Citizen Ranger Malachi

”The Citizen Ranger role at Northern Roots has reaffirmed my desire to work in conservation, and it will help me stand out from the crowd once I graduate.” Malachi, Citizen Ranger

I started volunteering at Northern Roots in October 2024, as I was looking for a place to gain conservation experience to support my studies in the Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation Foundation course at Hopwood Hall College, Middleton.  My interest in nature stemmed from my grandparents who always encouraged engagement in the outdoors by taking me on walks at nature sites and providing magazines to read.

Northern Roots matched my values of family and friendship, and I enjoyed working alongside like-minded volunteers and staff. It provided a sense of security by allowing me to gain experience while remaining close to home.

In March 2025, I applied for the Citizen Ranger role. I thought it was a great opportunity to continue working with Northern Roots and to contribute to the development and preservation of Oldham’s natural environment.  

The project started with all the Citizen Rangers, Citizen Researchers and Heritage Champions visiting the Natural History Archive at Gallery Oldham. I was fascinated by the taxidermy birds, herbarium and heritage information about native wildlife that was collected and preserved from generations ago.

With my fellow Citizen Rangers, we began to explore the 160-acre Northern Roots site to gain an understanding of its features and layout. We conducted a range of ecological surveys to gather baseline data on what lives on the site including: pond surveys, botany surveys, invertebrate surveys, bat roost surveys, and ash dieback surveys.

The data we gather is important as it informs us about the biodiversity of the site, which helps us to develop effective management strategies for the conservation of the site. I also use photography as a modern way to capture and share nature for future generations in Oldham.

”I helped to deliver public engagement activities to encourage local communities to get outdoors, learn more about nature; and explore the Northern Roots site.”

The pond survey was a stand out moment for me as I discovered lots of interesting creatures and worked with enthusiastic people. I learnt new methods of surveying and have gained knowledge on how to identify plant species, collect environmental DNA, and use an endoscope to survey bat roosts.

”The chance to work here as my first paid job is something I’m grateful for. Having this opportunity in Oldham has been really beneficial, as it’s given me a local place to work in the conservation field. Without Northern Roots, I would have had to look much further away for this kind of experience.”

My first eight months of working as a Citizen Ranger at Northern Roots has provided me with new insight into conservation practices within an urban eco-park. It’s supported my studies, allowing me connect what I learn in class with hands on, real-world practice. I’m thankful to have met like-minded people who I enjoy spending time with and working at Northern Roots makes me feel fulfilled and like I’m on the right path for me.

Malachi’s Citizen Ranger role has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.