My name is Mhari Ross and over the summer, I was an environmental consultant intern with ADL Nature, supported by the Pebble Trust.
I especially enjoyed hands-on fieldwork. I carried out peat depth surveys, attended habitat impact assessment (HIA) training, and then put this into practice by completing HIAs with colleagues.
I advanced my GIS skills by mapping erosional features and turning data into maps and gained experience editing reports. I observed project management on an active restoration site and built confidence in the field and as part of a team. With more time with ADLnature (and less rain), it would’ve been even better.
Overall, this internship strengthened my skills and will support me as I go into my third year of Geography and my future career in conservation.
Jane, from ADLnature, shared her thoughts on hosting Mhari’s internship:
“Our 12 week summer peatland restoration internship gave Mhari hands-on experience in both the office and field, contributing to feasibility studies, funding applications, GIS mapping, and site surveys across the Highlands. She developed professional and technical skills, from stakeholder engagement to upland fieldwork, fully meeting the aims and expected benefits set out in our application. We are especially proud of her high-quality GIS outputs and the confidence Mhari gained in contributing to peatland restoration projects.
“Mhari’s work has strengthened our peatland restoration projects and provides a foundation for expanding efforts that support a fairer, more resilient, low-carbon future. Her contribution will help improve restoration outcomes, while the skills and experience gained demonstrate the value of creating opportunities for young people in the environmental sector.
“This project leaves a lasting legacy by advancing both environmental impact and the development of the next generation of conservation professionals.”
Mhari Ross carrying out fieldwork