International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the achievements of women as well as educating and raising awareness for women’s equality and equity.

In honour of this day, we asked some of our team to reflect on their career journeys so far working in the environmental and wildlife conservation sector.

Laura Ashfield - Team Wilder engagement officer

In the early 2000s I thought a biology degree was enough to start a career in ecology, but it took me a few years to find my way into the wildlife sector. Through volunteering and working part-time for Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust, I developed an interest in helping young people that has continued ever since.

My second job working in conservation was challenging – but it gave me great training opportunities. I gained practical skills including a minibus licence, Forest Schools knowledge, and brush cutting and chainsaw skills.

I went on to join an all-women team at another green organisation, and they were an inspiration. General outreach work in Surrey and London made me realise that if we celebrate the diversity of habitats and species, we also need to encourage diversity of people, platforms, messages and, especially, skills and experience.

Maybe the pandemic helped, but I have seen a sector shift recently as there seem to be more women working in practical conservation work.

Harriet Baber - Senior ecologist

I help developers and other clients with the conservation aspects of planning applications. As well as enabling them to meet their legal obligations, we try to achieve the best possible outcomes for habitats and species.

I studied Zoology at Exeter University, where probably 60% of my classmates were female. I didn’t know what to do after my degree, but a module on consultancy must have grabbed my attention because after working with horses for a while, I started doing some ecological surveys, then found the full-time positions that eventually brought me to Surrey Wildlife Trust.

I work for commercial clients, but they are genuinely interested in wildlife. I really enjoy it, which is just as well because it tends to take over your life – even more so as I’m also doing a Master’s degree, with support from the Trust.

During my career so far I’ve been lucky to work for several strong, inspiring women.

Emma Randall - Nature-based solutions officer

I had always been interested in nature and had done work experience with Surrey Wildlife Trust during sixth form. It felt natural to study Zoology at university, and I continued with a master’s in wildlife management and Conservation.

Until recently I worked as a data officer with Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC). I supported its enquiry service for ecological consultants, local authorities and educational establishments.

My new job is supporting the managers in the Trust’s Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) team. I’ve been getting up to speed, learning about GIS systems, survey processes and so on. We advise landowners on how to manage land better for nature and I would encourage more of them to get in touch.

It’s clearer every day that NBS is the right route for the planet – and for me. My mum’s friends are starting to talk about environmental issues, so our time really has come!

Emily Jupe - Conservation manager

I joined Surrey Wildlife Trust in June 2021 as a reserve officer, having had experience in several conservation organisations.

I’m now responsible for the Trust’s 17 reserves in the east of the county. This includes implementing management plans, running work programmes and meeting Countryside Stewardship agreements. It is definitely not a desk job and I’m often out on site with reserve officers, volunteers and contractors.

I liaise with local councils, reserve visitors, neighbours and other stakeholders.

I’m working hard to bolster the Trust’s reputation in the community, which means being active on social media, publishing ranger notes, doing guided walks, getting involved in fundraising – and just talking to everyone! It’s all about encouraging wildlife and enabling people to enjoy our reserves.

Every day is different, and I really feel I’m making a difference. Seeing a tangible impact, such as a new hedgerow on a partner landowner’s field, is so rewarding.

Ashley Greening - Intern

I’m in the middle of a nine-month internship with Surrey Wildlife Trust at their Nower Wood Education Centre. I’m part of our Team Wilder initiative, which aims to inspire people to take action for nature.

As a wheelchair user, I hope I can help other people with a physical disability to seize the opportunity to engage with nature. I’m certainly getting a lot out of it.

The combination of conservation and education really suits me. As far as I’m concerned, I can do anything – from clearing scrub to giving a talk. I just might do it differently.

I was home educated so I tended to focus on what I was most interested in, which eventually led to an online diploma in zoology. I don’t think you need to go to university if it isn’t right for you. I have also been an elite athlete in wheelchair basketball and a para ice hockey player.

Now I love bringing my own insight to Surrey Wildlife Trust’s audiences, particularly young people, for example by doing route surveys for people with disabilities and special needs. I am encouraged by all the women in the Trust who are leading by example.

Louise Shorthose - Outdoor learning manager

I was on track for a career in banking when I realised that I would have to study maths and economics. It turned out that the subjects I enjoyed – geography, biology and chemistry – were much more suited to environmental science. Two degrees later, I was an environmental consultant.

I made my way to Hong Kong to advise on building and engineering projects. In the past as a young woman, it was sometimes hard to be heard. Today the environment, women and youth are all taken more seriously.

I joined the Trust  in 2005 and I’ve been a volunteer, educator and am now the Outdoor Learning Manager. It’s wonderful to see children – and adults – open up to nature.

When I started, the team – and the Trust as a whole – had little representation of women, but now women are prevalent at almost every level of the organisation.