Spend 12 weeks with Ambios and leave with the skills you need for a career working for nature and its recovery.
Our autumn residential traineeship is based on 130 acres of wildlife-friendly farmland and rewilding on the Sharpham Estate in South Devon. Through this training, you will gain orientation in nature and develop the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to achieve your dream job.
This immersive training is embedded in Ambios’ pioneering nature recovery and rewilding work, helping you build a wealth of first-hand experience.
Ambios has been delivering training for over two decades. Our alumni have a successful track record of moving into jobs within the nature conservation sector in the UK.
Lower Sharpham Farm, Ashprington, Totnes, South Devon, TQ9 7DX.
30th September 2024 – 20th December 2024
(timed to coincide with the autumn/winter season for the best access to practical land-based skills and learning)
Inclusive of food, accommodation, all training, and field trips across the twelve weeks
This training acts as a launchpad for anybody seeking to be part of the emerging world of nature recovery in the UK, whether a young environmentalist, career changer or aspiring ranger we welcome applications from all.
The immersive experiences gained at Sharpham build knowledge, first-hand experience and confidence indispensable to anyone interested in working for the future welfare of the natural world.
The programme offers foundation knowledge, skills, and experience needed to work in nature conservation but places a particular emphasis on emerging opportunities in nature recovery and meeting the demands of this new dimension of the environment sector.
Our immersive programme is rich and diverse. During the 12 weeks, you’ll cover a huge range of topics which include:
talks and workshops exploring the state of nature & biodiversity, ecological principles, different habitat management approaches (conservation, rewilding & nature restoration) & the nature recovery movement
applied sessions in woodland creation, tree planting, fencing, hedge laying, & livestock management, workshops in spoon-whittling, charcoal burning & stool making
developing key wildlife identification skills & understanding of the ecology of species/taxa including (plants, birds, bats & mammals), learning techniques for observing and recording in the field
exploring the importance of soils through soil sampling, earthworm surveys & fungi workshops
organic horticulture & growing, principles of nature-friendly farming & wild food foraging
connecting you with the Ambios network, opportunities to engage in community events & educational activities, building effective presentation skills & career advice
opportunities to visit partner rewilding sites & experience different landscapes in the surrounding areas of Devon & explore approaches to their management
Here among the stunning Sharpham Estate and right across the South Devon landscape, you’ll discover a rare chance to gain hands-on conservation experience through immersive, experiential learning.
Foundation knowledge of biodiversity, wildlife identification, ecology and nature recovery is progressively built through a core of presentations and workshops. This learning is put into action each week through hands-on training experiences including wildlife monitoring, practical land management and community projects, helping you to develop confidence in your new skills.
Visits to partner recovery sites with chances to network among the wider nature recovery community will enrich your understanding of the movement and your learning journey. Your vocational development will be personally supported throughout by our team.
Ambios are a team of professional scientists, land managers and nature conservation educators with a 30-year track record. We have a range of skills that will support your placement, train you and enhance your learning experience by working alongside you to share our knowledge.
An important part of Ambios residential training is community living. You will be living and working alongside other trainees, staff, and volunteers during your time here and the residential nature of the training is integral to the experience you’ll gain.
You’ll be staying in our Bunkhouse, which has 12 single bedrooms and three bathrooms. You’ll enjoy use of our new dayroom which has a shared kitchen with a large, comfortable living area and wood burner. The accommodation is set within our working farm on 130 acres of the Sharpham Estate and sits among the trees with spectacular views of the River Dart and the idyllic surrounding countryside.
You will be encouraged to live sustainably during your time with us, helping in our organic garden, assisting with farm tasks, and shared community life. Meals are prepared communally with all ingredients provided, using local, organic produce where possible, some directly from the farm.
You’ll be living with a motivated and enthusiastic small team of volunteers who help with the running of the farm and who also have personal experience and skills to share.
Through their time with us, many past trainees have reported a sense of renewal, inspiration, hope and confidence. Training with Ambios is more than just learning – this extended period away from day-to-day life allows clarity of mind and trainees often find a new confidence in their direction.
We look forward to receiving your application for the 16-week nature recovery traineeship. If you’re ready to apply, follow the four steps below. If you have further questions please contact us using the form below.
Ambios Ltd is a UK registered not-for-profit company limited by guarantee – meaning it can only spend its income on helping people achieve their goals for nature/science/education and supporting organisations in achieving their objectives for wildlife/conservation/biodiversity.
Companies House Registration Number: 4185277
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