Meet Mr Communications

Our new Communications Assistant, Sinclaire, joined the Heath Hands team this month. Find out how he’s been finding his first few days working on Hampstead Heath.

I have dreamed of working in Hampstead Heath for a long time, but couldn't find anywhere nearby that matched my field of interest. But one day I stumbled across Heath Hands for the role as a Communication Assistant and it was kinda obvious that I take on the role. Little did I realise, my life was just about to change for the better.

After experiencing my first day at this wonderful place, I had a fun and informative introduction to the organisation and my role. I was accompanied by great colleagues and later on I got to join the Youth Volunteers who were working to make green up Savernake Road. I took some pictures and videos of their amazing work. Needless to say, I had a great time and meeting some of the people in the community was only the start of my great experience. 

Day 2 was slightly more relaxing because I went to our office at the Dairy (near the Kenwood House), and joined a guided walk with local conservation groups across the Heath Extension and Garden Suburb to Big Wood. Fun fact, on my way to the Dairy, I rode my bike through the grass and got there in a highly muddy state! See my video of what I thought about the day below.

Joining in on our recent bird walk with volunteers and visitors, led by my now new friend, Kier, we learnt a great deal and helped promote Big Garden Birdwatch. This was such a busy day as I then joined the Wildlife Interpreters, taking photos and videos as visitors to the Heath stopped and got involved in the birdwatches. Finally I joined up again with the youth as they carried out some hedge laying and fill up some gaps in the scrub island of bushes on Parliament Hill to prevent people from going inside. I joined in on the action and I met Yi (awesome name) who was volunteering to supervise the session. 

I’ve recently (today in fact!) been helping kids from Holborn Community Association on their art explorers visit, warming up with some hot chocolate and working on some upcoming Heath Hands comms! Overall, I have had a wonderful time so far and I have no doubt that things will continue to get more exciting. There are many adventures to be had in Hampstead Heath!

As part of our objective to provide pathways for people to gain skills and training in the environmental and outdoor sector we have expanded our work experience programme this year.

Thanks to funding from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, we are providing paid placements to people underrepresented in the outdoor sector.

Sinclaire’s impression of getting out and about on the Heath with us