Spend 16 weeks with Ambios and leave with the skills you need for a career working for nature recovery.
Ambios offers an immersive residential traineeship based on 130 acres of wildlife-friendly farmland and rewilding on the Sharpham Estate in South Devon. This immersive training is embedded in Ambios’ pioneering nature recovery and rewilding work, helping you build a wealth of first-hand experience indispensable in developing a future working for nature recovery and nature conservation.
Nature conservation in the UK is changing. Alarming wildlife declines have highlighted the need to shift emphasis towards ‘nature recovery’ alongside established conservation approaches. In the words of Devon Wildlife Trust, “Conservation -holding on to the fragmented wildlife and wild places that remain – is no longer good enough. It is time to put nature into recovery”.
Ambios has been delivering training for over two decades. Our alumni have a successful track record of moving into jobs within the conservation sector in the UK.
Lower Sharpham Farm, Ashprington, Totnes, South Devon, TQ9 7DX.
25th March 2024 – 12th July 2024
(timed to coincide with the survey seasons across the spring and summer months giving you access to the best possible wildlife and learning experiences)
Inclusive of food, accommodation, all training, and field trips across the sixteen 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 rewilder we welcome applications from all.
It also secures vital foundation skills and a fresh perspective for people aspiring to work in other aspects of nature conservation and offers a unique opportunity to those working or seeking to work in broader sectors where ecological responsibility is now firmly on the agenda.
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 the conservation sector 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 16 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
developing key wildlife id skills & understanding of the ecology of individual species/taxa including plants, birds, insects & mammals
Interpreting & recording nature (birds, bats, mammals, reptiles, butterflies, plants, habitats & more) through ecological monitoring on our rewilding site
applied sessions in livestock and woodland management, fencing & green woodwork
organic horticulture and 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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