We’re thrilled to announce some exciting changes at Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP)! As we continue our mission to protect and promote the incredible marine environment, over the summer we’ve welcomed a new team of dedicated Coastal Rangers. These passionate individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they’re eager to connect with our community.
This time we have one of our two Assistant Coastal Rangers to introduce, Millie Groom, a freshly graduated from University of Plymouth with a passion for positive environmental change and conservation.
Tell us about yourself!
I recently graduated from Plymouth University with a degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability. For a long time now, I’ve been passionate about marine conservation and have completed different placements with marine and environmental organisations. Throughout my degree and since it, I have worked in environmental journalism and have written and published environmental articles for different news outlets. My goal in all my work has always been to raise awareness of environmental issues and to help create meaningful and radical solutions. Growing up in the countryside, I always wanted to live by the sea and work in conservation, which is why I love that my role allows me to educate and engage people and communities about marine conservation, heritage and wellbeing and show people the importance of protecting and understanding our waters!
What attracted you to apply for the Coastal Ranger position at PSNMP?
In this role, I have the ability to be part of a team that is bringing the wonders of the Sound to the attention of so many. Which is why, when I saw this job advertised, I applied. A lot of what I studied at university and have worked around is the idea of making science accessible and finding ways to communicate this to others. In this role, I saw an opportunity to be able to do this and I love that I get to do it so often. From helping to run citizen science events to teaching people about The Sound, my role gives me an opportunity to engage and inspire people across the city. And to be able to do that as a job and not just a hobby, has been a dream for me!
What do you love about the job so far?
There are many parts of the job that I love! I would have to say that helping to set up and run events with our lovely volunteers has been amazing. Having the opportunity to work with such a passionate and inspiring group of people is a huge part of what makes my job so great! Another aspect of the job that is really important to me is being able to go out into communities and support people. Whether it’s through setting up coastal cleans in their area or going along to their community meetings, engaging with and getting to know the communities of Plymouth has been such an integral and interesting part of my role so far.
What are you most excited about working in PSNMP?
I’m really excited to look back on the project in a few years and see everything the team has worked so hard on, become a reality. I think this project has so much to offer the city and to be a part of that, to watch it grow and thrive across the next few years is very exciting!
Millie has already proven her invaluable skills event support and connecting with many communities in, on, under and around Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. We can’t wait to look back with Millie after years of hard work to see our cause make positive actions for our environment and blue/green economy.
We have one more Assistant Coastal Ranger to introduce to you all soon. Stay tuned!
Meet the rest of the team!
Jess Stevens: Find out about her work in Borneo here
Jes Hirons: Read on to discover her sailing adventures