My first month as a trainee

From hands-on conservation tasks to shadowing staff, tackling imposter syndrome and embracing every opportunity to learn, Laura shares her first impressions as a new trainee.

A photo of three trainees bending down in the grass to look at a green-winged orchid

Hello reader. My name’s Laura and, four weeks into the placement, it’s a pleasure to write the first blog for the 2026 Worcestershire Wildlife Trust trainee intake.

In many ways, it’s been a really encouraging start and I’m having a great time. Everyone we’ve met so far has been warm, enthusiastic and deeply knowledgeable about Worcestershire’s wildlife. It’s clear how much passion there is across the Trust. The team recognises the commitment we’re making by volunteering three days a week and, in return, they’ve been keen to offer whatever support they can. Alongside our structured training, we’ve been offered opportunities to shadow different departments, join bat surveys, go birdwatching and sit in on team meetings. It’s a brilliant introduction to the breadth of work that goes on behind the scenes.

A photo of two trainees standing either side of a new interpretation panel at a nature reserve

I’m keen to make the most of every learning opportunity - not just because it’s all fascinating but because I’m still working out where my own strengths and interests fit best within the Trust’s work. We’ve been encouraged to start thinking about areas we might like to focus on and to discuss this with our supervisor, Andy, so that our experience can be tailored as much as possible. At the same time, there’s a fixed timetable of tasks on the reserves, which make up the core of the traineeship, giving us a solid grounding in practical conservation skills.

With so much on offer, deciding where to focus can feel like a bit of a puzzle. There are so many specialisms within the Trust’s work and each one is compelling in its own way. Balancing time between exploring different areas and beginning to build depth in a few is something I’m gradually getting to grips with.

Another part of the experience has been adjusting to just how much there is to learn. I arrived feeling fairly confident about my knowledge of birds and native plants but it didn’t take long for imposter syndrome to set in. Five minutes chatting with a staff member can be an inspiring yet intimidating experience - how on earth am I ever going to get to even 10% of that depth of knowledge? It’s both humbling and motivating. There are so many ways to learn - through the staff and volunteers, local groups, books, online resources and, of course, time spent out on the nature reserves observing wildlife firsthand.

One of the highlights so far has been getting to know the other trainees. They’re a really friendly group and I’m glad to be sharing the year with them. Our teacher Andy is patient, clear in instruction and very experienced in practical reserves work, so I know we are being taught how to do things properly.

There’s no doubt it will be a busy year ahead, balancing training, independent study and my other part-time job at a wildflower nursery. But after this first month, I’m feeling excited for what’s to come.