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.
Rachel's story so far as a Reserves Trainee
One of our Reserves Trainees, Rachel, reflects on her time as a trainee so far...
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.
Trainees visit to Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
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.
Traineeship made possible by The National Lottery players through the Community Fund - Climate Action Fund.
The training budget for the trainees was funded thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery through the Pioneer Fund.
Trainees visit to Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
