Growing up in Perthshire, I have an affinity for the hilly, wet, and wild landscapes of Northumberland. As a child I was never happier than when I was chasing my brothers around a woodland or building a makeshift badger hide with my parents. I was so very fortunate to grow up in a family that loved the outdoors and encouraged my passion for the natural world.

I attended the University of Glasgow where I gained a BSc in Zoology and cemented my love for ecology and conservation. After graduating I wanted to gain practical experience of conservation on the ground, so I started volunteering for the Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB in a range of roles from reserve management to events to species monitoring. I was incredibly lucky to secure a conservation traineeship with the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, and spent a fantastic year shadowing the reserve staff and delivering volunteer days and management work.

Through this placement I was able to gain a Diploma in Work Based Conservation, chainsaw, brush-cutter, and trailer tickets as well as invaluable experience in the field. From there, I went on to roles as the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Seasonal North East Ranger and most recently the Trossachs Water Vole Project Officer. Working on this renowned water vole re-introduction project, I fell in love with the species and the wonderful landscapes and habitats that it calls home.

I am delighted to be joining the Naturally Native team as the Project Officer for Northumberland. It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the fantastic efforts to save this iconic species across the North East. It is also an opportunity to educate, inspire and foster an understanding and love for nature in others, particularly the young people in the North East who will go on to safeguard its future.

Find out more about the Naturally Native project by visiting the Naturally Native project page and keep up to date on all the activities and news on our Facebook page.