The Bangor Fund has enabled the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences to support a series of innovative, student-led initiatives through its Student-led Employability Working Group.
The funding supported two projects designed to enhance employability, develop practical skills, and strengthen community engagement among students.
The first focused on community engagement in partnership with the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). In March, 14 students took part in a volunteering day, contributing to large-scale tree planting while gaining first-hand insight into conservation practice and career pathways. The trip provided hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
Andrew Smith, an MScRes Geography student and Ynys Môn AONB volunteer said,
The volunteering day gave students a valuable opportunity to work outdoors, contributing to habitat enhancement through large-scale planting, connecting with AONB staff, and gaining hands-on experience into conservation and sustainability projects - helping them better understand potential career pathways.
The second activity supported the launch of a student-led podcast series, with funding used to purchase professional recording equipment. Seven students are currently developing the series with input from alumni, with a wider launch planned for September 2027. The project is entirely student-led, with participants involved from funding application through to delivery, gaining experience in budgeting, project management, and evaluation.
We launched our first podcast with alumnus, Mark Rigby (Agriculture, 1979), which was a valuable experience. I gained confidence and improved my interviewing skills. Hearing Mark’s student journey to becoming a CEO was inspiring, and I’m excited to interview more of our alumni and be part of a podcast that will benefit both current and future students.
Megan Judge, BSc Wildlife Ecology and Conservation student
Interviewing alumnus, Ryan Eddowes (Zoology & Herpetology, 2018) was an eye-opening experience into how important our connection with the natural world is, from both a mental and physical health perspective, as well as an educational one. Discussing how valuable and vulnerable nature and our connection to it is, has inspired me to work even harder to become a biology teacher.
Isobel Barnes, MscRes Biological Sciences postgraduate student
Dr Rebecca Jones, lecturer at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, said,
Across both activities, students developed technical and transferable skills including digital media production, teamwork, leadership and community engagement. Thanks to alumni for supporting the Bangor Fund and making these opportunities possible.
The Bangor Fund is made up of alumni donations and is administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office. Its primary purpose is to add value to the student experience.
Learn more about the Bangor Fund
