Selected from nearly 400 young people with an interest in ecology and wildlife conservation in July 2023 I embarked on a field trip to Scotland not really knowing what to expect. Through our 5 day residential I got training on identification, field skills, experimental planning and recording and much more in habitats from the rocky shore to mixed woodlands, coastal meadows, ponds and more.

I also continue to be supported by the Young Darwin Scholarship for three years following the initial residential through a range of exclusive webinars and events, subsidised places on our natural history courses and environmental activities.

The Young Darwin Scholarship through the Field Studies Council gave me a real boost in confidence and skill, I met some other amazing young ecologists and the scholarship continues to support my work today.

Courses I have undertaken since the initial residential include:

• Botanical Folklore

• Discovering Bryophytes

• Identification of Macrofungi - MMU

Format: 5 day residential at FSC Millport plus ongoing support through webinars and discounted places on events

Run by: Field Studies Council

When: Residential July 2023, support until July 2026