Writing samples

“Difficult Decisions: Communicating Conservation Prioritisation.”

Multifaceted topics, such as conservation prioritisation, can be challenging to communicate to the audiences of botanic gardens and arboreta. However, it is vital that we offer reliable insights into the global environmental issues that we face in modern times. Whether that is through fully fledged campaigns or bite-sized chunks of information – we can help improve the overall understanding of conservation throughout our audiences and their networks, and perhaps help to meet the ever-growing needs of global conservation projects.

“The language of connection: Raising the bar for science communications.”

The language we use & how we approach the audiences of botanical institutions is a vital tool to engage the public in large-scale, often scary, environmental issues that frequently make headlines. How can we use language to the fullest, in the name of influencing behavioural change, to aid conservation?

“Meet Dr Carly Cowell; leading the next phase of conservation at BGCI.”

In July 2023, BGCI welcomed a new member to the leadership team. Dr Carly Cowell joined us as the new Director of Conservation Policy & Practice. As BGCI’s Communications Officer (Rebecca Hansell), I had the pleasure of getting to know a bit about her background, which I’d love to share with you as we head into this exciting new chapter of BGCI’s conservation work.

“The Blue Planet Effect & The Plastic Problem.”

When the original Blue Planet was aired in 2001, it was also well received but fell short of the viewing figures of the sequel. However, with millions of viewers tuning in, even in 2001, it proved that the nation was showing huge interest in the natural world despite the distractions of the early “noughties” such as the start of the Harry Potter films, Dido being at the height of fame and The Weakest Link still being on our screens.

“The Power Of Conservation, Community, Communication & Mental Health Awareness.”

I recently had the pleasure of learning about the amazing work that, founder of Lonely Conservationists, Jessie Panazzolo does within the conservation sector. From a small child wondering how she could help save orangutans to being a salesperson, before finally realising her dream of working in conservation, the story is a great one and the lessons to be learned are numerous.

“Review: My Octopus Teacher.”

As we hunker down for lockdown 2.0 here in the UK, I am sure we will all be spending numerous hours scanning through Netflix, to find something to fill the long evenings ahead. So, let me help you out! If you haven’t checked it out or heard of it already, let me recommend adding ‘My Octopus Teacher’ to your watch list.

Having recently started working at my local aquarium, I have a newfound interest and appreciation for the intelligent species that lay just below the surface of our oceans, so, to learn more about this amazing species was a great way to spend my evening.

“Felt Primates & Big Plans.”

The more environmental and conservation issues become mainstream, the more we are learning about the varied ways that we can all help the world around us. No matter where our skills lie, there are ways that we can increase awareness and concern for pressing matters. I recently had the privilege to talk with PhD Candidate, Leslie Annette Paige about her work in conservation and how she is embracing her passion for crafts to spread the word about endangered primates.

I asked Leslie a few questions about her career so far, and together, we would like to share the lessons she has learnt so far.

“Make Your Own Luck.”

My name is Rebecca Hansell.

I am currently Junior Aquarist at Hastings Aquarium.

I am a part-time student, studying towards my BA (Hons) Environmental Studies with The Open University.

Leaving school, I originally trained and worked as an actor for 8 years, before changing my life in my mid-20s to work in the charity sector, then (now nearing 30) I have finally arrived in the conservation sector - and there have been plenty of life lessons along the way!

“Sistery History: Why we started a podcast celebrating women.”

In late 2018, we met in a coffee shop in Hammersmith, London to brainstorm ideas of how we could broaden our horizons and celebrate our shared interest in the natural world and environmental issues. After one too many lattes, the conversation turned to how many amazing stories of women there are that have not had a sufficient platform to shine upon. Inadvertently, the podcast ‘Sistery History’ was born, and we have never looked back.