Meet Imogen – My journey to becoming an Inspiration Outdoors Guide
Meet Imogen – My journey to becoming an Inspiration Outdoors Guide
Posted on
p.s I’m the one of the left….
I have always been interested in wildlife and nature, the travel interest developed later. I grew up on a farm in the south west of WA where there were always birds to watch, animals to chase and ponds to peer into. I believe this background lead to my curiosity and love of adventure and the natural world. This combination has led me to some amazing places and experiences though volunteering, holidays and different work positions. After completing my Biology degree I did the typical overseas thing and set off to Europe to explore. This turned into five years working for a travel company, in a variety of positions, which took me throughout Europe and Scandinavia. This gave me a fantastic base and understanding of working in the hospitality and travel industry. It was also seasonal, so during the off season I had the opportunity to participate in volunteer programs for conservation and research on everything from tracking rhinos to counting dolphins or birds and removing invasive plant species.
Eventually I ended up on islands in the Indian Ocean specifically, Mauritius and Seychelles, working mostly on whales, dolphins and turtles, but also all things wildlife. While my positions were research based, they also utilised my travel/hospitality experience as I was running a volunteer and education programs. Two highlights include setting up the first wildlife rehabilitation and conservation centre in Seychelles and seeing the wonder and awe on people’s faces when introduced to the marvels of snorkelling or their first experience watching wild spinner dolphins jump.
When I returned to Australia in 2016 I did some seasonal work on nesting turtles on the mid-west coast, again focussing on research and education for tourists and local community. So much of conservation is now geared towards public awareness and education, encouraging people to take those small steps that everyone can make towards more sustainable living and looking after this planet of ours. The all important first step is developing an appreciation of the outdoors and nature in general; its delicate balance and intricacy that is so easy to disrupt. This is all easier when there is also an understanding of how we impact nature and why change, however small, is necessary and can make a difference.
It was the combination of travel and conservation, and the opportunity to share my love of the natural world which led me to apply for a position with IO early in 2017. As with many of my previous positions working as a guide offers the opportunity to be out experiencing nature, constantly learning, this time while exploring closer to home. As a guide I get to share my knowledge and experiences, enthusiasm and curiosity with like-minded people and, hopefully, inspire them in turn to pass that enthusiasm and appreciation on to their friends and family, subtly making those small changes.
I look forward to sharing these experiences with you one day on tour.
Imogen
