Meet our Trainee Ranger - Mariah
I have been a Trainee Ranger at Heath Hands for just over a month. So far, it has already been such an enjoyable and insightful experience, and I look forward to fulfilling the rest of my placement! When I found out that I was offered the job, I was so happy! Although my interview was enjoyable (despite feeling very nervous!), I wasn’t sure if I would be given the place. So, learning that I was, in fact, successful was a very happy and exciting moment for me.
At the beginning of my work experience placement, I discussed my main objectives and what I wanted to gain from my time with Heath Hands. Already it appears that I have begun to fulfil them all! The work here is incredibly varied, from guiding walks to wildlife monitoring to garden maintenance and more. This has allowed me to learn new skills and develop them each day.
For example, one of my initial goals was to be able to identify more wildlife species, and I was keen to join one of our Nature Walks with one of our volunteers who is a bit of an expert in birds. It was very interesting and entertaining, and yes, afterwards I was able to identify at least five new bird species (including the Blackbird, Goldfinch, Sparrowhawk, Great spotted woodpecker and the Wren)!
Mariah getting to grips with invasive species
Another objective of mine was to become familiar with different tools - knowing what they are and how to use them, and, since the start of my placement, I have done so! From using a scythe to cut down yellow balsam (see above), to maintaining hedgerows with shears and lopper, to using a trowel to remove weeds, and much more I’ve been getting some great experience using hand tools. Recently, I have learnt about Himalayan balsam - a beautiful, but invasive plant species - and have been working with our volunteers to help remove it from the Heath. It is a very calming activity, except, perhaps when I slipped and got one foot a little stuck in the mud!
Helping install bat boxes as part of our wildlife adoption scheme
Overall, my experience working with Heath Hands thus far has been incredibly enriching- knowledge wise, practically and socially. I’m looking forward to learning much more during the remainder of my time here.
Helping Avi brighten up the wallks in the Hive
