AFON Mentoring
If you've read all of our Careers Hub resources and would like some more personalised, tailored advice, you might want to join our Mentoring scheme. We can partner you with one of our mentors - conservation professionals working in the sector who are here to help you develop the skills needed to progress in conservation! Find out more about our mentors below and if you'd like to be assigned a mentor follow the instructions at the bottom of this page.
Writing, Art and Media
Julia Migné (she/her)
Julia is the Director of Conservation Optimism. She is using her skills to share optimistic stories about conservation to inspire, educate, entertain and empower people all over the world. Julia is also the co-founder of INKLINE, an international media platform, which features positive news and interviews with go-getters championing sociocultural causes.
Education and Engagement
Becky Fisher (she/her)
Becky is Deputy Director of Engagement for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, with over 10 years of experience delivering environmental education and community engagement. She is passionate about encouraging children and adults to experience the natural world and inspiring people to take action for nature on their doorstep. Becky has a Masters in Behaviour Change focusing on environment and conservation.
Science and Policy
Alistair Watson (he/him)
Alistair is a Consents & Environment Manager for electricity infrastructure projects. He identifies potential interactions between construction and wildlife, undertakes ecological constraints surveys and recommends mitigation. He has previous experience in practical conservation, a biological records centre, habitat surveying and statutory nature conservation. He is a keen citizen scientist promoting the recording, protection and enhancement of wildlife
Land Management and Conservation
David Tompkins
David Tompkins is a Project Officer with the RSPB in Northern Scotland. He previously worked in roles such as Reserve Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Warden and Research Assistant. He has worked for various conservation NGO's across the UK. He has an interest in invasive species, practical habitat management, volunteer management, developing projects and species monitoring. He has a strong desire to help young people build skills and experience to help them achieve their conservation objectives. He wants to build confidence in young aspiring conservationists.
How to get your AFON mentor:
1. Read the Mentoring Information Pack and Mentoring Agreement
2. Download this application form and fill it in.
3. Send it to mentors@afocusonnature.org
4. Our Mentoring Officer will message your preferred mentors in order and
be in touch shortly to introduce you to your mentor.
Interested in becoming a mentor?
We would like to make our panel of mentors more reflective of the young people we hope to support. This means we'd love to hear from women, people in the LGBTQ+ community and from Black, Asian and ethnic minority individuals. Please have a look at the information booklet and Mentoring Agreement and get in touch with the Mentoring Officer at mentors@afocusonnature.org to start the application process.