In this blog, we hear from Dillon from Chesterfield, who is studying Geography in sixth-form and recently completed a work experience placement at DCRT.

My week-long work experience with Don Catchment Rivers Trust was great as it allowed me, as a Geography A-level student, to gather more knowledge and understanding of the things I have learnt in sixth form and how they are applied in the real world. I took part in many jobs during my work experience ranging from completing riverfly surveys with volunteers to completing outdoor school sessions with year 4’s, and much more. I also want to mention how great the staff were. They were friendly and explained everything comprehensively so I could have a clear understanding of what they were doing. For example, explaining how they were managing the removal of an invasive species of plant from Moss Valley. This all allowed me to gain a further understanding of what a career in this sector would be like. I thought the week flowed seamlessly as earlier in the week when completing the riverfly survey with volunteers, I was able to learn about certain characteristics of riverflies which I would later use to help year 4’s in undertaking their own riverfly surveys. Not only did the work experience placement provide me with a number of onsite opportunities, it also gave me experience of undertaking a work from home project.

This project was of my own choosing from a number of subject matters that the Trust provided me with. I chose to research further into how completing river straightening has led to decreased biodiversity in and around rivers. Therefore, leading to the argument that reversing river straightening and re-meandering of our rivers is important to allow for increased biodiversity (you can read Dillon’s report here). I also felt that the staff did a great job in coordinating my travel arrangements for the week so I could visit numerous sites around Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Overall, I really enjoyed this experience and I believe it will be of valuable use for my future career and study choices. Finally, I also want to thank the team at the Trust for making my work experience a rewarding time.

Thank you so much Dillon for joining the team, getting stuck in and being a fantastic work experience student!!!