Meet Maeve, one of the Green Corridors trainees. Maeve has joined us for 12 months as part of the New to Nature programme and has really integrated herself into the team, bringing bags of enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in. Here she takes a look back at the last 6 months.
"I’m at the halfway point of my role as Green Corridors Trainee which is part of the New to Nature programme run by Groundwork UK. When I joined St Nicks back in July 2023, not only was I “New to Nature” but I was also new to York. It didn’t take me long to realise what a beautiful city I had arrived to and had the pleasure to live and work in. I jumped straight into the summer practical tasks. My second day saw me putting on waders, climbing into the becks, and pulling out the invasive Himalayan Balsam. Back onsite, I assisted the rangers with scything the wildflower meadow. I quickly built up my skills for habitat management, everyday learning more and more about different species and how to protect them.
In the winter months, I have enjoyed carrying out coppicing, tree planting and general scrub maintenance. Despite the colder temperatures, you can always see the impressive impact you’ve made thanks to all the help from the volunteers!
I am looking forward to the second half of my traineeship. I am planning to take up my own project and put all my new skills to good use! I think this will be an exciting step forward, taking on more responsibility and further improving the green corridors in York.
I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly and supportive team to work with, and I can’t wait to see what this year will bring!"
New to Nature aims to provide life-changing experiences for people who might not normally have access to a career in the environmental sector, with young people who are from an ethnic minority, who are disabled or who are from low-income homes being encouraged to apply for roles in all areas of the nature sector.
One of the key aspects that sets New to Nature apart is that our trainees are paid a competitive wage for 12-months while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the environmental sector. This not only allows them to support themselves but also offers a stepping stone towards a fulfilling career.
New to Nature provides dedicated support through employment mentors who guide and assist trainees, helping them navigate the challenges of the workplace and providing valuable insights and advice.
