My Natural Education

I cannot quite pinpoint the instance that my passion for wildlife began, but from the first moment I can remember, my most resonant memories have been interacting with the earth and animals. My early schooling fortunately focused on such outdoor activities, and I was solely drawn to them. I only really cared about the beauty and diversity of collecting leaves or understanding the pattern of butterfly wings. As a result, I never understood the importance of formal education until later in secondary school, when the classes I thrived in were language and ecology based. It was David Attenborough who first taught me how I could direct my schooling towards my passion for the environment. He showed me that by using my formal education to attain a political-type strategic decision-making position, I could enact nature-based solutions on a much larger scale than hands-on conservation efforts, although I still hold such activities close to my heart, of course.

I carried these goals into my university experience, where I studied chemistry with study abroad for my bachelor’s and leadership for sustainable development for my master’s. I love travelling while giving back and have worked in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the USA, and Thailand—as a farmer, soil chemist/agronomist, cultural agent, habitat surveyor, and more. I continue to travel for multiple volunteering organisations to promote youth leadership.

Ulster Wildlife and Key Environmental Issues

I got involved with Ulster Wildlife mainly through the Youth Forum, but I have had repeated correspondence with them throughout my life, through my university career and other volunteering commitments. From here, I was motivated to apply for a role as a Youth Member of Ulster Wildlife's Board of Trustees, as I wanted to help represent a youth perspective that, as I know through experience, can provide insights that are missing in some key debates.

One of the challenges we face today is our mindset towards sustainability. As our world grows more complex, addressing issues at their source can significantly alleviate conservation struggles, which often connect to the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. I think Ulster Wildlife recognises this and is addressing this holistic problem by targeting strategic decision-making across all areas of society, and I’m happy to be part of that journey.

We are all stewards of our own future, and it’s crucial that younger generations have a voice in shaping it. Incorporating younger demographics has been shown in many ways, from across the world, to yield great ideas that are beneficial for everyone, which older generations may not have thought of initially. It is also more important than ever to give young people something to hope for. Therefore, proper integration of young people into decision-making positions shouldn’t be a desire; it should be treated as a necessity.

A Message to Young People

As a young person, working with Ulster Wildlife has allowed me to take action for my environmental goals, using their catalogue of diverse projects to navigate, identify, and enact my own aspirations. This is the advice I’d like to give to other young people; start somewhere!

Don’t be overwhelmed by the increasing number of eco-anxiety-inducing problems. So many people’s capacity for getting involved falters before even getting started. Just take the first step, and only then will you know if you’re going in the direction you want to.

My work with Ulster Wildlife has allowed me to explore my passion for youth perspectives, scientific analysis, and international partnership. From working proudly as part of the governance committee to learn the complex inner workings of this multi-sector organisation to delivering community projects close to my home—like talks about a local green gem of mine, the restored Bog Meadows community hub.

I’m still discovering incredible organisations in Belfast making strides in sustainability. There are countless opportunities to get involved, and you’re likely to meet someone inspirational on your first day who can share valuable insights on the abundance of opportunities in your area of interest. So don’t hesitate—take that first step, get your foot in the door, and let it snowball from there!