Welcome to my series of interviews with some wonderful people who work within the natural world, from zoo keepers, to museum curators and everything in between and those that are on the path to working in these positions too. Be inspired for a future where you can combine your love of nature with your day job. I hope you enjoy these interviews, that you can learn something from them and they can inspire you.

Now let me introduce you to Becky.....

Name

Becky Williams

Age

29

Location

Chester

What do you do?

I’m a Wilder Lives Officer at Cheshire Wildlife Trust and I engage and support community groups who are doing great things for wildlife in their local areas.

How did you get into it? 

A few years ago, I started a youth-led nature campaign in Chester with the goal to help others see what I had come to understand—wildlife is in trouble, and we all have a role to play. I met countless community groups, all dedicated to making a difference in their local areas. Their passion inspired me to pursue a career that reflects my values.

I was fortunate to land a traineeship with Learning through Landscapes, where I taught themes like climate change and soil degradation to children in primary schools across Liverpool and Runcorn. Today, I’m proud to be with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, collaborating with community groups who are making a real impact in conservation.

What made you want to do what you do?

It wasn’t until lockdown that I truly reconnected with nature since being a child. Gardening, hiking, and spending more time outdoors opened my eyes—I realised I’d been taking the natural world for granted. The more I learnt about the biodiversity and climate crisis, the more I realised I had to get involved. I always assumed you needed an ecology or conservation degree to help with wildlife charity work, but I soon realised that we need everyone, no matter what background. Working with community groups during the nature campaign gave me hope and solidified my desire to work in the environmental sector.

What does it involve?

Every day is different in my role.  My main aim is to support something we run called the Wild Network, which consists of a growing number of wildlife enthusiasts all doing something meaningful in their local areas. I coordinate training workshops to help them upskill. I run networking sessions to bring likeminded folk together. I run an active Facebook group where I encourage community groups and individuals to ask or offer help, especially volunteering opportunities. Every month I write a monthly newsletter, with upcoming events, funding and good news stories for nature.

Did you need any qualifications? 

Not exactly. I studied Textile Design at university, driven by my passion for creativity and working with materials. This led me to a career as a print designer, creating fabric patterns—a role that, surprisingly, still influences my day-to-day work when I design posters and social media content for the Wild Network. But there are lots of other ways to gain experience! One thing I often hear, and can personally attest to, is how much you can learn through volunteering. Plus, there’s a wealth of free resources available online, like webinars and courses, to help you develop your skills.

Any tips for a young person that wants to do what you do?

See every experience as a learning opportunity. Have a go at everything. Reach out to community groups and learn from local experts. Use your people skills to network and stay in contact with lots of people – you never know when your work may overlap again in the future.

What is the best part of what you do?

Hearing about what community groups are doing for wildlife gives me so much hope. I’, constantly inspired by people in Cheshire who aren’t waiting for others or councils to do something but doing it themselves instead.

What is the worst part of what you do?

Running events in the pouring rain isn’t my favourite aspect – putting up a gazebo is easier said than done...

What is your favourite animal?

My favourite animal is the long tailed tit! They snuggle together in groups to stay warm and they make your heart melt.

What is your favourite place in nature?

Going on a hike in North Wales is where I feel closest to nature. The wind beating your face and the incredible views remind me why I do this job.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a big fan of gardening! My garden is my playground and I love to experiment growing different fruit and veg every year.

If you were not doing what you do now what else would you love to do?

One day, if I had the money and time, I’d love to set up a community wellbeing garden where people could come and learn about and reconnect with the natural world.

Who inspires you?

David Attenborough! 

What are your hopes for the future? 

That we can bring back 30% of wildlife by 2023.

Where can people find you? 

If you live in Cheshire and surround areas, do sign up to the Wild Network, it’s completely free!

https://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/wild-network