Ralph (far left) with fellow trainees Ashleigh and Lottie and two members of the volunteer field team, Bill and Mike, testing out the new viewing screen at Gallows Bridge Farm, part of Upper Ray Meadows nature reserve.
Interview with a trainee
Chloe Bradford chats to Ralph Giles about what he gained from his time as a BBOWT trainee
Chloe Bradford, Upper Ray Meadows Reserve Officer: Ralph, why did you apply for a volunteer traineeship with BBOWT?
Ralph Giles, BBOWT Trainee: There were many reasons including to help me understand how my forestry and sustainable woodland management qualifications apply in a practical conservation setting, and to provide a ‘real world’ context to my theory training; to formalise my leadership credentials through regular oversight of practical volunteer work parties; to benefit from mentorship by experienced and knowledgeable BBOWT colleagues; and to be able to work towards formal certification such as for using chainsaws.
(CB): What did you get out of the traineeship?
(RG): Every day of my trainseeship was an absolute pleasure. Come rain or shine, the chance to spend time with my fellow trainees, our mentors, and our volunteers, was a real privilege, and worth every frigid finger and waterlogged boot.
I loved my traineeship. I loved the friends I made at every level.
I learned so much about how to manage practical work parties - how to keep groups of volunteers enthusiastic and productive in a range of conditions; how to manage different personalities; and how a small group can pull together and just get the job done.
There were plenty of fun moments too - being with friends, working hard and getting the job done – you’re knackered at the end of the day, but you can look at your colleagues and smile and know that you’ve made a difference and done something worthwhile.
(CB) Has your traineeship helped you to progress your career? If so, how?
(RG): If you mean career in terms of overall personal development, then certainly yes. The BBOWT Traineeship isn’t just about the technical skills and qualifications that can be earned, but also those ‘soft’ skills that are often overlooked but are equally important: supporting and managing volunteers; assisting and enabling colleagues; interacting with members of the public.
(CB): If someone was thinking about applying for a volunteer traineeship, what would you say to them?
(RG): Go for it! I loved absolutely every minute of my traineeship. I met some truly wonderful people and learned so much. Every member of the full-time BBOWT staff was ready and willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm and love of the natural world with me.
Every day it felt like some part of my knowledge, skills, and experience grew. Every day I came home knackered and loving life.