Interns Reflections on Nine Months with NWRT
Over the past nine months the North Wales Rivers Trust (NWRT) welcomed two interns to the team, providing valuable industry experience in river conservation, restoration, and community engagement.
In this post Simone WIlliams, one of the interns, reflects on her journey, the projects she’s worked on, and the lessons she’s learned during her time with NWRT.
What drew you to the internship?
Having recently completed an MA in Fine Art with a focus on rivers, I’ve been running my personal project, The River Project North Wales, which combines sculpture, installation, photography, and film to raise awareness of river health and biodiversity. When I saw the NWRT internship advertised, it felt like a perfect opportunity, and I was thrilled to join the team.
My passion for the environment grew through a voluntary placement at the Centre for Alternative Technology, working on Woodland and Water Management, and my work with organisations like The Wildlife Trust, The Marine Conservation Society, and Llyn Parc Mawr community woodland. I was excited to join the North Wales Rivers Trust and continue my journey in conservation.
What was your role?
My role as an intern has been diverse, offering me the chance to experience various aspects of the team’s work. Some tasks, like community engagement and art workshops, felt familiar, while others, such as river restoration and site surveys, were new but rewarding challenges. I particularly enjoyed understanding how interventions like riparian zone restoration can positively impact the river and its surrounding wildlife.
What was your most memorable project?
One of my first projects was in Rhosneigr, where I worked with pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Rhosneigr and Biomatrix Water Solutions to launch a Floating Wetland in Llyn Maelog. This project aims to mitigate toxic algae blooms by using wetland plants to absorb excess nutrients. It was incredibly rewarding to involve local children, helping them feel connected to the lake and its future care.
I’ve also enjoyed working on the Afon Eden, carrying out nature surveys, water quality monitoring, and building bug habitats with Bro Hedd Wyn Primary School. Working in this beautiful, remote area, home to endangered freshwater pearl mussels, has been a real privilege.
What have you learnt and what’s next?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of healthy riparian zones for river ecosystems. Through surveys like kick sampling, I’ve seen how clean, nutrient-rich waters can support thriving wildlife, and how pollution can harm river life. Conducting water quality monitoring and mapping tributaries has given me valuable practical experience.
This internship has been invaluable, broadening my understanding of environmental work. It’s reinforced my passion for conservation and for using my art to highlight the issues rivers face. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue my journey in the environmental sector, knowing that my future work will be shaped by these experiences.
Thanks to National Heritage Lottery for funding these positions.
