Rachel's story so far as a Reserves Trainee

One of our Reserves Trainees, Rachel, reflects on her time as a trainee so far...

During my time in the traineeship, I have gotten to know to the Tuesday volunteer group who all are very nice and happy to help me learn new skills.

My name is Rachel and I’m a Reserves trainee for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. Before joining the traineeship, I did a year of college studying animal management and realised I preferred learning practically than in a classroom. I have spent most of my life outside – helping my parents with the garden, walking dogs and looking at all the different animals I could find. My parents have always made sure my sister and I appreciate nature and to do our bit to help the climate.

During my time in the traineeship, I have gotten to know to the Tuesday volunteer group who all are very nice and happy to help me learn new skills as well as teach me about a lot about different plants. I have learnt how to use a variety of tools; brush cutter, bow saw, pruning saw, loppers, scythe, tree popper, hammer, drill and slasher while out at the volunteer group.

My knowledge of butterflies has improved so much more than I thought it would due to doing butterfly transects at Gilfach Nature Reserve and Pentwyn Nature Reserve. I have found a love for moths while doing moth traps and learning about the many moths that are about other than the ones that appear in your room. While at Gilfach Nature Reserve I have helped with plant surveys in some of the fields which has helped me gain knowledge within my plants. I have also helped looking for fungi.

Before doing this traineeship, I had never built or cleaned out a bird box but I have done both which I enjoyed doing. While doing the bird box cleaning, I also helped map and locate where the bird boxes were. I’m currently learning about different wild birds and their songs. I already know a few birds of prey due to helping in a falconry for just under a year.