Teri Nicholls is now a Conservation Officer at South West Lakes Trust, but started her career with us as a volunteer in 2020. 

What was your motivation for volunteering?
I’ve been volunteering for various organisations and local action groups since 2017, gaining experience while raising a young family, working part-time and studying. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I wanted to continue volunteering within conservation and environmental land management, so I signed up to the Trust.

What did you do as part of your volunteering?
I became a Site Guardian at Porth Reservoir, carrying out invasive non-native species surveys and management. I also did some desktop research into both Red and Grey squirrels and carried out botanical meadow surveys at Porth Reservoir.

What skills and knowledge did you bring to your volunteer role?
I studied conservation and ecology at college so I was able apply my skills in invasive species identification, habitat management and scientific research. 

Did you gain any new skills or knowledge while volunteering?
Volunteering allowed me to work alongside professionals within the field, putting theory into practice. I gained more practical skills in land management and species identification.

How did your volunteering help you when applying for a role at the Trust?
I knew the role I applied for was going to be challenging – in a good way, pushing me out of my comfort zone – but as a volunteer, I had gained an insight into the charity’s aims and values and knew the team would be supportive if I was to succeed in getting the role. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a volunteer role at South West Lakes Trust? 
If you are thinking about it, apply! It is a super flexible way of gaining new skills, sharing knowledge and meeting new people.