Outdoor cooking and fire building at Lackford Lakes
Lucy Wood's adventure in outdoor education began at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust head office, where she started with meet and greets and preparations for her role. This was followed by a training day at Redgrave & Lopham Fen, where she honed her skills in guiding visitors and leading educational activities.
Lucy's passion for wildlife and education led her to take on a number of exciting roles. She led her first beaver group in a pond dipping session at Lackford, one of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s most popular reserves, known for its diverse wildlife and educational programs. Lucy also planned and led the weekend wildlife group at Lackford's spring discovery day, providing visitors with memorable experiences.
Working closely with the wild babies group, Lucy helps children explore the outdoors and develop a respect for nature. She believes that it's essential for children to spend time in nature, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
Throughout her journey, Lucy has had the opportunity to work with a team of skilled and welcoming staff and volunteers. She feels privileged to be part of an organisation that is dedicated to conservation and education.
Lucy has enjoyed numerous enjoyable experiences in the hides at Lackford, observing and learning about the various creatures that call the reserve home. Many visitors have travelled far to see the kingfishers, and Lucy has had the pleasure of sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with them.
During her forest school training, Lucy learned valuable skills such as making fires, whittling wood, plant identification, and outdoor cooking. These skills have served her well in her role at Lackford, where she is constantly learning and growing.
Looking forward to the next few months, Lucy is eager to continue her work at Lackford Lakes and make a positive impact on the lives of the visitors and the wildlife that call the reserve home.
For those interested in learning more about Lucy's specific experiences during her internship, the best way to find out is to contact the Suffolk Wildlife Trust directly. Their media, volunteering, or education department can provide details about their internship programs and, with permission, information about participants. Alternatively, you can check Lucy's LinkedIn profile or search local news for any features or stories about her work at Lackford.
Lucy Wood, passionate about wildlife and education, ventured into a lifestyle immersed in outdoor-living. This journey led her to lead a forest school, integrating home-and-garden learning with lifelong-learning and education-and-self-development. She continues to nurture lifelong learning by constantly honing her skills at Lackford Lakes, where she guides visitors and children in exploring nature, developing respect for it, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the environment.