Hello everyone! My name is Christy, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Engagement and Communications intern at the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust. As a recent graduate from the University of Aberdeen with a degree in Politics and Philosophy I am thrilled to have the opportunity to put my skills and knowledge to use with such a dedicated and passionate team. I am looking forward to contributing to the important work that the trust does in preserving, enhancing and promoting the natural beauty of our countryside.  

Grandtully Hill in the summertime. © Christy Bridgeman 

As a new intern at the trust, I will be working closely with our Discovery, Learning & Engagement and PR & Marketing teams to promote and deliver various engagement projects and events. This will include designing and developing educational resources (such as for the upcoming Birdbox Project!), delivering engagement sessions in partnership with the likes of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust, and marketing our work on and off social media.  

I have already been busy the past few weeks helping rewilding and tree planting efforts at Bamff Estate near Alyth, Our Lady’s Primary in Perth, and in Kinloch Rannoch as part of our ‘Tree for Every Child’ initiative. So far everyone has been very welcoming and lovely, and it is energising to work with people who share the same beliefs and outlooks as myself! 

The very, very green Birks of Aberfeldy. © Christy Bridgeman 

Come 2023 I will be looking to take the lead on various engagement and education events, and I will be working hard to develop and deliver educational and training resources, both in-person and online. You can expect many more blogs and posts from me very soon! I look forward to contributing to our upcoming youth work, helping out on the Cateran Trail, co-authoring reports and evaluating our education projects, and promoting and organising events, amongst many other things.  

Looking towards the future, I hope to build on the skills and experience gained with the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust by pursuing a career in public policy or political consultancy, especially with an environmental focus, to help shape the country and countryside for the better in the decades to come.  

I am passionate about conservation and social mobility, especially sustainability and widening access, so I am delighted to have this opportunity to make a difference in my local area by promoting and improving Perth and Kinross’s gorgeous scenery and vibrant wildlife. My ambition to make an impact with this standout charity is found locally; there’s little more I love than chirpy woodland walks, rain in autumntime, and views from sun-soaked hilltops! Things I think no one will disagree with (except maybe the rain part)! Maybe my attached photos better express this point than I can, I hope you like them!  

It’s great to be able to experience nature as part of my job and spend time all over Perthshire’s outdoor spaces as part of my job. Outside of work I enjoy watching and playing ice hockey, cricket and football (big St Johnstone fan!), writing fiction, playing video games with friends, and listening to music—my favourite is Sufjan Stevens.

I am excited to get started and to see what the coming months have in store. I am sure that this experience will be both challenging and rewarding, and I am eager to do my part in helping the trust to achieve its goals. 

Christy Bridgeman