For part 2 of our Meet the Team series - say hello to Christina who, alongside Brad, is one of our two Community Engagement and Conservation Interns:
My name’s Christina, I am 29 years old and a single parent from Kent. I recently graduated from university after studying Animal conservation for 3 years.
My passion for conservation began during my childhood; I would watch documentaries, go on camping trips/staycations with my parents and hunt for slow worms in the local greenspace. During my time at college, I learnt that conservation cannot work without the involvement of local communities and coexistence between these communities and nature.
After I finished Uni I decided I wanted to find a way to help try to engage the members of public that are not connected to conservation; this internship seemed to be the perfect role to begin my journey. I came across the online role advert at the last minute but fortunately I was just in time with my application!
Getting a chance to work for the RSPB is such a great opportunity, as they are so well established as an international science-led conservation organisation. I feel very grateful for this opportunity. The project itself is a great way for me to put theory into practice (as I can see first-hand how important ecosystem services are), boost confidence, meet new people, learn new skills and hopefully play a part in helping improve the woodland.
So far, I have carried out eDNA sampling of soil and water, taken kids on a bug hunt, helped make TWO bundle-makeers and put them to use creating bundles with volunteers that will be used to build our dams; I have been sweaty, covered in twigs/dirt and have got my boots soaked but have enjoyed every minute! I am looking forward to making the dams, future events and the end results of the project.
Historians aren’t sure exactly when the first zoo was built, but it’s clear humans have kept exotic animals for thousands of years. Really enjoyed reading article, Great Passion, waiting for the part 3.
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