Hi Heidi, thanks for being this month’s spotlight! Can you tell us what you have been up to since graduating from DICE?
From 2019-2023, I studied BSc Wildlife Conservation at DICE with a year in professional placement. As soon as I had finished my final exam, I had my interview for my current role as Bison and Conservation Grazing Ranger with Kent Wildlife Trust. This role is part of the Wilder Blean project which aims to utilise the grazing behaviour of European bison and ancient cattle and pig breeds to manage West Blean’s ancient woodlands with a natural, wilding approach. As well as ensuring all animals on site are healthy, I lead volunteer task days, undertake ecological surveys, engage in practical habitat/site management, run ranger tours for the public, and take part in interviews to spread the message of the project via the news and documentaries. It is exciting being a part of a pioneering wilding project, prioritising biodiversity increase and climate change mitigation.
How do you feel your time at DICE prepared you for the work you are doing now?
My time at DICE prepared me well for this role as I became familiar with ecological survey methods and GIS software, which I regularly use. The course provided me with a firm understanding of conservation issues and solutions, while taking into account the importance of engagement and involvement with local communities and stakeholders when running a project. The experience that I gained during my placement year on Flat Holm Island, Wales, was also invaluable and a big part of how I got this job role.
What do you consider to be the highlight of your time at DICE?
The highlight of my time at DICE was the field trip to the Costa Rican jungle on the Tropical Ecology module in my final year. Experiencing a wild green turtle laying her eggs on the beach during a stormy night is something I will never forget. The wildlife there was spectacular. One of the camera traps that I set up in the forest, nearby camp, captured footage of a jaguar using a path we had walked along!
You can find out more about Heidi’s work with the Kent Wildlife Trust on the Wilder Blean Project page.