Determined not to become part of the 25%, I started to look for summer work or internships to boost my CV. This is when I came across the CPRE opportunity to support their Web Manager. CPRE had recently developed a new website and wanted to archive content and set up a CPRE-branded and easy-to-use template website for local branches to use.

I was lucky enough to join CPRE as a Web Volunteer and their flexibility allowed me to fit the internship around my summer kayaking and other activities. Plus, being based at the National Office allowed me to spend time with my sister and university friends which I would not have been able to do otherwise.

During my internship, CPRE had a record press month, as a result of the planning consultations and accusations of a “left wing smear campaign” from Government and other rural pressure groups. As a result, I also worked on updating the magazine section, putting press releases on the website, optimising their website for search to try and turn this news coverage into web traffic.

Over the summer, I was able to get valuable work experience of the CPRE communications department and the wider organisation, as well as enhancing my website design and management skills.

Overall it was a fantastic time. I would thoroughly recommend the CPRE internship. I leave with the hope that this will benefit me, not only in the job market, also by raising my awareness of issues and threats England’s beloved countryside faces.