I could never forget the people I’ve met along the way. Saying goodbye to them would be the hardest part of the traineeship. I’d joined countless work parties with the roving volunteers. I’ll miss those cold lunch breaks, gathered around a bonfire sharing stories and laughter. Then there’s the conservation team. Shadowing them was always a treat, as they were a wealth of knowledge and patient with my never-ending questions. I and the other trainees were a close team, working together through thick and thin. And, of course, my managers. Iain filled the role during the first half of the traineeship; he was a skilled and hard worker who imparted those values to me. Andy filled the newly opened position when Iain moved to pastures new. He was equally skilled and we have learned so much from his wisdom and experience. I’m thankful to everyone. They really went above and beyond to make me feel at home at the Trust. 

While scrolling through environment jobs, one listing caught my eye. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust; I knew them! The position that needed filling was the Catchment Partnership Agricultural Advisor. I’d heard talk of the position already. It was part of the wider countryside team - the department that worked with private landowners and managers. The idea was that, although reserves are important reservoirs for biodiversity, they are only a very small part of the landscape. The vast majority of the countryside is privately owned. Nature cannot survive in reserves alone, species need more space, more habitats and more connections between them. That’s where the wider countryside team comes in. This position would collaborate with Severn Trent to both encourage biodiverse farming and prevent water pollution associated with farming. I’d be working closely with farmers to create a greener countryside and cleaner rivers.

I doubted myself at first. Surely, I was not qualified enough. Yes, I knew about wildlife and about practical conservation but farming was a completely new avenue. I originally didn’t go for it at all (thanks Rob for convincing me to apply). In the end, I changed my mind and, to my surprise, got an interview. If you’re wondering how it went, say hello to the new Catchment Partnership Agricultural Advisor. I’m very excited and a little nervous. But mostly grateful that I don’t have to say goodbye to anyone.

Worcester’s Romy Clarke completed her Masters in Wildlife Conservation in 2022 and is looking forward to getting to grips with her new career to help wildlife in the UK.