Alex, who is the Trust’s first Associate Trustee*, has lifelong ties to our two counties and a background in conservation, is currently studying the population dynamics of eider ducks for her PhD at the University of Southampton. Here she reveals what interested her in becoming a Trustee, which projects she’s particularly excited to get involved with and how we can best support nature’s recovery.
What interested you in becoming an Associate Trustee for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust?
I was drawn to the advertisement because it specifically mentioned that the Trust was looking for younger people to increase age diversity on the Board, which persuaded me to apply even though it wasn’t something I would have considered at this stage before. I’d also seen that Devon Wildlife Trust had previously appointed a then‐21‐year‐old Trustee, which increased my confidence in applying at ‘only’ 27! More generally, it was a great opportunity to get involved with nature conservation in my local area while gaining new skills and experience.
You’re currently studying for a PhD at the University of Southampton. Please can you tell us a bit about your research project?
Although I do love getting my hands dirty, for this project, rather than heading out into the field, I’m mostly optimising the analysis of previously collected data. I use mathematical models to consider the relative influence of different life stages (e.g. eggs, chicks, adults) on population growth rates of eider ducks. The species selection process was actually rather pragmatic: I was working with my current primary supervisor on a human population project at the time but given my previous involvement with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, and the fact that we were co‐designing a PhD for the Doctoral Training Programme at the National Oceanography Centre, we went for seaducks!
What are your career ambitions post‐PhD?
I hope to take my research skills to an NGO – definitely environmental, and ideally with a focus on birds, which have been my particular passion within a wider interest in nature from a young age. In general terms, I’m an ecologist, but it’s important to me that I’m doing applied science which is having an impact on the ground.
What does the nature and wildlife of Hampshire & the Isle of Wight mean to you personally?
I’ve lived in Hampshire since 2016 and have been visiting grandparents here my whole life – I have fond early memories of walking in Telegraph Woods. Since the first COVID lockdown I’ve become very keen on wild swimming, so I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the Solent, as well as enjoying the Itchen Way. In terms of the Trust’s nature reserves, I’m a fan of Swanwick Lakes, the Lower Test, Fishlake Meadows and most recently I’ve been exploring Winnall Moors.
What have been your most memorable wildlife encounters, both locally across our two counties and anywhere in the world?
Locally, I remember a lovely childhood summer holiday on the Isle of Wight admiring the grassland butterflies, and last year I saw a kingfisher on one of the ponds in Southampton Common which was a very pleasant surprise. Wild swimming has also brought various encounters, including a grass snake near Winchester and a seal off Weston Shore. Further afield, after undergrad I volunteered at a nature reserve in Costa Rica, including protecting sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach, which was magical!
What does it mean to you to join the Trust’s board of trustees (Council)?
Having previously volunteered in practical settings within conservation NGOs, it’s a brilliant opportunity to take on a more involved role in organisational management. It’s been really lovely getting to know everyone and seeing how the different positions fit together. In addition to offering a fresh perspective on the Board, I’m particularly excited to be involved with the Conservation & Science Advisory Panel, and I recently observed a meeting of the Business & Finance Committee where I learnt so much!
How important do you feel it is that any board of trustees is represented by people from a range of backgrounds, ages and demographics?
I think it’s super important, both in helping the Trust to meet its charitable objective of building nature connections for everyone from our two counties and more generally in ensuring equal opportunities to engage in governance. Hopefully, it will be a positive cycle: if people can see role models who represent themselves within the Board, they should be more comfortable in applying and feel welcomed when appointed.
Are there any Trust projects you’re especially looking forward to getting involved with?
I have a personal interest in rewilding – and actually completed a university project on the reintroduction of beavers to the UK – so I’m very excited to see the plans for Wilder Wight and other similar ventures in Hampshire. I have also sat on the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion committee at the National Oceanography Centre for a few years now, so I’m excited to help the Trust continue to build on its work in that area.
What do you feel are the most pertinent issues facing the natural world today, both locally and on a wider scale?
Locally, and especially living in a city, I think it’s really important to protect and expand access to nature – this feeds back by inspiring people to take action to support wildlife and protect green spaces. Nationally, I’m following the development of post‐Brexit environmental legislation and agri‐environment schemes with interest, and I really hope we can uphold EU standards while also taking the opportunity to develop innovative approaches to reduce habitat loss and degradation. Globally, one can’t ignore the impacts of climate change, so international cooperation is more important than ever!