One of the main areas of work was habitat management, this included a range of activities such as cutting grass for the wildflower meadows, removing scrub, opening up ditches that had become overgrown, and the removal of invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam.

While it was hard work, it was very satisfying and I learned a lot on the job. I was grateful to be able to work with a highly motivated and knowledgeable team of staff as well as volunteers from the local community - they never failed to put a smile on my face after a long day of pulling weeds from streams!

During the summer, I undertook a range of biological monitoring tasks such as mapping invasive species, botanical monitoring, butterfly and moth surveying and hedgehog surveying using footprint tunnels. This gave me an invaluable insight into some of the amazing biodiversity in Bog Meadows and Ulster Wildlife’s other nature reserves, as well as allowing me to develop skills surveying, mapping and analysing data.

Thanks to Bog Meadows’ location in the heart of the city, it is Ulster Wildlife’s primary nature reserve for public engagement. I had the opportunity to help deliver a range of events including environmental education sessions for local schools as well as guided walks, species identification sessions, foraging courses and crafting sessions for local community groups. As Gaeilgeoir, I particularly enjoyed taking the local Irish language primary schools out to hunt for bugs in the trees and in the pond, and delivering events for Féile an Phobail. It was an honour to get to work with such a friendly, outgoing community and I have made many connections which I hope will only continue to grow and strengthen in the future.

A big part of the traineeship of course, is the training. I participated in a number of species identification workshops such as identifying bees and wildflowers, as well as more hands-on training such as strained-wire fencing, correct use of tools and machinery (e.g. strimmer, hedge-trimmer, alan scythe), emergency first aid, volunteer management and NICVA Teaching and Training. This was one of the most satisfying parts of the whole traineeship, as I could use the skills and techniques I had learned on the job and see real progress in my skills week to week.

Sadly, as with all good things my traineeship finally came to an end. Thanks to all the skills I have developed and the experience I have gained from working with Ulster Wildlife this last year, I have been successful in getting a job with another environmental charity in N. Ireland - something I would never have dreamed would be possible before starting the traineeship! I would highly recommend the Our People Our Places traineeship to anyone interested in nature, wildlife conservation and most importantly, anyone up for the challenge and the craic of working outdoors!