Pick of the bunch: Emily Millhouse – Nature Conservation Officer

For this month’s pick of the bunch, we’ve chosen to highlight the hard work of Emily Millhouse, our Nature Conservation Officer.

As a Nature Conservation Officer with Glendale’s Lewisham team, Emily Millhouse thrives in a role that keeps her close to nature and the community. Her work ranges from leading volunteer groups in local parks and rivers to engaging schools in the importance of green spaces. Emily’s day-to-day activities also include conducting wildlife surveys, which she says are key to monitoring the biodiversity of local parks. One of her favourite projects has been Glendale’s annual amphibian surveys, where she enjoys the unique experience of being in local parks in the evenings, watching the ecosystem come alive.

A Collaborative and Knowledgeable Team

Emily describes her team as “wonderful” and highlights their shared dedication to Lewisham’s green spaces. “The Lewisham Glendale team are very knowledgeable about the green space we manage and always up for trialling something new to improve the parks,” she says. This collaborative spirit makes Glendale’s work not only impactful but also allows Emily and her colleagues to innovate in managing parks.

Ambitions for Data-Driven Conservation

Looking ahead, Emily has goals for improving Glendale’s conservation efforts. She aims to improve the wildlife dataset, allowing her team to track local species trends. “It would be amazing to make practical interventions that continuously bolster the health of our urban green spaces,” she shares. By aligning Glendale’s planting and management plans with these trends, Emily hopes to enrich the parks for both wildlife and the local community.

Advice for Newcomers: Get Involved!

For those new to the field, Emily emphasises the importance of being proactive. “Get outside and get involved in your local green spaces!” she advises. With an established network of green initiatives and dedicated people, she believes hands-on experience helps new conservationists connect with the land and community.

Rewarding Experiences with Volunteers

Emily finds working with Glendale’s dedicated volunteers especially fulfilling. Their commitment and enthusiasm, she says, make a real difference in conservation projects. “They’re always up for getting really mucky on the projects I plan in for them!” she adds with admiration. The sense of teamwork and shared purpose fuels her passion for the job, as does a Glendale staple – making sure there’s enough tea and biscuits for every session, an essential part of every volunteer meet-up.

Building Her Career with Glendale

The role of Nature Conservation was exactly what Emily was looking for. Given her background growing up in South-East London, she appreciated that the Lewisham Glendale team had been managing local parks with the council for over a decade, a positive indicator of Glendale’s supportive and enduring workplace culture.

The Key to Success: Communication

To Emily, communication is the most essential skill for her role, as she frequently interacts with a wide range of stakeholders, partners, and members of the public. She believes it’s critical to make green spaces accessible to everyone and to break down any barriers or misconceptions about nature.

Previous Successes and Future Aspirations

Before joining Glendale, Emily designed and managed a three-year project in London to connect people with amphibians and ponds. This initiative reached over 96,000 people, a project she looks back on proudly, knowing it led to increased awareness and positive actions for local wildlife.

When asked about her personal travel dreams, Emily shares her hope to one day visit Japan, a destination that, like her work, beautifully blends nature and culture.

A massive thanks to Emily for taking part in our ‘Pick of the Bunch’ series; we’re beyond grateful to have her on our team.