Who are we?
We are a group of students passionate about conserving our planet and the wildlife inhabiting it. As a colelctive dedicated to wildlife conservation we focus on appreciation of the environment both locally and nationally, through a variety of volunteering, socials and days out. If a trip outdoors with like-minded people is your cup of tea, we'd love to have you on board!
Our principles:
- To promote awareness of wildlife conservation and its importance in the modern world.
- To provide a means for like-minded students to socialise and discuss wildlife conservation and develop their skills in these areas.
- To work with the University to expand opportunities available to students interested in wildlife conservation.
Key Events
As an Ecology-based society we aim to experience the outdoors as much as possible. Our scheduled events consist of a mixture of nature walks, volunteering in the local community, and socials both indoors and out on Bournemouth.
We focus on exploration and appreciation of local nature, particularly around the Bournemouth coastine. We aim to visit local areas like Poole Park & Harbour, Sandbanks, the New Forest frequently.
When and Where?
Events are planned by the committee roughly once every two weeks, though this may change at times due to attendance, travel restrictions, or weather. Events aim to comprise a healthy mix of socials (drinking, clubbing, movie nights etc.) with days out in nature, volunteering, and guest speakers. Members of the society usually suggest ideas for these events which are then voted on, meaning most events are community decided.
Meet the Committee
President: Jacob Tate
"Hi, I’m Jake! I’m very excited to have re-founded the society this year. I’ve been interested in conservation since I was twelve, particularly primate ecology. Recently my work with farmers has interested me in conservation’s relationship with agriculture. I’m about to enter my final year of my Wildlife Conservation degree, and currently focusing on my dissertation. My interests outside conservation include gaming, hiking, video production, DnD, and anything horror related. In my holidays I volunteer at my local community farm working with their livestock and teaching kids about sustainable farming."
Secretary: Luci Phalp
"Hi, I’m Luci! I am happy to be back on the WCS committee after my last stint in 2019/20. My first ecology "love" is botany/plants, however, I love everything nature and ecology! I love a bit of fieldwork, though you can mostly find me in a lab or doing data analysis nowadays. I work as a freelance digital content advisor for non-profits and have a small candle/crafts business. I am at BU doing an MRes in genomics, with a thesis on sex chromosomes in frogs. I’m a Bournemouth local, and my personal interests include hiking and camping, history archaeology folklore and mythology, reading, yoga, longboarding, writing, poetry, DnD, raving, gardening, fire and flow arts, arts and crafts, and lots of random stuff! I am also on the committee for @bu_aub_paws and @bournemouthpgrs."
Vice Secretary: Mya Bambrick
"Hey, I’m Mya! I’m in my final year of an undergrad in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. I’ve been pretty obsessed with wildlife since a young age, inspired by watching BBC SpringWatch. I’ve spent the last year on placement working at Sussex Wildlife Trust and Birds of Poole Harbour. My real passion is ornithology - I’m a birder and bird ringer. I’m also a youth representative for the British Trust for Ornithology and last year I was awarded ‘Young Ornithologist of the Year.’ In my spare time, I create lots of wildlife social media content, write articles, and present my own videos. Apart from wildlife stuff, I love a night out, I’m currently learning to DJ, and enjoy anything artsy."
Treasurer: Kim Springett
"Hello :) My name is Kim, I’m 23 and I am looking forward to being on the committee this year! I’m studying ecology and wildlife conservation and am currently on placement year working with rangers in Bournemouth. My main interest in wildlife is UK butterflies; I have been doing multiple butterfly transects each week throughout summer. I would also love to improve my identification and general knowledge of UK species. Away from conservation, I love walking, being creative, occasional gaming and reading. One book I’d recommend to everyone is the Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben!"
Health & Safety Officer: Nathan Preston
"Hi, I'm Nathan! I am the current Health and Safety officer and former Treasurer. I have a long-standing interest in wildlife, which began with ornithology, but has since branched out to include much more. I am looking forward to getting started with my new role in the committee, and helping the WCS to continue to provide a platform to students who enjoy wildlife, and to other students who are interested in learning more. Currently, I am a volunteer for the National Trust, and I also previously volunteered with the Sussex Wildlife Trust. I also enjoy reading, nature walking, bird watching, and trying my luck at nature photography!"