Hello, I'm Joe and I am one of the Before the working for nature traineeship I had little idea what I wanted to do. I’d been doing odd gardening jobs for friends and family. I knew I wanted to work outside but I needed to find something that had a purpose and made a meaningful difference to our society and environment.

I saw the Working for Nature traineeship and initially I doubted myself whether I was capable. This feeling was eased by the way the advert was worded, it didn't focus on what qualifications I had or whether I had a great wealth of experience. Instead it was open to people who, like me, had struggled to find their path in life and wanted to have a positive impact on nature but didn't know where to begin.

The stories of previous trainees were very relatable and helped to reassure me that I could do it.

Within the first month I learnt so much about wildlife and their habitats, general ID of fauna and flora and the basics of woodland management by way of coppicing.

Throughout the year we have had practical training in coppicing, hedgelaying, drystone walling, fencing and we have been put through our Outdoor first aid and Brushcutter course.

I was also very fortunate to be able to do my chainsaw course which is a huge advantage when it comes to future employment.

I’ve had to pinch myself throughout the year, I couldn’t believe I was being paid to work out in nature with lovely people and being given all the training and support I needed. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have been given and I am now looking forward to my future within conservation.

We want to say a big thank you to the Heritage Fund, for providing funding for six trainees to take on the fantastic Working for Nature traineeship!