Rebecca Neal

Communities and Education Officer

"Working for the Wildlife Trust BCN, I love sharing my passion, getting people excited about wildlife and I enjoying being outdoors. I love that I am doing a job that makes a difference for people and wildlife.

"My dad was a keen photographer and we spent time outdoors as a family, I especially remember searching Epping Forest for fly agaric mushrooms for him to photograph! My mum enjoys wildlife and she kept the bird feeders topped up as I was growing up.

"Of course, every person working in our sector has been inspired by Sir David Attenborough! My first job in conservation was at Slapton Ley Field Centre, I will always be grateful for the late Keith Chell who employed me with limited wildlife knowledge and only a few years of teaching experience, and the team there who supported my development. This job made me decide that this was the career for me.

"It's hard to pick a favourite species, but I love toads, badgers, kingfishers, swallows, hedgehogs…"

What would you say to a young woman considering working in the conservation sector?

"This is a sector that values people regardless of gender. I have worked with many female colleagues in what outsiders might think of as non-traditional roles like nature reserve managers and ecologists. People do this work because they are passionate, so you are always surrounded by people who are hard-working, want to make a difference, and are interested in the same thing you are. This makes it part of your identity which is great.

"Some less-positive things to consider are that contracts can be short-term, and money is not great."

Patsy Bigley

Wildlife Sites Project Surveyor (Northants)

"The thing I enjoy most about my job... I'd have to say is my 'green office'! I get to immerse myself in nature, rain or shine, which keeps things interesting. I used to have my doubts about the whole wellbeing aspect of nature, but there's no denying it after spending the winter months indoors writing survey reports. Bring on Spring!

"For me, it all began with 'The Really Wild Show' as a child, hosted by Nick Baker and Michaela Strachan. Watching that show ignited my fascination with animals and their ecosystems. It made me curious about what they eat and where they find shelter—plants! That initial interest blossomed into a love for botany.

"From there, I found inspiration being part of the all-women's horticulture team at Peckover House and Garden. Here, I learned that brute force wasn't necessary—that careful planning and strategy are equally effective. This environment taught me the strength of collaboration and recognising the diverse abilities of each team member. This experience reinforced my belief in the strength and capability of women in any field.

"Habitat-wise, I absolutely love temperate rainforests! I was lucky to study in Scotland, where we have our last remaining temperate rainforests in the UK. There's just something enchanting about wandering through woodlands blanketed in mosses, lichens, and liverworts."

What would you say to a young woman thinking of a career in the conservation sector?

"Your commitment and contribution are just as impactful as anyone else's, regardless of gender. Listen to your body and work within your limits—there's no need to overdo it to prove yourself. And investing in a she-wee can definitely make fieldwork a lot more comfortable!"

Emma Morris

Individual Giving Manager

"The thing I enjoy most about my job is the enormous variety.  One day I can be in the office, another out on a reserve. I’ve got a closet full of office clothes and outdoor wear. I get to be creative in my writing, I get to be analytical in my research, and I put my planning skills to use in organising events. Then there is the excitement of finding out someone wants to give you a six figure donation!

"I feel incredibly lucky that my job allows me to meet and talk to lots of people and discuss our shared loved for nature. I’ve met Lords, Ladies, celebrities, had lunch in Parliament, been to a gala concert with royalty, and been on a boat with a millionaire. What a job!

"I also feel that I’m leaving the world in a better place and that’s a great feeling. Across my fundraising career, I’ve raised funds to help protect rare and vulnerable species, many of which are now thriving. Special habitats and nature reserves have been saved in perpetuity thanks to the donations I’ve inspired people to make.

"I’ve always had a love of nature instilled in me by my mum. I was fortunate that the opportunity to start a career in conservation came about through a trainee fundraising position. I was then able to learn from inspirational managers and colleagues, giving me opportunities to travel across the country and explore a variety of habitats from Caledonian pine forests to lowland heathland, to understanding how a change in harvesting protects corncrakes, and that the seeds of ancient woodland flora, lying dormant under soil, can be regenerated through management. These managers, and organisations, have trained me, mentored me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, but also supported me through life challenges and changes outside of work.

"I love a red kite. I worked for the RSPB when red kites were reintroduced to a location in Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire. At that time, they were a globally threatened species in the UK, and now I can look out of my office window in Bedfordshire and see them all the time. That’s a conservation success story. Garden birds give me a great deal of joy when I’m working from home.  I love coming across a badger, a fox or a stoat when I’m out walking. A wildflower meadow is so beautiful in the summer, but I also enjoy finding fungi in the autumn."

What would you say to a young woman thinking of a career in the conservation sector?

"Don’t assume that working in the conservation sector means a practical role, getting hands on. There are many opportunities to work in conservation that are just as valuable and rewarding, and can lead to fulfilling careers, with plenty of progression, including CEO positions. I’ve worked with three inspirational female CEOs during my fundraising career.  

"I knew nothing about conservation when I first started out.  You don’t need to know your birds, trees or flowers to work in conservation but you’ll be surprised just how much you quickly pick up when you are surrounded by experts in their field. I’ve also found that there are plenty of openings to move around the sector; I’ve worked for local, national and international organisations throughout my conservation career and each one has added to my understanding and appreciation of the world around me."

Megan Owen

Communities & Education Officer (Nene Valley)

"I adore working for The Wildlife Trust as I get to spend a lot of time working outdoors and enjoying nature, learning more every day and always managing to spot some interesting wildlife! I also love the variety - I get to run events for all ages and it’s wonderful to meet new people, and in particular I love inspiring young people to care about our wildlife.

"There are many conservationists that have inspired me in my role, but my Grandma is the one that initially started my love for wildlife! She studied Zoology, which inspired me to also head down that route which would lead me to discover my passion for British wildlife, and we would also spend time when I was little together doing the Big Garden Birdwatch, which I’ll always remember.

"My favourite species is a hedgehog! I’ve been putting out food in my garden and I now have a regular little group that come by every night, it’s amazing to see. My favourite habitat has to be Summer Leys- I could spend hours in the hides admiring our lovely wetland species."

What would you say to a young woman thinking of a career in the conservation sector?

"Go for it! There is never a more important time to take up a career in conservation, we need more people to care for and protect our natural habitats - it is an incredibly rewarding job and you can make a real difference to our wildlife. Plus, you’ll have so much fun and get to experience our outdoors in the best way, what’s not to love!"

Alison Chaves

Communities and Education Officer (Peatland Progress)

"The things I love most about my job are meeting people, talking about the project (Peatland Progress and Great Fen) and how important the work is. I especially enjoy feeling inspired by young people and how passionate they are about the environment especially our Little Bugs, Youth Rangers and Young People’s Forum members. I recently attended a Youth Event in Cambridge and when I left at the end of the day, I felt so energised by the presentations, the ideas shared and all the pledges that everyone made that day.

So many people inspired me, real and fictitious. Queen Hatshepsut (1479– 1458 BC), Jane Goodall, Amelia Edwards, Sylvia Earle, Sir David Attenborough, Mary Carson, Simon Reeve, Bill Oddie, David Bellamy, my geography teacher Mr Donnelly and Indiana Jones (if that counts) for inspiring my love of adventures in rainforests and jungles - especially my love for large invertebrates and snakes …sorry if that’s cheesy but it’s true! 😊

"My favourite habitat is definitely jungle or rainforest. I love the humidity, the trees, the people, the sounds and the wildlife. I am lucky to have spent time in Costa Rica, Borneo and the Amazon, and there is nothing more amazing than sleeping in the rainforest in a long house surrounded by the amazing nature and sounds – especially when it rains. Plus there is no WIFI or internet, only good books by candlelight. Of course I love woodlands here in the UK too, especially camping in them!"

What would you say to a young woman thinking of a career in the conservation sector?

"Go for it and never give up! You have absolutely nothing to lose if you really want to do this. Never be put off or deterred by anyone else if you truly want to do something. I never thought I would ever be able to work in a conservation workplace as my career path has taken so many turns for so many different reasons, but I’ve realised that if you are passionate and want to feel like you are making a difference then you just have to keep going and believing in yourself and it will happen.

"Best tip: Find any way you can get involved, especially if you can start with volunteer work, creating nature blogs, sharing nature stories in your school/college or just inspiring others to care about nature."