Our trip began with the first stop at Oare Marshes, where we were welcomed by Steve Weeks from Kent Wildlife Trust. The marshes were a remarkable place to visit, with the sun shining bright and winds gusting, it felt like the perfect day to be outdoors. While Steve shared his insights, I found myself constantly tempted after every few steps to pause and appreciate the beauty in the small things buzzing with life around me, whether it was the swaying grass or the water rippling when the wind whistled and howled.
Marshes.
Steve’s commentary was erudite. He spoke about recent shifts in government subsidy structures, noting the loss of certain schemes and a consistent decline in funding from Agri-environment programs. As a result, they are seeking alternative funding models that reduce their reliance on government support. He also emphasized the critical importance of maintaining strong relationships with the local community, who play a vital role in conservation efforts at Oare.
After the guided tour, we made a quick stop at the local Sainsbury’s for lunch before heading to our stay at Houghton Farm. We arrived quite exhausted, but our spirits were lifted by the sight of a shelf filled with board games, which brought a light-hearted end to the day. We wrapped up with a warm dinner at The Black Horse, sharing stories and catching up around the table.
The next morning, we visited the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, nestled in the picturesque town of Arundel. There, we were greeted by Tracy Waters, the Engagement and Learning Officer. Covering 63.5 acres, the centre plays a key role in conservation breeding programs. It also supports wild populations of birds such as swans and geese, while actively managing risks like avian influenza that can spread from wild to captive birds. Flooding is addressed with a resilience plan, and water levels are monitored with tidal checks.
After the tour and a quick lunch, we ventured into Arundel to conduct surveys for our assignment, which focused on exploring the challenges and opportunities of rewilding and nature recovery in South and Southeastern England. We went out in pairs, but despite the lovely weather, we struggled to find many participants. Though we only managed to survey a few participants, it still felt like a valuable learning experience.
However, a personal highlight for me was stumbling upon a quaint bookshop filled wall to wall with books. There’s something oddly addictive about the scent of books, and though I tried to resist, I surrendered to the temptation with a smile and left with two titles in hand. Later, we returned to our stay for another evening of board games, where the laughter and competitive spirit once again took over.
The next day, our destination was the Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, where we met Nick Heasman, Countryside and Policy Manager at South Downs National Park. He led us on a guided walk, discussing how rewilding can be a powerful conservation tool when applied appropriately and in combination with other approaches. He spoke about the growing success of farmer cluster groups in the southeast, which empower landowners to make collaborative decisions that benefit both agriculture and biodiversity. Nick also underscored the importance of community engagement, suggesting that the key to connecting people with nature lies in finding the plant or animal they personally resonate with. Building that connection forms the foundation for long-term conservation partnerships, especially with farmers and local communities. It’s a gradual process rooted in trust and mutual understanding.
One of the most awe-inspiring parts of the visit was walking through the ancient yew woodlands. Some of these trees have stood for centuries, bearing witness to history and transformation. Placing your hand on such a tree feels almost spiritual, an intimate connection with the past, as though the tree is quietly sharing its story.
Following this, we headed to Chichester for another round of surveys. Unlike Arundel, Chichester was bustling, its markets lively and crowded. However, it was quite challenging to interrupt people enjoying their time at the market to ask them about the survey. It was a tiring day, but we wound down with a cozy dinner at a local pub, with a couple of us dozing off, yet again ending our day with board games and the ever-popular Saboteur.
Our final field site was the Knepp Estate, a groundbreaking rewilding project that has transformed once intensively farmed land into a haven for wildlife, including rare and endangered species. However, for me, this day turned into something of a tragicomedy. In a questionable moment of confidence, I had left my wellies back home, only to find myself sliding through the mud as rain poured down relentlessly. I fell not once, not twice, but three times, eventually surrendering to the will of the god and laughing at my muddy fate. While everyone else was drenched, I resembled an animal gleefully wallowing in the wet earth. Back at our stay, we lined up to shower and wash our soaked clothes. Despite the chaos, it was a memorable and hilarious day.
Most of us fell asleep early that night, though some stayed up, still buzzing from the high of board games. On our final day, we stopped for a few hours in Brighton to relax and explore. We spent time at the Brighton Palace Pier before splitting up to discover the town’s many treasures. I visited the Upside Down House, which was a fun and quirky experience, and then wandered through the narrow streets, letting the mystery of Brighton reveal itself, one street at a time. I couldn’t resist making my way to the beach in search of wildlife, and we ended up finding skate eggs, a small but satisfying discovery. I sat there mesmerised by the waves as they lapped the shore, it was time to bid farewell to the coast and head back to the University.
Overall, it was an unforgettable and enriching trip. Beyond spending quality time with classmates, I had the invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insight from conservation professionals, engage with local stakeholders, and witness the essential role that communities play in conservation. It reinforced the belief that true change comes when people and nature work together.
Find out more about studying MSc Conservation Science with DICE.