By Emma Goodyear, 

I graduated from my Zoology degree in 2019, throughout my time at University I was able to experience many field trips and complete research projects. I also did a year abroad in Sweden, which was a great experience, immersing myself in a new culture and experiencing different styles of teaching. I have a passion for photography and anything creative. I like going out on walks and taking photos of insects with my macro lens, gaining an insight into their world.

As I am writing this, I am in the second week of my internship and I have loved it so far. On my first day at the reserve I assisted with a school visit, we were joined by Poetry People for a project which involves school children experiencing nature and creating poems on what they see and hear. It was very wholesome and inspiring to see the children keen to learn about the environment around them. The children were excited when we saw a Kestrel hovering whilst hunting its lunch and a swan flying low over our heads. I also attended the learning team meeting which meant I got to meet a lot of people who work for the trust, this really made me feel welcome into the Suffolk Wildlife Trust family.

There is so much going on at Carlton Marshes at the moment, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The new visitor centre and hides will be great additions to the reserve and are sure to attract lots of visitors to this beautiful reserve. I look forward to meeting visitors at some of the many events going on over Spring and Summer, which can be found on the What’s On page.

I am excited about the many opportunities and experiences this internship will provide me over the next 6 months. For example, the Forest School Level 1 course that I will complete next week. I look forward to gaining new skills and aiding the Suffolk Wildlife Trust in teaching and inspiring all ages through their learning events.

I will be back to post an update in a few weeks and in the meantime there will be blog posts from the other interns!