Beth Lloyd Davies

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Natural England

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I initially worked in the Penryn campus research labs for 6 months before joining Natural England as an Adviser in Feb 2020. In 2021 I progressed to a Lead Adviser role for protected sites and agri-environment and in 2022 moved to my current role on National Nature Reserves.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I’ve always wanted a job where I can work outside. I didn’t necessarily choose the role I initially got into it was more what jobs were available and what one I could actually get. I love my current role, it gives me lots of opportunities to get outside.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was an active member of GeogSoc and FalSurf

Were you part of the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme at any point during your studies?

Yes

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Some of the lecturers were genuinely so passionate about what they do and the highlight was the trip to the Isles of Scilly

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The location and being able to explore Cornwall

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

It’s a well known university and the course sounded good

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Skills and knowledge learnt on my ecology module regarding relevant laws and surveying/monitoring methods

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Not the answer you want, but I’d tell them not to go to uni and do an apprenticeship instead to gain more the useful practical skills and real life experience rather than a lot of theory and strict academic writing that I don’t really use

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to continue actively working for the environment particularly on NNRs because I think they’re really important