Work experience at Creekside Discovery Centre!

Amie - Y10

This week at Creekside Discovery Centre has been a really enjoyable experience. Before coming here, I didn’t realise how much work goes into protecting nature or how important local wildlife is. Throughout the week, I learned about different habitats, the animals that live there, and how people can help protect them.

One of the most interesting things I discovered was how invasive species, such as the Chinese mitten crab, can affect rivers in the UK. These crabs were accidentally introduced through ships and have spread through many waterways.

I also enjoyed spending time outdoors. It was a nice change from being inside a classroom because I could learn by observing nature directly. I found identifying different plants and animals challenging at first, but as the week went on, I became more confident.

This experience has made me realise that everyone can play a part in protecting the environment. Even small actions like picking up litter, recycling, or respecting wildlife can make a difference. I think more young people should have opportunities like this because it helps them understand why nature is important and why it needs protecting.

Overall, my week at Creekside has been fun, educational, and inspiring. I have learned new skills, gained confidence, and developed a greater appreciation for the natural world. It has been an experience that I will remember and one that has encouraged me to care more about the environment.

Joshua - Y10

When I arrived at Creekside on my first day of work experience, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. As I am writing this now, on my final day, I can safely say that my time here has lived up to and exceeded my expectations in ways that I could not have previously imagined.

Upon arrival on day 1, me and my friend Noah (who was also completing his work experience here) were whisked straight into the action, finding ourselves suiting up in waders, a high vis vest, and eventually making our way down into the Creek alongside Julia, with an excited year 4 class, all within the first hour or so of being there! I must admit, I didn’t really know what I was doing to begin with but towards the end of my first day, I was starting to get the hang of things, even helping out in the classroom and trying to engage the kids with their studies of the history of the Creek.

Throughout the course of the next few days, I would be out and about assisting several different members of staff with things such as habitat conservation or litter picking in the nearby park and in the creek itself with Tim and Nick respectively, which I did enjoy much more than I expected to, I have to admit! Once the day was done and the schools had finished their adventures down the creek there was even time to relax and take in the beautiful area surrounding the Discovery Centre.

Overall, I have loved my time here far more than I had ever imagined to, from the wonders of the Creek to the kind and welcoming staff I could not have asked for a better time on my work experience. 

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If you're interested in a placement please contact volunteering@creeksidecentre.org.uk and make sure to include some information about yourself, but also the placement date and duration and what school you attend. We receive a lot of enquiries and generally prioritise proactive contact from the young person themselves rather than an adult, if possible.