Member Networks – June 2026
Early Careers Special Interest Group
Bringing Early Careers Together: CIEEM’s Regional Networking Events Across the Nations
The Early Careers Special Interest Group (ECSIG) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) has been busy making connections across the UK and Ireland over the last 24 months, delivering a series of in-person regional networking events designed to support those at the start of their environmental careers. These gatherings have brought together students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals to share experiences, hear from early career speakers, and build the relationships that can help create a career.
Each event followed a tried-and-tested formula: a guest speaker or panel of early-career professionals to spark ideas and conversation, followed by informal networking time. Keeping that second part relaxed and low-pressure was a deliberate choice, because however experienced you become, walking into a room full of strangers never quite loses its edge. By letting conversations develop naturally, attendees could connect at their own pace, without the stress that more structured networking can bring.
Scotland – Edinburgh, February 2024: The series kicked off at The Melting Pot in Edinburgh, organised by Jenny Downie and Hayley Smith (WSP) and Annie Robinson (CIEEM Scotland Coordinator). A guest speaker from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology offered valuable insight into research-led environmental careers, before drinks and informal conversation followed.
Feedback highlighted two things above all: the relaxed atmosphere and a drink selection that didn’t assume everyone wanted alcohol. Both became fixtures of the events that followed.
Wales – Swansea University, March 2025: The EC-SIG headed to Swansea University for an afternoon panel event chaired by Owain Gabb (BSG Ecology), featuring five speakers in the early stages of their careers from BSG Ecology, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales, and the South Wales Trunk Road Agency. The broad mix gave attendees a clear picture of the many paths available. Dr Penny Neyland from the university summed it up well: “Access to a range of expertise in a relaxed setting promoted excellent discussions and provided real reassurance to students daunted by the prospect of breaking into the sector — let’s make this an annual event!”
England – Bristol University, October 2025: For the South-West England event, Bristol University 
hosted panellists from across the private, public and NGO sectors: GE Consulting, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, the Civil Service Fast Stream, and NatureBureau, with ECSIG Convenor Athena
Allen chairing. Informal mingling and snacks followed, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and swap contacts. The careers service called it “a definite hit.”
Ireland – Portlaoise, November 2025: Co-organised by Alex Hayden (WSP), the Irish event took on a mini-conference feel, with a keynote from a Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin followed by the panel discussion How I Got Here: Stories, Tips & Sector Truths, featuring panellists from Offaly
County Council, Ulster Wildlife, Birdwatch Ireland, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Where Next? Four events, four nations, and one formula that keeps on working. So where should the EC-SIG head next? We’d love to hear from you — get in touch through MemberNetworks@cieem.net and let us know.
Article written by Athena Allen (ACIEEM) is Marine Projects Manager at NatureBureau, a small environmental consultancy company based in the UK. Her work focuses on EU marine legislation, stakeholder engagement, and research into her speciality of choice, cephalopods. Athena is the Convenor of the CIEEM Early Careers Special Interest Group and the Secretary of the CIEEM Marine and Coastal Special Interest Group.
East Midlands Geographic Section
Buds and beginnings: a seasonal start for East Midlands members
The East Midlands Member Committee of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is delivering a programme of five workshop-style events in 2026, designed to support skills development and strengthen professional networks across the region. The ‘Five B’s’ series—Buds and Beginnings, Bugs, Butterflies, British Mammals and Birds (?) – provides seasonal, field-based learning opportunities for members at all career stages.
The first event, Buds and Beginnings, organised and led by Shani Bacon, took place in late February at Sturgess Fields in Derby. This site – a green corridor along the Markeaton Brook with plans
to develop into a biodiverse coppice woodland – provided an ideal setting to explore early signs of seasonal change. A welcome pause in persistent winter rainfall enabled the session to proceed in favourable conditions.
Guest facilitators Eleanor Atkins and Dave (University of Derby) supported participants in identifying early signs of spring. A focused introduction to winter tree identification, with emphasis on
buds and bark, was followed by practical exploration of hedgerows and woodland. Blackthorn was observed in full bloom, while hawthorn buds were only beginning to emerge.
A subsequent breeding bird survey highlighted the importance of careful field observation. Although bird activity was high, limited breeding behaviour was recorded, with the exception of a territorial blackbird. The session concluded with an introduction to cryptogams – mosses, lichens, algae, and fungi – and the ecological significance of the cryptogamic layer, which contributes to year-round photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation but remains comparatively understudied.
The ‘Five B’s’ programme aims to provide inclusive, practical learning experiences that complement formal training, while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the regional membership. Further events in the series will take place throughout the year.
Article Written by Hamish Rogers MSc Biodiversity Conservation at Nottingham Trent University, and Student Representative on the East Midlands Member Network committee.