How long have you worked at Clarkson & Woods?
I’ve been working at Clarkson and Woods for almost two years now, officially joining the team as an Assistant Ecologist in September 2021. I studied previously at Cardiff University, firstly for my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and then for my master’s degree in Global Ecology and Conservation. As part of the MSc degree course, I needed to undertake a two-week professional placement in the industry and was able to do this with Clarkson and Woods in May 2021. I really enjoyed my experience of both the consultancy profession and working with the team at Clarkson and Woods during my placement, so much so that I was keen to get started on a permanent basis as soon as possible!
I am now working as an Ecologist at the company, and really value the continued opportunities for me to learn and develop in my role. A big part of this development comes from working alongside such an encouraging and supportive group of colleagues; the range of experience within the team means that there’s always an expert on hand to answer my questions, whatever species or process they might be regarding.
What do you enjoy most about working here at Clarkson & Woods?
Wildlife and nature have always been things that have inspired me, starting from a very early age. Whilst the dinosaur-obsessed five-year-old Molly might be a little disappointed that I haven’t found a way to bring back the diplodocus, being able to protect other, slightly smaller native species from being wiped out is something I know she would be proud of. The large variety of species that we encounter always keeps things exciting, but I have particularly enjoyed my work surveying great crested newts and other amphibians (even when that has involved wading up to my waist in muddy pond water!).
I love that my role at Clarkson and Woods allows me to work in a field that really interests me, and the dynamic nature of the industry keeps me on my toes. The opportunity to do a combination of office-based tasks and work out in the field is something that I really value about the job here; I feel very lucky to spend so much time working outside, particularly when the weather’s good.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Ecology and the outdoors make up a big part of the things I enjoy outside of work, and I volunteer on a number of different programmes including dormouse box checking and helping out my local toad-patrol. I’m also a big sports fan; rugby and football are top of the list for me, and I try to attend as many matches as I can either at Ashton Gate, Sandy Park or the Principality Stadium. As well as live sport, watching live music is one of my favourite things to do – a summer doesn’t really feel complete without at least one festival!
As well as trips abroad with friends from both work and home, I love spending time on the coast here in the UK and recently took a trip to Pembrokeshire with my sister, Bonnie. Whilst the March weather was definitely bracing, the coastal walks along the cliffs and brief dashes into the sea made for some pretty special memories.
