We’ve got a new team member! Introducing Will Michaels, our super new Estate Worker. Find out more from the freshest face at Wild Haweswater…
Where were you before you came to Wild Haweswater?
Back in 2022 I spent a year as a trainee at RSPB Dungeness on the South coast, which totally convinced me to pursue a career in conservation. Since then, I moved up to the Lake District and worked as a tree-planter over the following winter, before landing a seasonal contract with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust as the warden on Foulney Island this summer, which is where I was before I came here.
What brought you to this role at Wild Haweswater?
Before applying for the role, I had already spent a month as residential volunteer with the Wild Haweswater team during a previous summer, during which I had always felt it would be an inspiring place to work. So when the job advert for Estate Worker went out, I sent my application straight in!
What will you be doing as an Estate Worker?
My role is generally focused on maintaining the physical infrastructure on site, including many miles of drystone walls, sheep and deer fences on the fells. I will also be helping with the farming and grazing operations on site, for example helping move, feed and check our livestock. Alongside all the other activities going on at Wild Haweswater, I am also exited to get involved in habitat management, biological surveying and all other bits and bobs that need attention!
Do you have a favourite species and habitat?
Favourite species: it’s got to be the Buff Tip moth, with its incredible broken twig camouflage.
Favourite habitat: deciduous woodland – like Naddle Forest at Wild Haweswater, especially taking the time to walk through, listening to all the wildlife and how dramatic the changes can be between seasons.
What are you most looking forward to about being at Wild Haweswater?
I’m most looking forward to getting stuck in and starting to see some tangible positive differences in the landscape: be it fixing an old wall that had previously stood for hundreds of years, or looking after planted woodland, still trying to establish itself.
(Images: Will Michaels by Miriam Abbas, Will Michaels on Foulney Island taken by himself and Buff-tip moth by David Mower)
– Interview and blog by Annabel Rushton, RSPB People and Partnerships Manager for Wild Haweswater. Posted 25 November 2023.
