Meet our Intern - Megan

Our Ecology and Outreach Intern is responsible for the delivery of the Nature in Harmony project. As well as getting stuck in with practical work of caring for the wood and running the charity’s day-to-day and behind-the-scenes activities, along with our Volunteering Champions, they form the essential work force of Andover Trees United.

Here we introduce you to Megan Broughton who is our current Ecology & Outreach Intern and also a member of the volunteer Management Team.

What made you want to become the ecology intern?

I wanted to become the ecology intern as I am currently completing a remote Master's degree in Forestry and wanted to find some like-minded people that I could connect with and learn from throughout my course. Studying remotely can be quite isolating, so volunteering has given me a sense of purpose as I can share what I have learnt with friends I have made at ATU. Working with ATU has also been critical to the practical aspect of my course; I have learnt so much about species identification, tree pest management, and the importance of engaging with the local community when carrying out environmental activities.

How long have you been volunteering/working here?

I have been volunteering with ATU since late March 2022.

Why did you choose to work with Andover Trees United?

I specifically wanted to work with ATU because it is a charity that centres around so many of the values that I think are important right now. ATU has a strong focus on involving young people in environmental work; given the current climate crisis is is critical to engage young people in such activities and show them just how much of a positive impact they can have through their action. ATU also focuses on the importance of the natural world on our mental health, something that has probably been brought into even greater focus throughout the pandemic.

In addition to this, I really wanted to work with ATU because the activities offered by the charity really appealed to me! So far I have been involved in tree planting, wildlife surveying, bat detecting and camping up at the Harmony Woods site- It's a fantastic resource for all of those curious about the 'wild' side of life!

What aspects of interning do you enjoy most?

I really enjoy taking part in surveying and BioBlitz events at ATU. I currently run twice-weekly wildlife surveying sessions which are good fun and have allowed me to work with some great volunteers at the charity. One of the things I have most enjoyed so far has been working with the ATU Youth Team and camping out in Harmony Woods. During our night at the woods we were able to dissect owl pellets and learnt about how to identify different small mammal, bird and insect species from remains. We also managed to identify pipistrelle bats at the woods using hand-held bat detectors!

Why would you recommend volunteering / working with Andover Trees United to others?

I can wholly recommend volunteering with ATU as it has given me the opportunity to take part in some fantastic activities. Everyone I have met through the charity has been very supportive, friendly and encouraging of my ambitions in the environmental sector.

How has volunteering improved your life/ health/ sense of purpose?

Throughout my life I have always been quite quiet and have wanted to work on building confidence. Through my volunteering, I have been presented with a very supportive environment where I have felt able to challenge myself to organise and lead events, something I had never really felt confident enough to do before! I have found that I have also been able to make friends very easily with fellow volunteers which has helped me feel a strong sense of belonging with the group.

Do you feel inspired to get involved? We are always looking for new faces to join the team!
Contact us at volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk