As a Wildlife Media student, I was interested in finding out more about roles within conservation. Luckily for me, I was able to get 5 days work experience at Lackford Lakes. We really covered a lot in that time! 

We started off the week getting to know the site, conducting a small aquatic invertebrates survey and planning a hapa zome craft session. This used natural materials to leave prints on fabric.  

The next day we met the Brand and Communications Officer who taught us about the Trust’s use of social media. We researched and created reels for Suffolk Wildlife’s TikTok. We aimed to create fun and informative short videos about our favourite species. I chose the goldcrest, simply because I think they are utterly adorable birds! I mean, their tiny size, the yellow crown-like stripe on their head – I just think they are awesome!      

We then went around the reserve and began to create a scavenger hunt for the holiday club the next day.   

At the holiday club, we spent our time in a small forest clearing by a stream, supervising and encouraging outdoor activities – we collected and identified feathers, made bark rubbings and looked for mini beasts hiding in the undergrowth.  

We were also lucky enough to spot a kingfisher perched on a branch whilst out drawing in one of the bird hides! 

On the fourth day we helped the warden's team, spreading wood chippings out to maintain one of the paths. In the afternoon, we got into waders (very fashionable!) to allow us to do some kick sampling in the stream. This was awesome. We found all kinds of tiny creatures living there. Small energetic shrimp, spiky-tailed may fly larvae and even a caddisfly larva peeking out from their stony case! 

Finally, we ended the week by identifying the species found in a moth trap and getting some photos of the wildlife around the reserve for use on social media. My favourite find was the Poplar hawk-moth. They are mainly grey in colour but look slightly fluffy and have such a dramatic angular wing shape.  

I had a great week spending time out in an environment I love, learning about the range of jobs in this industry that relate to my creative skillset.  

Thanks again for a great week,

Nathan