Written by Lizzy Arnold
Hi, I’m Lizzy. I’m a student studying BSc Environmental Management at Bangor University and I have recently completed my summer work placement at the National Biodiversity Network (NBN), and what a great experience it was!
I first crossed paths with the NBN when offered a place by Natural Resources Wales and funding for registration from Bangor University to the NBN Conference in 2014 – “Climate, collaboration and collection – Informing the new conservation agenda”. This was the first conference I have attended in relation to my studies and it was fantastic. The event provided an opportunity to see presentations from some of the UK’s leading nature organisations in addition to meeting people in the biological recording sector and having the chance to speak with them.
Inspired by the enthusiasm shown by NBN and its members I approached John Sawyer, CEO, and asked if he would consider me for a student placement. This was not something NBN had done before but John welcomed the idea and I received the excellent news that I was successful in attaining a summer work placement at the NBN with the role as ‘Data Project Officer’.
During my time at NBN I worked on numerous projects including the creation of a UK biological recording scheme database and producing case studies of how the NBN Gateway’s data has been used. The work I undertook allowed me to work both independently and in a team which I feel are extremely valuable work life skills. Additionally I attended NBN team meetings which gave me a wider understanding of the variety of work the NBN is involved with and the important role the NBN and its Network Members plays in the biodiversity sector.
Also I had the opportunity to write several NBN eNews articles. This gave me the chance to independently research news stories and to produce articles that update and inform subscribers. I enjoyed producing the eNews articles as they were extremely interesting to research. One article in particular that I enjoyed writing focused on celebrating the National Biodiversity Network Trust’s ‘15th Birthday’. This gave me the opportunity to explore the NBN Trust’s history which enlightened me on how much the NBN has grown, which is really inspiring.
Additionally I worked on the social media Facebook and Twitter accounts for NBN. I really enjoyed making posts on the NBN pages as they directly engage with like-minded organisations and it is a reminder of the fantastic network of individuals and organisations involved with the NBN. I also liked sharing current news articles as I feel it’s a great way to share news about the ‘wildlife world’. Throughout my work I saw the social media accounts grow in interest. Communication with our followers increased along with the numbers of followers and likes we usually receive. This change is really rewarding as it highlights our social media posts are reaching out to a wider audience.
In relation to NBN social media accounts, I also created a ‘Nature Calendar’. The Nature Calendar is made up of important days in the calendar year relative to biological recording and wildlife events. The Nature Calendar is a way to engage our followers on social media and to get involved with events around the UK. I also created a list of ‘national days’ taking place across the UK which are actively shared on social media and relate to data held on the NBN Gateway.
During my placement I attended Bird Fair 2015. This gave me the chance to meet wildlife organisations from around the UK (many of whom are members of the NBN and NBN Gateway data providers). The experience of Bird Fair opened my eyes to the great network of enthusiastic organisations involved with the NBN.
Throughout my time on work placement I gained a valuable insight into working life within a sector I am extremely passionate about. The experience has improved my skills and has definitely enhanced my remaining time as a student, in addition to improving my future career prospects. I am extremely grateful for my time at the National Biodiversity Network and the great team behind the network.
Following the success of Lizzy's placement, the NBN Secretariat would consider recruiting a further student for a placement next summer, so keep an eye on eNews for further information in 2016!