Tuesday 16th September saw the unfolding of an eagerly anticipated day for our fundraising team. 17 Field Studies Council Members were warmly welcomed to our Juniper Hall Field Centre in Surrey, for our inaugural Members’ event, and was very much enjoyed by all who attended the occasion.
Pond dipping demonstrationTalk from Prof. Tim BurtConker hunting!Members at Juniper Hall September 2025
Our Fundraising Manager, Gemma gave an overview of the fundraising activities so far this year including our flagship programmes, Grants for Schools and Young Darwin Scholarships. And Tim Burt, the President of the Field Studies Council, gave an overview of his time with us and his research projects at Slapton Ley.
We were joined by Julia, a 2024 Young Darwin Scholar who had a Q&A with David, our Fundraising Officer, about her experience doing Urban Geography in Birmingham:
“I spoke about the range of nature activities we did such as pollinator and wildflower workshops, and the lectures/talks we had, as well as the green careers and more hands on woodworking workshop in the 5 days we were away for.
I also mentioned the range of people we got to meet, and the places we got to visit, such as The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) Free-Air Carbon Enrichment Facility, Winterbourne House and Garden, RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve and more, which I have never been to before despite living in the West Midlands area for years!
It was an incredible experience and I not only got to meet more young people my age that week, but also talk through potential career prospects for the future and what roles I could see myself doing.”
After a social lunch Sarah Wyper, Centre Manager, gave everyone a guided tour. There was much interest in the pond used by students for pond dipping with sightings of water boatmen, snails and a beautiful dragonfly.
The event also gave us a great opportunity to talk to our members in person. The day ended with a discussion on what they would like to see from their Membership and the next Field Studies Council fundraising campaigns.
“I have made 10 visits to field centres since 2003 and loved each one. I remember fondly a 6th form trip to Dale Fort in 1970. I have always been inspired by my experiences. Therefore I am keen for others to have the opportunities I had, especially in our times of environmental peril.”
“I really enjoyed the day. Talks were interesting, the tour was lovely too.”
“Well balanced and informative. Presentations were clear. Plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions.”
If you are interested in becoming a Field Studies Council Member and helping more young people access nature, please read more here or get in touch with Gemma or David at [email protected]
