Monday

We started our work experience on a bright, cheery morning, welcomed by a very friendly team. Communities and Education Officers, Laura and Rebekah gave us a tour of the wildlife hotspots in Ramsey Heights nature reserve and its larger neighbouring National Nature Reserve, Woodwalton Fen. 

This is where we got an insight into the charity’s innerworkings and the eventual goals of the Great Fen project. It really helped us understand their aims and how climate change could be mitigated and biodiversity restored. 

Tuesday through to Thursday, we got our introduction to the local Reserve Officers - Sam, Dave and Jasmin from the Great Fen and Alex, Kelsey and Toby from the West Cambs team. We also worked with their kind volunteer teams, including locals giving up their free time and residents from Supported Steps in Ramsey. We began to help with day to day duties across the reserves.

Tuesday

Today we assisted with thistle pulling on the Northern Loop. Although they're popular with pollinators, the reserves team explained the significant impact a thistle infestation can have on more delicate vegetation and local wildlife. We also learned how it can vary across location based on the field's previous uses, such as agriculture. 

We also participated in a yet-to-be-named mini podcast with our co-guest Charlie (Young People's Forum member). We were miked up and interviewed by host Sophie Baker from the Communications team. Sophie asked what got us into the world of ecology and conservation and what we hope to achieve with what we learn throughout the week. 

Wednesday

Despite the tragic thunderstorms and hail, we persevered and powered through our task of the day: clearing fallen trees and maintaining/replacing livestock fencing at Wansford Pasture ready for the cattle to return. We got physical experience with tools and proper safety technique that we feel will be useful in any future reserves work.  

Thursday

Once again we were fencing, now in the ancient woodland of Wistow Wood. This time, with a different method of good old hammer and nails. Much to our frustration, we were not quite as skilled with this! However, it's impossible not to have fun when you get to use the affectionately named “Donker” and get the well-deserved coffee and biscuit breaks throughout the session. Hopefully, the new fencing will help visitors keep to the paths as they explore. 

Friday

We finished the week with a light nature walk at Holme Fen National Nature Reserve with Peatland Progress trainee, Ellen, and Communities and Education Officer, Danielle. We did a bit of litter picking, although the site was pleasingly clean. We also learned some of the history of the area, such as seeing Pilot Officer Harold Penketh's Spitfire memorial and the Holme Fen posts. The posts highlighted the long term cons of agriculture on drained peat - to see how far the ground has subsided was a huge shock.

On our walk we got in tune with the local bird songs and learned to recognise the melody of birds such as the (now unmistakable) chiffchaff. We saw how varied a single reserve's fungi culture can be and discovered droves of insects that we never knew could be found in the UK, like the giant birch sawfly. All while enjoying the breathtaking views of lakes and fields from birdwatching huts. As we walked back to the car, a stunning fox watched us from a neighbouring field.

Ashley had this to say in conclusion. "This is a worthwhile experience that I would definitely recommend to friends and anyone interested in conservation in any form.  It is exactly as you'd expect: a great learning experience packed with lots of practical field experience, perfect to help you practice for a future career. This was an inspiring week for us both. After witnessing first-hand the majestic views and animals of an environment we had previously overlooked, and the dedication of the team and volunteers, I feel what I achieved had a great impact on a community that were always happy to educate and assist while we accompanied them on site. 

"I will definitely be looking into joining the Wildlife Trust for volunteering in the near future and possibly their Youth Ranger scheme so I can keep helping with what I enjoy."