Gateway to Careers: Nature Networks 2025

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of Nature Recovery! Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or just beginning to explore your passion for the environment, the Gateway to Careers: Nature Networks Programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, connect with industry professionals, and develop essential skills for a career in this fast-growing sector. 

We’re switching it up this year for the programme, from the usual structure of a weekend residential and then a distant learning course. This June, expect a field course spread across two weekends! This immersive programme blends practical fieldwork with expert-led discussions, giving you the tools and confidence to step into a future where you can make a real impact. Ready to take the next step? Keep reading to discover what this incredible experience has in store for you! 

What is the Gateway to Careers: Nature Networks Programme? 

If you’re passionate about supporting nature projects, seeking to make a difference, and contributing towards positive change in society, then look no further than careers in Nature Recovery. The sector is expanding rapidly, and the skillset developed can be both broad and specialized depending on the role. Nature Recovery (also known as Rewilding) is a key solution in the fight against climate breakdown. It aims to reinstate natural ecological processes, bring back missing species, and allow them to shape landscapes and habitats. 

Nature Networks gives you the opportunity to develop the skills required for the Nature Recovery sector through an in-person and online learning environment. 

Check out the Ambios website for more information about the organisation.

The Programme outline

Residential Field Course 

A four-day residential at Lower Sharpham Farm (Totnes, Devon) will take place over two weekends: 

• Saturday 31 May – Sunday 1 June 2025

• Saturday 7 June – Sunday 8 June 2025

During this immersive experience, you will camp with fellow University of Exeter students while developing key practical skills, including: 

• Operating wildlife camera traps 

• Constructing artificial osprey nests 

• Participating in a guided wild plant foraging walk 

Additionally, you will engage with University of Exeter alumni and sector professionals to explore pathways into employment. This will be facilitated through the Employer Café, a structured networking event where students will rotate between tables to discuss career paths with different employers and alumni. Informal networking opportunities will also be available over shared meals and campfire discussions. 

Please see below for the indicative timetable. 

What to Bring for the Residential- kit list 

Please bring a tent, sleeping mat and bag, walking boots or wellies, a water bottle and suitable clothing for June weather conditions (expect evening animal watch activities to be colder than the daytime, so please bring an extra jumper!).   

You may get the chance to visit the local pub for one of your meals (which they will always try to do!), please bring card/cash to pay for your own drinks (Ambios cover the cost of the food).   

Please note that Ambios can cater for most dietary requirements; please let us know of any dietary requirements you may have so we can let them know. 

Benefits and Outcome:  

• Intensive skill focus and brokered networking opportunities see increased employability    

• Practice transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, project management and diplomacy  

• 2 key employer skill insights (wildlife cameras and bird identification)   

• Q&A panels with University of Exeter Alumni who have jobs in the nature sector   

• Introduces you to personal contacts across 11 European NGOs, RIs and HEIs in 6 countries   

• Animal night surveys and foraging expedition included in residential  

• Access to the Ambios network of European non-governmental organisations, research institutes and University departments   

Please note that you must be able to attend both weekends in order to complete this programme. 

Eligibility 

We welcome applications from Undergraduate students across all campuses and faculties. No prior subject knowledge is required, but you must: 

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the time of the residential 

• Not be on a placement year or study abroad 

• Arrange your own travel between Lower Sharpham Farm and back. Please find below our recommended train times (a minibus shuttle will be available from Totnes train station on arrival days): 

- Penryn to Totnes:  

      -Departs at 07:28, arrives at 09:40 

      -Departs at 08:28, arrives at 10:40 

-Exeter to Totnes: 

       -Departs at 09:49, arrives at 10:20 

• If you cannot travel via train and choose to travel by car, we strongly encourage car sharing! 

• We are particularly welcoming applications from students who meet one or more of the Widening Participation criteria. These will be prioritised. However, if you do not meet these you are still welcome to apply and will be accepted dependant on places.  

Cost 

The cost of the residential (including meals) will be paid for by the University of Exeter.  

Further Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the team at global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk.