This month’s spotlight is about Hannah, our newest member of staff and MGET Conservation Officer. Hannah joined the Trust in 2024 and has brought new perspectives and ideas to our work at MGET.
Hannah has worked in several environmental education jobs before joining us, as well as being trained as a science teacher. Even though Hannah joined us fairly recently, her contributions have created an incredible impact already. She’s not only the driving force behind our social media, the newsletter and several projects here at MGET, she is also great at providing a link into our community and making sure we communicate our research and projects.
Below, Hannah shares what led her to working with MGET and her experiences in her role as Conservation Officer.
What led you to working at MGET?
'I've always been fascinated by the natural world. After graduating university with a biology degree focused on ecology and wildlife conservation, I felt drawn to the education side of conservation, which led me to train as a Science Teacher. After teaching in a school for a short while, I realised my passion for the natural world was more suited for teaching outside of a formal classroom. I had a few roles in conservation and sustainability education before finding my way to MGET. I was drawn to the role of Conservation Officer at MGET as I was keen to work with a local conservation charity and the role seemed to combine all of the best bits of all the jobs I've had so far!'
Describe an average day working for MGET…
'We work on lots of different projects at MGET and the type of work we do changes with the seasons, so it's quite varied! But a typical week will look like thinking of ideas for social media content, working on our monthly newsletter, usually an office day with Andrea and Andy where we share what we're up to and brainstorm new ideas, and developing or delivering projects. These projects can be practical conservation based, working out in woodlands or on the saltmarsh, improving habitats for native species. Projects can also be education based. Since starting with MGET I have set up our Mersey Estuary Ambassadors Programme, so I might be visiting local schools to teach pupils about the wildlife of the Mersey and how they can protect it.'
Hannah with Mersey Estuary Ambassador pupils in schools across Halton and Warrington.
What do you most enjoy about the role?
‘I have really enjoyed making partnerships with other organisations and working with them to develop educational talks and activities. So far, I have had the pleasure of working with organisations such as Knowsley Safari, Faiths4Change, Liverpool John Moores University, RECORD, and All Aboard Youth Rowing to name a few. It has been great to share ideas and expand our reach by working together. I also really enjoy opportunities to work outdoors, whether it be leading an estuary walk or doing practical habitat improvement work.’
Hannah conducting habitat enhancement work at Wigg Island.
What do you find most challenging about the role?
‘When starting the role, the most challenging aspect was finding my place within MGET. Having a different background to the team means I had a lot to learn in terms of estuary knowledge. It has been fantastic to learn so much about the estuary from Andy and Andrea over the past 10 months, I learn something new every day! I am still learning, but now I feel I have enough knowledge to share with others and have really enjoyed doing so through community talks and walks, school visits, and events.’
Hannah leading a walk around Spike Island.
What are you most proud of from your time with MGET?
'Although I am still in my first year with MGET, I feel I have done a lot in a short time. I am most proud of setting up our monthly newsletter, Matters of the Mersey, which is shared with our subscribers via email. I feel this is a great way for people to get a better understanding of what we do at MGET, and for us as a team to reflect each month on all we have achieved. I particularly enjoy having guest writers share their stories in the newsletter, such as research students, volunteers, and members of the public with a love for the Mersey. I would like the newsletter to be a collaborative space for anyone to share their passion for the estuary and am always looking for ways to have people involved. '
An image captured by Hannah of a Harbour Porpoise in the Mersey.
What is your favourite thing about the Mersey?
'My favourite thing about the Mersey is that its murky appearance hides all kinds of exciting discoveries! I, like many people in the Merseyside area, had no idea how many animals live and rely on the estuary before joining MGET. Learning, through our research work, about the diversity of fish in the river, and seeing photos and videos of seals, otters, dolphins, porpoise, salmon, and thousands of birds in and around the estuary has been a real eye-opener. I have even had the joy of seeing porpoise in the river for myself since working with MGET, now I know when and where to look for them.'
Porpoise spotting hint: On a calm day when the water is still, look out for fins breaking the water near high tide.
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about the Mersey and/or MGET?
'I would like people to know just how much wildlife relies on the Mersey being a healthy river. Through my work with MGET, I would like to give every person in Merseyside the opportunity to learn about loved animals such as seals, dolphins, and otters, living in the Mersey. People are always surprised to hear of such animals being present and knowing this may give them a newfound appreciation and love for their local river.
People should also know that we at MGET are always open to working with anyone in the community. Should you like an estuary tour for your community group, a workshop in your school classroom, to volunteer some time to do some practical habitat work, or anything else, we will do what we can to make it happen.'
Hannah delivering an assembly about the wildlife of the Mersey estuary at a school in Runcorn.