16 Apr Life on the Edge Apprentices in Action

 

Our first cohort of Life on the Edge apprentices have been busy at work along the Coast.

 

 

Simone, Jacob, and Maisie joined LotE in September 2024, and have since been working closely with our partners at the National Trust to care for South Devon’s incredible landscape and develop important skills in conservation, ecology and countryside management.

 

By the end of their time with LotE, our apprentices will have gained a level 2 Countryside Worker qualification, and be ready to embark on the next stage of their careers, applying their learning to benefit people and nature in our National Landscape and beyond. 

 

Meet the apprentices and find out what they’ve been up to below.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

 

Simone

 

 

 

“Since joining the apprenticeship, I have had a wealth of opportunities that I never thought I’d get to experience! From creating and installing benches and tables from scratch using green woodworking processes, to herding in Dartmoor ponies to being a part of a huge woodland creation project planting a total of 110,000 trees.

The role of a Ranger is extremely diverse and more complex than I first understood. Rangers are like the roadies of the countryside, working behind the scenes to ensure people and nature can thrive together.

 

 

It’s been a wonderful experience working on a farm with a tenant farmer and being around cattle, understanding how they use grazing systems to care for the land and work alongside the National Trust to ensure farmland works for feeding people and also nature.

 

I have enjoyed working outdoors in all weather types and just 6 months in I have knowledge that I never thought I’d have before.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacob

 

 

“Reflecting on my first six months as an apprentice, I’m amazed by how much I’ve learned and how many invaluable experiences I’ve had.

 

This apprenticeship has given me the perfect introduction to a career in conservation, providing me with a wealth of practical skills and ecological knowledge. From installing oak gates to surveying for harvest mice, each task has offered me a deeper understanding of the ecological groundwork behind a project, all the way through to the practical implementation of conservation measures.

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this apprenticeship has been the opportunity to work alongside a range of people, each experienced in different aspects of conservation. Through this collaboration, I’ve greatly improved my identification skills for both flora and fauna, all while getting out into the field for surveys along the stunning South Devon coast. One of my key highlights has been working on the LotE target species surveys.

 

I feel incredibly fortunate to be working in such a beautiful and important natural landscape. This immersive experience has not only enhanced my professional skills but also positively impacted my overall wellbeing.

 

Another aspect of my apprenticeship that I value is the chance to contribute to a project that engages local communities. Conservation should be accessible to everyone, and I’m proud to be part of a programme that offers opportunities to people from diverse backgrounds. It’s fulfilling to know that the work we do is making a difference for both nature and people alike.

 

In the first six months, we’ve had the chance to carry out some very hands-on practical tasks like hedge-laying and tree planting. These activities have not only had tangible benefits for the environment but also filled me with a real sense of pride. Looking back at all that we’ve achieved, I’m filled with excitement for what the future holds as I continue my apprenticeship into next year.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maisie

 

 

 

 

“Through working with both Life on the edge and the National Trust I have many opportunities to take part in – each week we are doing something different and it’s nice to have freedom in where I take my learning. A

s of recently I’ve been knee deep in mud building leaky dams, surveying for oil beetles along the coast path and using chainsaw skills to control invasive plant species. All the while being constantly surrounded by passionate individuals who are keen to share their skills and wisdom – it’s been a refreshing experience so far I’ve started to gain a lot more confidence in not only myself but also my abilities.

 

One highlight for me has been taking part in the national trust community forest project which aims to create new woodland spaces for both conservation and recreational purposes. Building new outdoor furniture from scratch and installing it in the up and coming landscape, although maybe tiring at the end of the day, has been a very rewarding experience especially when seeing people utilize the new spaces after completion and express gratitude towards us. Fields which in the past may have been overgrazed are now slowly being transformed – it’s somewhat surreal to think about how it will look in 20 years.

 

Another experience I’ve enjoyed are the surveying events I’m able to take part in with Life on The Edge, most recently we’ve been surveying for oil beetles along the Wembury coastal path, being able to learn through the knowledge of others has been a very helpful as we all pool in trying to figure out what surrounds us. Putting the theory we are learning in the classroom to good practice. It feels good knowing that we’re doing something positive by highlighting sightings of these rare beetles and as the summer approaches it makes it even more exciting to see what else we might find out there.”