Following the successful completion of Phases 1 and 2 of our FMP Ambassadorial training programme, we are now advertising for Phase 3. Deadline for applications is 25th January 2019.
We are looking to develop a group of people who can act as ambassadors for the Floodplain Meadows Partnership and floodplain meadows in their area. The aim is to train people in the ecohydrology of floodplain meadows, so that they can interpret the state of a site and provide advice on management and restoration. In order to achieve this, we are offering a subsidised training opportunity that will take three years to complete. In exchange, we will invite our ambassadors to represent a county within which they will promote the value of floodplain meadows, share their knowledge with others, give management advice, help in restoration projects and help with the continued collection of long term data where appropriate. Throughout the process they will be supported by staff from the Floodplain Meadows Partnership and its Steering Group.
More infomation about our existing Ambassadors can be found here http://www.floodplainmeadows.org.uk/about-us/fmp-ambassadors
The on line application form is here http://www3.open.ac.uk/forms/FMPambassadors and more detail about the course can be found at the bottom of the page. You will need to submit a number of supporting documents including:
- A letter of support or reference letter from your current employer. If you are not employed, this could be from a floodplain meadow manager that you work with. If from employer it should confirm that you have agreed how the training commitment can be incorporated within your current role.
- A current CV.
- A signed copy of the letter of commitment.
- A signed copy of the Ethics and GDPR consent form.
Comments from previous Ambassadors
‘Hilary and David did a really good job of distilling very technical information for beginners and intermediates alike. It was clear that we represented a range of different skills and experiences, many of which were greater than mine, but I never felt lost which must be a good sign’ Sam Thomas, Environment Agency
‘Monthly tasks were a very good approach to take. Easy to sell to your manager in terms of time commitments. Some months the task took only a couple of hours, others a few days, but it all evened out over the 24 months’. Helen Carty, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland
‘Nothing beats seeing other people’s sites and putting your own into context…. Learning never stops and this is a great way to do this’ Debbie Lewis Bucks Berks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
‘I thoroughly enjoyed writing the report as it brought together all the data collection and analysis into something informative and useful for future management of the site’ Ellie Jones, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
‘It is nice to have another hat to wear, which is organisationally neutral, rather than just wearing the Natural England hat. And being associated with a national network – FMP – carries more weight than just be a ‘local resident’ or even a ‘local expert’’. Cath Mowat, Natural England
‘Yes, I think the EA already has started to benefit from the knowledge I’ve gained. During this period the EA has recognised the importance of floodplain connectivity and prioritised natural flood management so it has really been beneficial for my work’. Jane Birch, Environment Agency
