Luxury knitwear or wetland conservation?

Hi everyone. I’m Annabelle and I am delighted to be one of the new reserve placements this year.

My background is originally in fashion design. I studied Textile Design at the University of Dundee and after graduating I worked as a technical designer for a luxury knitwear company in the Scottish Borders for four years. However, after some self-reflection and soul-searching during lockdown, I realised that I was on the wrong path. I decided to take the plunge and go back to education to pursue a career in nature conservation, something that brings me joy that I am truly passionate about.

I moved to Dumfries and Galloway in 2022 to study Wildlife and Conservation Management at the SRUC. Not long after that, I began volunteering at WWT Caerlaverock and fell in love with the reserve. When I discovered there was an annual intake of placements students, I made it my mission to become one!

Last summer I also worked as a seasonal ranger for the Loch Ken Ranger Service. The head ranger and I patrolled the land and water to promote safety around the loch and provide visitors with information about the outdoor access code.

This year is going to be full of new experiences with an amazing team in a vibrant conservation environment and you know what? I can’t wait to get stuck in.

Words by Annabelle Gurney

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