Michael Inman joins us as a Trainee Ranger, a new post funded through the New to Nature programme . New to Nature will offer new, full-time, temporary work placements in nature and landscape organisations across the UK, aiming to increase diversity and enrich the environmental sector. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee, the programme will run until May 2024 and will provide paid work placements for at least 70 people, targeting young people from diverse backgrounds to undertake a range of environmental roles.
This from Michael –
Since arriving in Edinburgh in 2015 I’ve been involved in conservation volunteering that’s ranged from Scots Pine planting in Glen Nevis to pulling trollies out of Birdiehouse burn in Edinburgh. Starting my university journey in Edinburgh as geography and archaeology student, I finished my university years as an art student exploring environmental art practice and the relationships we have with the natural landscape. Graduating in 2020 led to many challenges with lockdowns on the horizon, so I turned to the local community for my work in nature. I decided to create a community litter picking group informing and inspiring get togethers in how the community could make a difference as the restrictions eased. This led to meeting many people and as lockdowns eased, I was invited to work over a year as an Artist in residence in the Craigmillar Now arts centre over 2021-22. Here I helped develop the community archives and its greenspaces creating a wildflower meadow, dye garden and outdoor creative space for the community to be inspired by.
Now in 2023 I’ve recently finished after 6 years being on the committee running the University of Edinburgh’s conservation society and several community projects from conserving a neolithic standing stone to cleaning a giant concreate foot! And now I’m embarking on a new adventure through the new to nature scheme joining the Water of Leith team as a Trainee Wildlife Ranger
Our new Conservation Officer will be Hannah Dry, officially starting on 19th May but she has already been here for a weeks induction. Hannah has a degree in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education and is a qualified teacher. She has experience working in rivers delivering clean ups and community events and, as a Mountain Leader, leading groups in upland terrain.
As an avid open water swimmer and surfer she has a passion for watery worlds, and this has inspired her to pursue a career protecting and restoring our rivers.
