This International Youth Day read about the inspiring journey of Jordan, a young person who joined us on a Prince’s Trust Get Started in Conservation Course in 2022. Jordan shares his story from his love of nature to working with the RSPB.
The “Get Started in Conservation” course is a six day course based at RSPB reserves. So far, the RSPB has hosted 30 participants in total since 2022, who were referred by The Princes Trust. The young people discovered and connected to nature, carried out practical conservation tasks, learnt outdoor skills and discovered tools of conservation. This included shelter building and habitat work. The Princes Trust refers young people that are 16-30 and not in education, employment or training.
Through this course, four young people have stayed with the RSPB. Jordan joined a ‘Get Started in Conservation’ Course in March 2022 and has been with the RSPB ever since.
Jordan’s Journey with Nature
I’ve always been interested in nature ever since I could walk. Growing up, I loved reading books about wildlife, and learning everything I could. As a teenager, I attended many lectures and visited places of wonder such as the Natural History Museum in London. As an adult, I still have a child-like sense of wonder and adventure, which continues to grow into a passion that makes my heart somersault with admiration, especially in regards to insects, reptiles, animal biology and dinosaurs.
My journey with the RSPB began in March 2022, when I took part in a ‘Get Started with Conservation’ course. It was incredible and an opportunity that I am so grateful to have been a part of. I met some of the most wonderful people, some who are now my friends and colleagues. I was taught that, in the fast and busy world that we live in, we often forget to slow down and appreciate the world around us. So, I learned how to listen and find beauty in nature that otherwise passed me by, such as beautiful bird song and the rustling of leaves through the trees.
I saw many beautiful creatures, plants and wildlife I’d never seen before. I learnt valuable skills such as how to build and start a fire, how to construct a shelter. I experienced seasonal outdoor work and helped provide a suitable home for nature. I even climbed my very first tree! I also learnt how to prepare and cook food over a fire, which was very interesting. I also travelled to another RSPB reserve, RSPB Middleton Lakes, which was wonderful to see and explore. The whole week was surreal. It was an incredibly fun week! We had a nature table where we displayed our interesting findings throughout our time on the course, ranging from pine cones to animal bones!
Jordan’s Ongoing Work with the RSPB
After the course had ended, I became a volunteer, working on a part of RSPB Sandwell Valley called ‘The Reflection Garden’. I voluntarily helped with the Schools on Reserves programme too. I found this exciting and incredibly fun. I soon found myself applying for an Education Internship, which is where I am now. I enjoy working with children, which is something I actually never considered doing before. The most wonderful part is that I can show and teach these children interesting things and share my passions with them. My favourite activity to teach is pond dipping! I like to help create visual displays to educate people and I regularly assist with events too which is very fun!
I have had the opportunity to visit other RSPB reserves and meet so many wonderful and interesting people who are now close friends. I was also asked if I’d like to assist during the second ‘Get Started with Conservation’ course, which I did. It was a surreal experience, although from a different perspective, but just as exciting! I have also helped to improve the classroom display, which was incredibly fun. I’m very passionate about being a part of the RSPB Sandwell Valley team.
I feel as though I have benefitted so much, not just with knowledge and opportunities, but with confidence and a path into a career that has inspired me beyond words.
I am now going to the University of Worcester to study Biological Sciences and Zoology. I am very excited! I start in September and I will be staying in accommodation. The course is four years long. Although I’ll be busy with studies, I will still be finding time to visit RSPB Sandwell Valley. I enjoy volunteering at the reserve so much and working with all of my wonderful friends who really helped influence my decision to apply for university.
To find out more about The Prince’s Trust programmes visit – princes-trust.org.uk
picture credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)