By Isabella Luciani

When I first applied for the Biodiversity Ambassador Traineeship, I saw it as a great opportunity to gain hands-on community engagement experience as well as deepening my understanding of biodiversity. I was excited about the chance to engage with the public, learn from experts, and contribute to meaningful conversations about nature. Now, as I reflect on my journey so far, I can confidently say that this experience has been both rewarding and eye-opening.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the traineeship has been working directly with the public and sharing knowledge about the natural world. Whether it was leading activities, answering questions, or sparking discussions, I found it incredibly fulfilling to help people connect with biodiversity in a meaningful way. Seeing individuals engage in conversations about conservation and environmental issues reinforced the importance of public engagement in biodiversity awareness.

A particularly rewarding aspect of this traineeship has been the opportunity to bring creativity into my workshops. Coming from a creative background, I’ve enjoyed finding ways to make biodiversity education more engaging through visual storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive elements. Whether it was designing materials for workshops, thinking of new ways to present information, or using artistic approaches to spark discussions. I’ve found that creativity plays a key role in making complex environmental topics more accessible and inspiring for different audiences.

Throughout the traineeship, I’ve also developed valuable skills, from communication and teamwork to adapting information for different audiences. I’ve learned how to make ecological concepts more engaging, which has been both a challenge and a rewarding learning experience. Of course, there were moments of uncertainty. At times, I felt nervous about speaking in front of groups or worried about whether I had the right answers to people’s questions. However, with practice and support from my mentor Paula, I grew more confident in my ability to facilitate discussions and share knowledge effectively.

Looking ahead, this traineeship has reinforced my passion for biodiversity and public engagement. It has given me a clearer sense of how I can contribute to conservation efforts through education, creativity, and outreach. I hope that the work we’ve done as ambassadors continues to inspire people to appreciate and protect the natural world.

This experience has been truly invaluable, not only for what I have learned but for how it has shaped my confidence and abilities. The skills I’ve developed will continue to support me throughout my career, allowing me to bring creativity, communication, and engagement into future opportunities. I am grateful for everything I have gained so far and look forward to seeing where this path leads next.

The Biodiversity Ambassador programme is part of Planting Connections and made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support Biodiversity Ambassador trainees to work with communities.