the SWT Youth (Millie Gates)

On the other hand, spontaneity and flexibility can be key - it keeps interest fresh. I watched a TED talk by Emma Rosen on her journey to complete 25 jobs by 25. Bonkers, maybe, but it's incredibly inspiring and opens so many doors. For me, using volunteering to try new things and build a plethora of experiences, mainly for free, has been phenomenal. You never know what you will stumble upon, and even if it makes you realise you dislike an activity, then that's still a step in the right direction. I can fall back on this for turning points in my life as I now know my strengths, weaknesses and preferences.

Having this in combination with my studies has been incredibly useful. Although, again, not for everyone, having or working towards a qualification in the green industry has provided ample opportunities. Merrist Wood College and University Centre has incredible facilities and experts to help me develop my theory on topics such as legislation, BNG assessments and EIAs. My course includes a CPD module, with lectures only over 2 days a week to facilitate volunteering and experience. Despite this, many programs like My Green Future focus on providing opportunities to underprivileged / underrepresented individuals not currently in the field and so offer an alternative to the qualification route.

I hope to eventually continue my studies through a masters qualification - but I have found that, ultimately, there is no race to the finish line and so volunteering alongside my other commitments, even if it takes longer, will nurture enthusiasm and experience.

Millie is on LinkedIn here

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