For International Women’s Day 2024, we wanted to highlight some of the inspiring women at Dorset Wildlife Trust. These women work in a variety of areas in conservation, and we’re grateful for every single one of them and their commitment to protecting nature.
Celebrating International Women's Day 2025
This International Women's Day, we're shining a light on some of the incredible women working to protect wildlife in Dorset.
Credit - Rachel Janes
I’m Mariko and I’m a Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, managing the SNCI Project and leading on our input into land-use planning issues.
In both aspects of my role I feel I can make a real difference to how important habitats and sites are recognised, celebrated and protected for future generations.
I really enjoy working positively with landowners, local authorities and other organisations to ensure that these vital fragments of often ancient habitats can be safeguarded, extended and continue to support our rich and diverse wildlife and be a core part of nature’s recovery in Dorset.
I also work with a great team of volunteers who contribute many hours of their time to undertaking monitoring surveys, processing data and helping with administration. Working with Dorset Wildlife Trust, I am always learning from my many wonderful colleagues and I am proud to be able to give others the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge too.
I’m Kelly and I am the Wilder Landscapes Officer for Dorset Wildlife Trust. I am based at Wild Woodbury and have the honour of sharing the amazing wetland restoration and rewilding work happening on the site with a range of landowners looking to do the same.
Over the past 7 years of my career I have learnt a range of skills greater than I ever could have imagined. Fencing, operating a range of heavy-duty machinery, working with livestock, wildlife surveying, habitat management, working with communities, and running educational activities. I can definitely say that no two days are the same in conservation. From managing beautiful heathlands, woodlands, and grasslands, to now being able to support farmers and landowners to manage their habitats in sustainable ways for the benefit of Dorset’s wildlife is an exciting step. Of course, this is with the help of Wild Woodbury as a showcase of how it can be done!
From unproductive arable land, to wildlife haven of snipe, hen harrier, wasp spiders, common frogs, and so much more, it has to be visited to be fully appreciated. The stage-0 wetland restoration has been a huge success thanks to our dedicated team of wardens and ecologists, lovely four-legged grazers, and passionate local community of Bere Regis.
Abi, Community Ranger
I am based at the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre overlooking Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, which are incredible places for wildlife.
Within my role, I have the exciting opportunity to work alongside some key partner organisations to collaboratively raise the conservation profile of this internationally recognised nature reserve but also work to promote nature-friendly recreation. Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon support a great diversity of different species above and below the tide, from the extensive meadows of seagrass, which attracts the overwintering dark-bellied brent geese, to the resident hares that can be seen along Chesil Beach.
I am lucky to have a varied role, from leading guided walks and delivering outreach to managing a wonderful team of volunteers and working with key partners to hold workshops and develop resources for the project. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is sharing stories with our visitors about the wildlife that calls this nature reserve home – did you know the oystercatcher’s bill grows about 0.4mm a day? That's one of my favourites!
Hannah, Assistant Conservation Officer for Rivers and Wetlands
I have been working in conservation for the past 4 years and feel extremely lucky to be working in a field I feel so passionate about. I get to immerse myself in all things’ rivers and wetlands and my working days are extremely varied. I can be helping Water guardian volunteers find stretches of river to monitor for pollution one day, or stomping around our licensed enclosed beaver site, wellies fully submerged in mud, the next.
Working in conservation has enabled me to spend time in amazing habitats, spend a lot of my working hours outdoors and be involved in the ever-changing conservation movement. It feels like an incredibly exciting time to be working in conservation with more people being aware of and wanting to help our precious wildlife in the UK and the progression of nature conservation movements such as rewilding. I love being able to work with people from all walks of life who share an interest and love of nature and working at Dorset Wildlife Trust means I get to be fully immersed in wildlife and nature and work with extremely passionate people every day.
I feel privileged to be able to work in a role that enables me to feel like I am making a difference to nature and wildlife and feel especially lucky that I get to play a part in the exciting progression of Beaver reintroduction in England. I hope to continue working in conservation well into the future and hope that with all the exciting changes in recent years, I will get to see and be part of a wilder and more nature friendly UK throughout my career.
Fay, Centres Education Officer
I am lucky enough to work across our four centres: The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kingcombe Visitor Centre and Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre.
In my role, I am fortunate enough to work with schools across Dorset at our centres, delivering hands-on educational activities and sessions. My working days are incredibly varied from pond dipping, dissecting owl pellets and rock pooling to leading public events and welcoming visitors to our centres.
I love my job as it allows me to educate children and adults alike about the importance of wildlife conservation. Every day, I have the chance to teach young people about the unique ecosystems in Dorset and the amazing wildlife that lives here. Seeing their excitement and curiosity as they learn about nature is incredibly rewarding. I believe that by educating the next generation of conservationists we can create a brighter future for our environment. It is fulfilling to know that I am making a positive impact on both the young people and the wildlife we strive to protect. As they learn about the challenges facing our environment, I hope it motivates them to take action for nature.