The Tamara Scheme is providing new apprentice and internship opportunities to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities. By the end of the scheme, 5 apprentices and 6 interns will have taken up their new roles.

In the last year, the final apprentice positions were filled, which included an Apprentice Assistant Gardener and Apprentice Assistant Ranger with the National Trust and Apprentice Plant Operative with the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

Our first Internship of Community Engagement Officer, was filled by Ginnette Sutherland, who was keen to change careers and move from a career in education into the environment sector. Ginnette is passionate about nature and has a strong connection to the River Tamar as her father built Cornish Pilot gigs including the Ginette and Tamar which can be found at Tamar and Tavy Gig Club.

We wanted to find out a little bit more about Ginette, what made her apply and whether she would do it all again, so we asked her some probing questions!

What inspired you to apply?

It offered the introduction and transition from my education career and recent studies into a green career. I was determined to be able to transfer and apply existing knowledge and skills, employment experience and personal interests, but I knew I would need some elements of continued investment and continuing professional development to put my MSc in Land and Ecological Restoration into practice, which the internship offered.

The Tamar Valley is a beautiful location with a diverse network of habitats and the iconic river linking the two counties. I knew it would be a great place to kick start my career following my studies. Working within a team and the hybrid nature of the job was a real attraction. It is very important to me to be out in the landscape, connecting with people and place.

What’s your connection to the Tamar Valley?

I have lived and worked in Devon and Cornwall all my life, starting my working career at the age of 17 as a gardener for the National Trust at Cotehele. I feel like I have come full circle; it’s very special to be working back in the valley. My family are also connected to the river as my father has built Cornish Pilot gigs for many years, some of which are associated with the Tamar Valley, including the Ginette and Tamar at Tamar and Tavy Gig Club.

Have you always been passionate about the environment?

Yes! But even more so since becoming a parent. Having grown up on a small farm in Devon, I have always felt connected to the landscape, nature and the seasons. As a primary school teacher and having a young daughter I have always encourage and facilitated young people to connect with nature on their doorstep, to notice and care for the little things. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing children ignite with ideas and confidence in their development when connecting with the world around them, noticing nature for the first time, being inspired to take action or finding joy and pleasure from their experiences. The natural world is the most wonderful learning resource, with endless possibilities and no boundaries.

What are you most enjoying about the job?

Working with a great team of people that foster an amazing array of knowledge and expertise in conservation, land management and nature recovery. The whole team are willing to share knowledge and projects, allowing me to really gain a sense of project management in all areas of land and ecological restoration. I am being given lots of opportunities to network and collaborate with partners and stakeholders which is strengthening my role to support community engagement and advocate for on the ground/grassroot actions for nature.

Has anything surprised you about the role?

It has been a pleasant surprise to experience the collaboration between organisation partnerships and stakeholders, supporting projects and events with shared visions and outcomes for nature and communities. Being a newbie, I have also been surprised at how much voice and input I have been given across the team projects which has been so rewarding and a boost of confidence at this point in my career.

Do you have a favourite spot in the Tamar Valley or a favourite species?

There are still many places to explore and discover in the Tamar Valley, when I visit somewhere for the first time it becomes my new favourite place. I love trees, hedges, orchards and woodlands, so I guess if I had to pick it would be the woods at Cotehele from the house to the quay and mill which hold many great memories for me. I am a self-confessed tree hugger, so given the opportunity to have a quiet moment with a majestic old oak, I will be there. Like a class of children, I don’t have a favourite species, I love them all for their unique qualities and beauty within the web of life.

What do you hope to do next?

I hope to continue to develop my knowledge and skills in community engagement and advocacy for land and ecological restoration. I have aspirations to progress into project management within nature recovery.

Any advice for other people thinking about doing an internship?

An internship is a fantastic gateway into a first career or career change transition. Take opportunities to volunteer and connect with a team, community or landscape. Make the most of all opportunities and don’t be afraid to ask question as well as showcase your strengths.