Over the past few months I have been witness to the changing seasons and developments that have been happening at Carlton Marshes. I have had the honour of looking at fledglings flit around in the trees, watching Goldfinches feeding on Knapweed, seeing (and hearing) the excitement from a school group when they pulled a Great Driving Beetle out from the dykes and watching the 1000 acre reserve get underway.

Most of my Tuesday mornings have been spent in the woods with Wild Tots which focuses on wild play for children aged 18 months to 5 years. This age group is one that prior to my Internship, I had limited experience working with. I feel honoured to have been part of these sessions as watching the growth and development of those attending over the past weeks has been extremely rewarding.

As the weather has warmed up so has my appetite for the coastline. I have taken every opportunity to put my new Wild Beach skills and training into practice! I have spent time on both Sizewell and Lowestoft beach litter picking, admiring nesting Kittiwakes, doing wild art and beachcombing. I spent one of the hottest days on Aldeburgh beach with a brilliant bunch of families exploring all Aldeburgh has to offer. I am looking forward to the upcoming holiday Wildbeach sessions at Sizewell, Dunwich and Southwold.

Throughout June, myself and the team at Carlton Marshes participated in 30 Days Wild. I made sure we documented our random acts of Wildness; however, I could’ve done with abit more space! It is such a brilliant campaign that I can’t wait to get involved with again next year. I feel privileged to have been part of the team working at Latitude and Holywell’s Park Family Fun Day. It was great to see how busy both events were with so many children (and adults) participating in our crafts and activities!

Across the months of my internship, I have been involved with many school groups, family sessions, Wildbeach, Forest Schools and events. In doing so, I have learnt even more about Suffolk’s wonderful wildlife, increased my own nature connectedness and grown in confidence. The lessons I have learnt have been valuable, the children, people and volunteers I have worked alongside have been inspiring but if I was to sum up my internship up in one word (which I am going to try and do), I would use ‘priceless’.