Six months ago I decided to intern with RSPB Cymru’s Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project. I chose this internship for two reasons: because the RSPB is a fantastic conservation organisation; and because it was a unique opportunity to work on an innovative project that engages the many diverse communities in Cardiff with the buzzing and twittering nature here in their city. I’ve always been interested in nature and the environment, and I saw the internship as a way to gain great experience and improve my skills in an area I’m already passionate about.
I’ve found the Community Engagement Voluntary Internship role to be hugely varied and interesting. The two biggest parts of the project I’ve been involved in have been delivering nature-based education sessions in primary schools, and wildlife activities for children and families at events. The children at the school sessions are always bouncing and eager to leave the classroom and head outside to encounter nature first-hand. Whether they are tracking down birds with a pair of binoculars or hunting for minibeasts under stones and plants in the school grounds, the children always find new ways to explore and discover the natural world around them. It’s great to see children being hands-on with nature too. Some children are used to digging for wiggly worms and beetles in their gardens, but for others it’s their first time doing this. There’s something so special about seeing a child holding a worm or a slug for the very first time and taking such delight and fascination in it.Image: RSPB CymruDuring my internship I was able to be a part of ‘In the Eyes of the Animal’ – one of our events held in Bute Park this summer, in partnership with Migrations and the City of Cardiff Council. By wearing virtual reality headsets, families were able to see the world in the eyes of an insect or animal. It was lovely to see both children and adults alike immerse themselves in a new world and enjoy nature from a completely new perspective.
As well as schools and events, I’ve also been contributing to the day to day work in the office. I’ve definitely learnt how much work a project like this requires. To help me on my way I’ve been able to attend courses and receive training such as first aid training, bee and wildflower identification, and workshops on how to engage with the public face-to-face. The project team and RSPB Cymru have been great to work with and everyone has been friendly, welcoming and supportive. Everybody that I’ve spoken to has been happy to talk me through their role, answer any questions and provide any help when needed - I’ve looked forward to coming in to work each week.Image: In the Eyes of the Animal, credit: Martyn PoynorNow that my voluntary internship has come to an end I’d like to find a job based in conservation or natural heritage. The internship has shown me how many different, interesting and important roles there are within conservation, and how there are always new things to learn about the natural world around us. I’m never going to stop learning.
If you’d like to volunteer with Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff, please email Stacey.Baldwin@rspb.org.uk.