Tania Crockett

Employer: Forestry Commission
Qualifications: BSc biological sciences (ecology and conservation management); PGCE secondary science biology, University of Plymouth

8.00 am

I drive the 25 minutes to work along country lanes in the Lake District, arrive at the office, switch my computer on, make a cup of tea and check my e-mails. One of my main responsibilities is to manage the formal education programme for schools and universities. This involves providing a service that will enable groups to learn about and connect with forests and woodlands, whilst meeting the needs of their schemes of work.

My work varies seasonally but during the busy summer months I will be straight on the phone, booking group visits for students to get involved with a number of activities from bug hunting and learning about forest wildlife, to taking part in a sculpture-making workshop or orienteering.

10.00 am

I also manage community events and work with other groups of people such as youth groups at least once a week. As the students arrive, I go out to co-ordinate their work. They are here to complete practical conservation work for us and will receive an environment award in return. My job with this group is as much about supporting the group leaders as anything else, helping to develop the skills they will need to manage the group themselves.

12.30 pm

I grab a quick lunch and then get back to working with a group in the afternoon. We could be doing anything from dredging a pond to fixing a path but it is great to be hands on and getting involved with conservation work.

4.00 pm

The group leaves and I get back on the phone, picking up messages and dealing with e-mails. I then go out on a trail check, cycling about 12 miles around the track to check that the way markers are in place and there aren’t any overhanging trees or damage to paths. Tomorrow I will get back to co-ordinating our annual events programme, which is aimed around informal learning for families such as deer and badger watching activities. It’s a varied job but I love helping others to experience something new.