My primary initial role as Visitor Engagement Officer was to interact and communicate with visitors to Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. This involved engaging with the public to inform them of the nature reserve’s regulations and its wildlife and distributing leaflets to raise public awareness. I also played a significant part in the shorebird protection scheme, safeguarding nesting shorebirds from disturbance and collecting data on disturbance incidents. My contributions to the team were valued and rewarded by two extensions to my contract. This gave me the opportunity to take part in a wider range of practical conservation tasks, such as managing invasive species and leading teams of volunteers. I also took on a variety of projects which broadened my environmental experience, including streamlining the reserve’s Excel database for BTO WeBS data. I was designated lead author on the annual report of the shorebird season, incorporating third party data to highlight visitor behaviours on the reserve, and surveyed the reserve prior to commissioning signs to protect important archaeological sites.

Working in a team, I undertook a variety of practical tasks to help with the running of an upland estate. These included invasive species and woodland management. I gained an insight into the conservation and management of upland landscapes and developed practical conservation skills.