It was six weeks ago that I first set foot in Nower Wood Educational Reserve to embark on my Conservation Evidence internship with Surrey Wildlife Trust. 

I can still remember the nerve-racking ritual I had gone through of refreshing my inbox, fingers crossed each time, awaiting news from the Trust, and the delight I felt when I was accepted. 

Over the next few weeks, I worked on several projects, starting with organising research data and refining a simple guide to help new users navigate Conservation Evidence data. Building on the work of the intern before me gave me a smooth start and boosted my confidence with the tools I’d be using in the weeks ahead. 

In my second week, I joined the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) team, a welcoming and lively group based at the Pirbright office. My main task was to develop a literature review—a resource designed for clients who, like me at the time, might be unfamiliar with the term “NbS.” This research also led me into the fascinating world of Green Finance, where I explored the challenges of placing monetary value on natural systems and the complexities of substituting one biodiversity measure for another. That week ended memorably with a guided botany walk across the Chalk Pewley Meadows, led by the wonderfully knowledgeable Hattie Baber and Isobel Girvan. Standing amidst such incredible plant diversity underscored the importance of the Trust’s work and deepened my appreciation for the role of conservation in protecting our surroundings. 

Equipped with an understanding of NbS and an enhanced note-taking system that surprised even me with its neatness, I spent the following two weeks compiling a reference bank of evidence to support the NbS team’s recommendations. Finding critical sources from the prior week allowed me to approach each claim from an analytical viewpoint, looking for studies that both supported and disputed them. 

My final two weeks were a flurry of feedback, refining reports and creating resources that I hope will outlast my time with the team. Time flew by, punctuated with late summer walks around the reserve and even the occasional wild swim with colleagues! Presenting my contributions at the Pirbright office was a highlight, as I could proudly show off my evidence collection, knowing it could be used in real projects going forward. 

Since working at the Trust, I have been filled with awe at the depth of knowledge my colleagues possess and the passion they bring to their work. I’ll always be grateful for everything they’ve taught me. As my internship draws to a close, I’ll carry with me the pride I’ve felt of being part of a team dedicated to protecting Surrey’s wildlife, from ancient woodlands alive with birdsong, to the rolling chalk grasslands, and even the two resident newts in Nower Wood’s pond! 

What began as a nervous hope for an acceptance email has grown into six weeks of growth and connection. I’m excited to continue my work with Surrey Wildlife Trusts; I have a feeling this is only the beginning.