The Nature Guide Traineeship is a year long 1 day a week programme, providing an opportunity to gain work experience in new surroundings, attain new skills and a foothold in a practical working environment, alongside our supportive Nature Conservation Team.

The trainee will learn a range of traditional nature conservation skills and gain experience of ecological management, species identification and survey skills as well as vital employability skills such as team work, project planning and public engagement skills. With the opportunity of working alongside our volunteer team and supporting our education programme.

Structured training will be offered as part of the placement and will cover field survey work including bat, great crested newt and reptile surveys as well as office-based tasks such as ecological report writing, sound analysis, mapping and desk studies.

The applicant should show the following skills:

Organisation and ability to manage own time
Encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors
Great people skills
Problem solving
Able to adapt to different situations
Excellent communication skills
Team-working abilities
Able to cope with physically demanding work
Good numerical skills
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Punctuality and reliability
Dedication and commitment

About Elmley:

Elmley is the only family managed National Nature Reserve in the UK. Over the last 40 years the entire estate has been restored to nature, and it is now one of the most significant wildlife sites in the UK – particularly known for breeding waders, over wintering wildfowl, marsh harriers, abundant owls (short eared, long eared, little, and barn) and hare populations, along with rare insects such as the shrill carder bee and large tortoiseshell butterfly.

The Nature Reserve welcomes around 15,000 day visitors per year and around 300 members (Friends of Elmley)
The conservation role is managed by the The Elmley Nature Reserve Community Interest Company
The hub of the Reserve is Kingshill Farm which also hosts overnight stays, weddings and a small number of immersive events

Finding Elmley:

Kingshill Farm, Elmley Nature Reserve, Sheerness, Kent ME12 3RW will be the place of work. Note if researching location using online maps, please be aware that some apps will add 30 mins to the journey time to account for a footpath, it is suggested that the postcode ME12 3RN is used instead.

Elmley is located in North Kent, it is 30mins from Faversham, Maidstone and the Medway Towns, 45mins from Canterbury, 1 hour from South London.

Due to the rural location, own transport is advised.

If you are interested in applying for the role please send a Cover Note along with your CV to Grace Spooner at [email protected].

Elmley National Nature Reserve

Elmley Nature Reserve is an award winning hospitality venue and National Nature Reserve of international wildlife significance, Elmley offers luxurious stays in nature and bespoke events and weddings.

Elmley is, at its heart, a family run farm with a long-term vision to restore nature and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape and land. We pride ourselves on our small, hard working and dedicated friendly team where our values of sustainability, conservation and education are reflected in all elements of our operations.

In 2019 Elmley was awarded Best Sheppey Business at the Swale Business Awards. In 2017 Elmley was awarded Best Small Accommodation Provider at the Visit Kent Awards. In 2025 Elmley have been nominated in 4 categories of the Kent Wedding Awards. There are regular features in National press, to read more about us check our website: https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/

About Elmley Enterprises:

Elmley Nature Reserve is an award winning hospitality venue based on Isle of Sheppey North Kent. Based on National Nature Reserve of international wildlife significance, Elmley offers luxurious stays in nature and bespoke events and weddings. Elmley is, at its heart, a family run farm with a long-term vision to restore nature and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape and land. We pride ourselves on our small, hard working and dedicated friendly team where our values of sustainability, conservation and education are reflected in all elements of our operations. In 2019 Elmley was awarded Best Sheppey Business at the Swale Business Awards. In 2017 Elmley was awarded Best Small Accommodation Provider at the Visit Kent Awards. In 2025 Elmley have been nominated in 4 categories of the Kent Wedding Awards. There are regular features in National press, to read more about us check our website; https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/

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