Yuka Atsuchi, a Laidlaw Scholar at Durham University, on Implementing Effective Conservation Methods for Durham County.
Research Title:
Sustainable wildflower meadow planning and implementation of rewilding conservation in Durham County.
Over decades, the importance of natural conservation and conservation studies has been raised to tackle this biodiversity crisis (National Biodiversity Network, 2019). However, conservation projects are not easily implemented due to the uncertainty of the management and output (Sanderson et al., 2022). So, scientific experimental knowledge and experience of where, how and when is a key decision-making guide for practical and effective conservation planning. (Grantham et al., 2010)
County Durham demands further conservation actions for its unique ecosystems alongside urban development. So, my research focused on providing scientific knowledge and evidence for effective conservation methods.
Where did your passion for this research originate?
Since I was little, I’ve been close to nature. I enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, fishing and bird watching. When I learned about climate change and human-wildlife conflicts, I really wanted to do something about these issues worldwide. The documentaries by David Attenbrow and a book called “Wildling” by Isabella Tree especially fascinated me with the UK conservation activities and the field of ecology. These interests and motivation inspired me to apply for a scholarship that supports me to study in the UK from Japan for A levels and higher education.
Once I came to the UK, I started volunteering at many conservation sites and organisations such as Knepp in Sussex, Highland Wildlife Park, Wildlife Trust, RSPB and more. While I was working for nature and people, I realised that there is always a gap between scientific knowledge and people who actually manage and plan the conservation areas. Rewilding is a new conservation approach, but Knepp, where I worked, showed the amazing recovery of nature from heavily managed farmland. In addition, wildflower meadows can be a place for native species and people to enjoy. That is why I decided to do my research question for rewilding and wildflower meadow conservations because I want to be a person who can be a bridge between sciences and people.
Assessing establised wildflower meadow.
How have you applied your leadership skills in real life? What are some insights & lessons from your experience?
1. Durham University Botanic Garen Student Volunteer Team
This student-based team just started two years ago. I worked as a main organiser arranging meetings, circulating information and working on multiple projects. Last year we had a huge issue with communication and information accessibility. To tackle this, I suggested a new tool (Microsoft Team) instead of university email. I helped people to understand the new tool and to get involved in many projects as much as they wanted. This resulted in conducting 9 projects within the Botanic Garden. Especially, we made a new educational science trial for children. I realised that my value as a facilitator can be one of my leadership skills.
2. LiA Working in Shiretoko Nature Foundation
This experience showed me that leadership is not always being a leader. I believe that it’s also being a key member. I tried to be a good communicator and motivator of teams. Even though we had a difficult situation (such as a physically hard field survey, working outside under hot weather, and dealing with difficult visitors), such positive thinkers and talkers were crucial to overcoming the issues.
Please provide a short list of bullet points of your top leadership tips
Get out of your comfort zone: To meet many people and gain more experience, it is important to try something new or visit places that you haven’t visited. This is how I made lots of local friends and made most of the time on the LiA site.
Ask questions: Asking questions about people’s lives, interests and careers will inspire you. In addition, this is how people can start opening up to you and getting to know each other.
Have confidence: Once I had some kind of imposter syndrome, but I reflected on what I have done so far. This helped me work with confidence and build up my thoughts.
Meeting a bear on the way to work.Removing invasive water lilies on a boat in Shiretoko National Park.
What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?
If I describe the Laidlaw Scholarship programme in three words, they would be:
1. Challenging
2. Discovery
3. Curiosity
My research program and LiA were very challenging both physically and mentally in various ways, but I can break my limits and I actually feel the change in myself after each Laidlaw program and event.
There are always things that I never knew or never met while Laidlaw program. I’ve met so much wonderful wildlife such as whales, dolphins, orcas, brown bears, red foxes, sea eagles, the biggest owl in Japan and more during my LiA. In addition, I met so many people from different backgrounds and careers. All those surprised and inspired me.
I felt the importance of curiosity. It’s always key to be interested in others and to question, which helps you know new things and adapt to different environments.
Dear (Eating lunchbox while observing deer).
Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why?
To be honest, I can’t choose one leader that inspires me the most. It’s because each person has their own leadership styles, and I am taking each different bits of their skills to build my own leadership. For instance, I was inspired by deep professional knowledge by my academic supervisor, by great communication and networking by an NGO leader that I volunteered for, and by a very thoughtful and friendly society leader. I am learning each different type of leadership and skills from the people that I worked with. This experience helped me shape my leadership style and develop my skills.
The LiA and the research program definitely expanded my network to meet various leaders working in different fields. Now I think that my leadership style can be a leader as a facilitator and motivator. However, I think I need different types of leadership depending on the situation. So, I still want to learn and develop different leadership skills further.
Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.
This research experience last year showed me the importance of communication between various stakeholders as I worked with the university ecology team, botanic garden, landscape team and local conservation organisations. Especially, I found that there is a need for a person who can connect academic, professional and local community to create the most sustainable and effective nature conservation. To develop my skills and careers further for people and nature, I am going to work as an environmental consultant during my placement year.
My LiA also gave me experience working in the field in national park. In addition, I learnt about the conflict between nature, people’s life and economy. By learning and getting more connections, I want to create a place where people and nature live in harmony in the future.
If you want to learn more about Yuka's work, explore Yuka's research here and follow her on LinkedIn. Yukais a Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholar at@Durham University. Become a Laidlaw Scholar to conduct a research project of your choice, develop your leadership skills, and join a global community of changemakers from world-leading universities.
Yuka, I really appreciated your thoughts on the future you're striving to create, and identify with you about the dynamics between people and nature living in harmony and barriers to achieving this!
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Yuka, I really appreciated your thoughts on the future you're striving to create, and identify with you about the dynamics between people and nature living in harmony and barriers to achieving this!
Agreed! I loved reading how she's using her leadership skills to push this goal forward.