International Women’s Day – What it’s like to work at RSPB Scotland

The RSPB simply would not exist today if it were not for the inspiring work of Emily Williamson, who founded the charity in a bid to fight the Victorian fashion for feathers and exotic plumes, which was pushing species like the Little Egret and Great Crested Grebe towards extinction. 

Other pioneering women like Etta Lemon and Eliza Phillips soon joined Williamson and would go on to play key roles in the organisation's success. 

What began as an all-woman movement fired-up by a lack of action from the male-only British Ornithologists Union has blossomed into the charity as it is today. 

In celebration of International Women's Day we spoke to a few of the wonderful women who continue the work of the RSPB's founders. They share their answers to a few of life's most important questions (which of course includes asking them what their favourite bird is). 

How long have you worked for the RSPB? 
Four years.

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 
I love taking decision makers to visit some of the amazing seabirds that come to Scotland each year to breed and rear their young.  Scotland is home to over half the UKs seabirds and our islands, sea cliffs and surrounding waters are vital if they are to continue to thrive in the face of the many pressures they face. 

Seeing seabirds in their own domain really brings this home to people and hopefully makes them more inclined to support the measures needed to help seabirds do better because at present 70% of Scottish populations are in decline and we really need to see that change.

What’s your favourite bird? 
The Fulmar, sometimes known as Scotland’s mini-Albatross as they are the same family of birds. Fulmars are beautiful, perfectly adapted for life on the wing, coming to land only to breed and rear their young.

Who is a woman that inspires you?  
Rather cornily it has to be my biology teacher, Mrs Tait, as she was the person who inspired the love of biology in me and made me realise that marine biology was where my future lay.

What’s your advice to other women with ambitions to work in conservation?  
There are so many routes into conservation these days – academic and practical.  I think if you really want to do it then you’ll find a way.  Perseverance and passion are key and always be open to learning.   

 

How long have you worked for the RSPB?
I started working for RSPB Scotland in August 2024, so I'm exactly 1.5 years in.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Being surrounded by passionate nature advocates with such wide-ranging skills and backgrounds. On any given day, I could be talking to some of the top bird experts in the country, talented campaigners and comms experts, parliamentary gurus, and on-the-ground nature reserve teams who make RSPB Scotland's ambitions a reality.

Every single day I learn something new (often by sending colleagues photos of birds I can't ID, and getting both the ID and a flurry of fascinating facts in return).

What’s your favourite bird?
It has to be either a Lapwing or a Crested Tit - I love their little hairstyles.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Without a doubt, my mum. It's difficult to put into words how much she inspires me as a woman. Not only is she endlessly supportive and encouraging, but she is one of the most accomplished people I know.

She had a complete career pivot in her 50's, setting up her own coaching business to help people realise their potential. She is constantly on the lookout for new challenges and opportunities, and her biggest motivation in everything she does is helping others and trying to make the world a better place.

I'll forever be grateful that my mum instilled in me and my sister a deep appreciation for pursuing a career driven by passion, above all else. Thanks to her, we're now both in jobs we love.

She is strong, confident and compassionate - everything a woman should be.

What’s your advice to other women with ambitions to work in conservation? 
Don't be dissuaded by your background. Whether you went to university or not, whether you have a science background or not, or whatever doubt may be in your mind - there's a place for you in this sector. And if you're right at the beginning of your career journey, there are so many opportunities to gain experience and figure out what you enjoy.

The biodiversity and climate crises will disproportionately affect women and worsen existing gender inequalities. It's so, so important that women are well represented in this sector - and thankfully, there many inspirational women already leading the way.

How long have you worked for the RSPB?
10.5 years, I started in August 2016.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My lovely colleagues - it's brilliant working with like-minded people towards a common goal. I work in fundraising, in a team led by and predominantly made up of women, and we are each other's cheerleaders and support networks.

What’s your favourite bird?
Shoebill Stork because they look like big spooky mythical creatures.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
There are so many inspirational women, I find this really hard to answer with just one. I saw Lily Allen live the other day, and I definitely find the fact that she has managed to turn her her ex-husband's betrayal and breakdown of her marriage into art and a hugely successful career reboot inspirational! 

What’s your advice to other women with ambitions to work in conservation? 
Bear in mind that there is more to conservation than the practical, hands-on work. From fundraising and communications to finance and legal, there are loads of roles in a conservation charity like the RSPB that you can apply transferrable skills to and do something that enables the practical work to happen.