Hi, I am Hannah.

I have dyspraxia so I want to show, no matter what your ability, you can conserve, or work behind the scenes with wildlife. I chose to do a Suffolk Wildlife Trust work experience week because I was interested to find out about the varied roles involved in running a Wildlife Trust and to see what I need to do to get a job in the wildlife conservation sector.

On Tuesday 11^th April I was based a Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve near Bury St Edmunds helping with the holiday club. I liked seeing the children play in the woods and not indoors stuck to a screen. This brought back childhood memories, as I always loved being outside. I also spent time learning about what goes on behind the scenes with the website and social media. Wow! I had no idea how much work is involved in promoting Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

I discovered how many nature reserves are in Suffolk. Do you know? There are 50. On Wednesday 12^th of April I visited one on the north coast, Carlton Marshes in Lowestoft. Here I had the opportunity to track water voles. I am fascinated with how much information about different species you can learn by just looking at the tracks, feeding signs and faeces of animals. Water voles are the largest vole in Britain and are endangered meaning we need to do all we can to protect them. Unfortunately, as there had been significant rainfall, which is known to wash away signs, it made it particularly difficult to see much evidence of water voles.

Thursday 13^th April brought another discovery, I was amazed to discover how big Lackford Lakes is as I walked miles whilst managing and spring cleaning the bird hides. This made me appreciate how much the wardens do to conserve and manage the reserve for both the wildlife and the safety of the public.

The next day was Friday the 14^th April which was spent in the visitor centre. I now realise how much organisation is required to run the visitor centre, how much time goes in to organising an event plus quite how many signs go up around just one of the walking trails at Lackford Lakes.

On my last day, Saturday 15^th April, I was lucky enough to see a meadow with beautiful snake’s head fritillary. It was at Fox Fritillary Meadow in Framsden which is one of the largest of remaining sites in Suffolk.

To summarise, my work experience week taught me how many people and the varied roles they perform in order to make Suffolk Wildlife Trust such a fantastic organisation. My week’s highlight was the opportunity it gave me to get closer to nature and to witness others enjoying the great outdoors as much as I do.