Past present and future

Welcome to my story

I am currently a carer and pursuing an interest in Design Craft

Having a passion for nature, science, and art, I grew up empathetic towards both wildlife and people, though my severe dyslexia weren’t diagnosed until age 16. Despite school struggles, I fondly remember creating clay dogs and giving them to my grandmother, who displayed them in her garden by a pond. Sadly, the ceramic dogs went missing after her passing. Determined to pursue my interests, I studied animal care and completed a BTEC First and National Diplomas. My first job was at a pet store and took temporary jobs in various industries, including Sony, a brewery, and Aston Martin as have a very adaptable approach to life. I worked as a forklift driver and quality controller but eventually got laid off. I used my redundancy pay to obtain licenses for operating heavy machinery in a quarry. I have multiple different jobs; however, life has taken me in a creative direction.

My interests in wildlife, green crafts, and beekeeping have always been strong, and I am particularly passionate about conservation. I have been volunteering with the Wildlife Trust since I was 18 years old.

and from 2014 to 2016, I took on the role of Assistant Wildlife Officer for Gwent Wildlife Trust. I continued to serve in this role while pursuing an HND in Environmental Conservation Management, during which time I also earned a Certificate of Higher Education, NQF 4, in Field Ecology from the University of Aberystwyth. I am proud of my excellent time management skills and proven track record.

During my time as Assistant Wildlife Officer, I was involved in grassland maintenance, wetlands and woodland management, and dormouse conservation, including coppicing and charcoal making. I operated a range of heavy machinery, such as dumpers, motorised carriers, log cutters and splitters, and chainsaws, as well as brush-cutters. I also conducted annual dormouse surveys. As I gained more experience and confidence, I founded the South Wales Mammal Group in 2013, which was an excellent opportunity to showcase my teamwork and interpersonal skills. As the group's founder and chairperson, I led the development of problem-solving activities, including surveys and events for the group searches, such as harvest mice nests searches and small mammal trapping. We successfully found a population of harvest mice at the National Nature Reserve at Kenfig Sand Dunes. Additionally, I was a key presenter at public events, eager to share my knowledge on the conservation, handling and welfare of small mammals with both the general public and students at Pencoed Campus.

Currently I am studying BA (Hons) Design Crafts at UWTSD which has allowed me to draw on my previous experience with nature which is inspirational and develop this further through the design and creation of forms and structures.