Wilder Work Experience

A young person crouched in a meadow survey the wildflowers

Thinking about working with wildlife or in nature conservation?

Are you between 14 and 17, with an interest in getting an introduction to the world of work, while helping to make a difference to your local environment? Our Wilder Work Experience offers a challenging and enjoyable opportunity to gain new skills and meet like-minded people, as you gain experience within different areas of the Trust’s work.

This is a new approach for us to work experience opportunities and will allow more students to take part than ever before. Because we’re a medium-sized organisation, the number of placements we can offer each year is limited. To make sure everyone has a fair chance, we can only host placements during the specific weeks advertised and unfortunately can’t arrange dates outside these times.

To get the full benefit of the experience, students need to be available for all days of the placement.

You will spend time: doing practical conservation management, wildlife surveying, engaging with visitors to our reserves, and producing media content.

Where and when is it?

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Skegness, 6 – 10 July 2026

Plans are being put in place for Wilder Work Experience weeks at Far Ings in October 2026 and Whisby Nature Park in January 2027. Details will be announced here once they are confirmed.

Weekly Programme

The day usually runs from 9:30am to 4pm. Click on the button below to view the programme for the week at Gibraltar Point.

Gibraltar Point programme

During this placement, you will collaborate with fellow students on a real-world project designed to challenge your creativity and problem-solving abilities. You will be given a scenario and guided through the steps to research, analyze, and develop practical solutions. Throughout the week, you will have time to investigate the topic, exchange ideas, and build your presentation. At the end of the week, you will present your findings and solutions to the staff team you have been working with.

What you’ll gain

This experience isn’t just about nature – it’s about building real-life skills for the future, including:

Time management and teamwork
Communication and customer service skills
Presentation skills
Problem-solving and IT skills
Planning and organisation skills

Logistics

Support – Your main contact throughout the application process and work experience week will be a member of the education team. They will be supported by other members of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust staff, as you learn about different areas of our work.

Transport – We can collect work experience students from a suitable train/bus station closest to the site and arrange transport to our reserve, or students can meet us on site.

How to apply and interviews

Please complete the application form and submit it via email. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to an informal, in-person interview, which will last for 30 minutes. This will allow you to meet some of the staff team you will be working with and see where your placement will be. It is a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for us and the place.