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Phoenix Forum 10th anniversary
Did you know that the Phoenix Forum celebrated its 10th anniversary in October 2007?
The first meeting took place at RSPB Headquarters in Sandy and consisted of the 10 Forum members, a number of RSPB staff and Baroness Young, who at the time was RSPB Chief Executive Officer.
Since 1997, the Forum has been involved in providing feedback on the content of Wingbeat magazine, as well as giving general advice about the style and pace of the teenage membership package.
Forum members have also had the chance to attend meetings and conferences to represent the interests of our teenage members. In 2002, two Forum members went to the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa and got the opportunity to rub shoulders with world leaders and let them know their feelings on climate change.
So, what happens to Forum members when they 'retire' and step into the world of university and employment?
What are past Forum members up to now?
Danny Heptinstall (2003-2007): I only left the Forum in July 2007 but since then, I've had an amazing time spending six months in the Balkans volunteering for conservation NGOs. First, I was in Bulgaria where I lived with a shepherding community on a demonstration eco-farm in the Stara Planina Mountains while I monitored migration and re-introduced Griffon vultures. It was an incredible experience and I still miss living on the farm but I had to move on and ended up in Greece radio-tracking and ringing(!) black vultures for WWF. I start my ecology degree in September 2008 and hope to eventually become a conservationist for an organisation like the RSPB. But I'm only half way through my gap year and I've been invited to volunteer in Turkey, Israel, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Sweden and Hungary, so who knows where I'll end up in the summer of 2008!
Helen Baker (1997-2001): Soon after my time on the Forum, I went to study Geography at university in Bristol. I loved the opportunity to study the linkages between society and the natural world - this furthered my knowledge of environmental issues and encouraged me to keep on being 'green'. After uni, I volunteered at a conservation project in the Algarve for a year. My project was habitat mapping in a diverse wetland area, but since the study centre was also an active bird observatory, I learned how to identify and ring lots of different species of birds – in the sunshine of course! I now work back in the UK within the environment and natural resources team at an international development consultancy firm. I still have time for other green activities too and last June I went to a conference in Berlin with young people from all over Europe to discuss positive approaches to the challenge of climate change.
Liz Masden (1997-2001): Since leaving the Forum I have journeyed from Yorkshire to Scotland but not by the most traveled path; my journey has taken me from the beaches of California to the mountains of Tasmania and home again, in search of interesting wildlife. On completion of a degree in marine and environmental biology I worked as a scientific research assistant for both the British Antarctic Survey, and the Australian Antarctic Division, as well as for Cefas fisheries laboratory. Currently I am a PhD student at the University of Glasgow, funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, to assess the impacts of wind farms on bird populations. My future plans are to remain in ecological research.
Andrea Clarke (1997-2001): After leaving the Forum, I went to study law and currently I'm a lawyer in the Department for Transport. It's very exciting working in Westminster at the heart of politics, but my job means that I have to be impartial so I can't go out campaigning or protesting about issues. However, I've realised that researched input of charities like the RSPB can influence decision making in Government. Starting work has meant better holidays, the best being trekking in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and a trip to Macchu Picchu and the jungle in Peru - the birds and wildlife there were stunning!! London has surprised me with its wildlife too. I live quite centrally but am near an area that has recently gained reserve status, where I have volunteered a few times. It's full of wildlife, and I even spotted a kingfisher in the docklands recently- v exciting! Since moving to London, I have been trying to make the most of the exhibitions, plays and events that are always on. In 2005, I ran the London marathon for charity, which was very hard work, but an amazing experience and this year I'm hoping to do a charity cycle ride in Devon from Plymouth to Woolacombe - I think I'm a bit addicted to finding new challenges!!
Jeff Knott (1999-2002): After three great years on the Forum, including being one of the two lucky delegates to the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, in South Africa (a real eye-opener on many levels!), I left to study Ecology at the University of East Anglia – a great opportunity to run about Norfolk birding and occasionally do some work. As part of my degree, I spent a year studying at uni in Sydney – a great opportunity to run around Australia birding and occasionally do some work. Mind you, the work was pretty amazing. Who can complain when courses teach you how to handle wild snakes and catch kangaroos? After graduating it turned out my post-forum route half way round the world would turn out to be remarkably circular – I now work at the Lodge as Species Policy Officer for birds of prey. It's a very exciting and challenging job trying to protect species like the hen harrier and golden eagle. Not everyone finds these birds as charismatic as we do and using every possible method to stop their illegal killing is an important part of my job. Working for the RSPB is just as much fun as it was volunteering and I've no doubt my Forum experiences helped me get this opportunity.
Oli Slessor (1999-2001): Since leaving the Forum, I completed my National Diploma in Game and Wildlife Management at Sparsholt College. From there, I went north to Bishop Burton College to take a degree in Wildlife and Countryside Conservation. Whilst there, I obtained my BTO 'C' grade bird ringing licence, which enabled me to focus my dissertation on a foraging study of tree sparrows through colour ringing; this part of East Yorkshire was a particular stronghold of the species. Jobs have followed at Bird Observatories; Landguard on the Suffolk coast, a migration watch point and latterly at the Calf of Man – choughs everyday! I have been part of a BTO team ringing seabirds on an isolated Scottish Island and have also enjoyed some ornithological voluntary work overseas, and since obtaining my ‘A' licence, this included Canada.