Tag: Media

A quick life update

I have been rather quiet on this blog recently, at least by my usual vocal standards. I can assure you that this is because I have been incredibly busy – with work, writing and university – and not because my interest has waned. For those who follow this blog loyally (to my surprise, there are a few) and for those who actually possess some sort of interest in what I get up to, here is a quick update of recent happenings in the world of James…

  1. Masters degree. I have enjoyed some fabulous lectures of late, including enthralling (and eye-opening) talks from the likes of GWCT and Natural England, and am currently engrossed in my favourite module to date: policy and licensing. I have also secured some time on the fabulous Farne Islands to carry out my postgraduate thesis and, quite frankly, I cannot wait!
  2. Squirrels – I am continuing my voluntary work with my local Red Squirrel action group. Work which centres, specifically, on the control of greys in my local area. This is not an enjoyable task but it is rewarding; more so given the continued presence of Reds in the area.
  3. Other voluntary work – Following a recent meeting with some wonderful representatives from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, I have scheduled a second meeting with their marketing team in the coming weeks. It looks like I am going to be gaining some experience in communications in the future, while also helping out, where I can, with their social media and publishing efforts.
  4. New Nature – the magazine is ticking over nicely. We have recently taken on a voluntary web editor and are all set to publish our second issue on February 6th; with fabulous contributions from a host of talented young writers and some more familiar faces. Please stay tuned.
  5. Writing. Nothing published of late, sadly; though I have send off some pitches. I was, however, lucky enough to be featured in The Countryman today. Specifically, in a fine article by the magazines editor entitled “The New Young Naturalists” – Please check it out.
  6. Curlew. To date, I have raised a total of £435 for the BTO’s Curlew Appeal and will be partaking in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge later this year, while attempting to raise more money along the way. I have also managed to quit smoking (well, vaping) and am starting to feel like the process may not actually be the death of me…

I do hope it all pays off in the end…

Writing: Life Lessons From 2016

Writing, tweeting and generally posting anything into the public domain is a sure fire way to stress yourself out, though it is thoroughly rewarding. 2016 has been a wonderful year in truth: it has helped refine my career ambitions, seen a number of gains on my part and provided me with a number of fantastic opportunities to better myself. From the chance to contribute to the delightful “seasons” books by Melissa Harrison; to the Living North Awards and my first magazine articles. It has also, however, been incredibly frustrating. Due, in no small part, to my own naivety and, at times, stupidity. I make no excuses, I am still learning, though, I have taken a lesson or two from 2016. Lessons I hope to carry over into 2017, and far beyond that.

Holding an opinion, regardless of the motivations behind it, means that there are always going to be people who disagree, and a great many people who simply do not like you. Often, for simply holding a view that differs substantially from their own. This is fine, providing, of course, you do not rise to counterproductive disputes and remove credibility through rather silly bickering. These people are entitled to their opinion, and sometimes, trying to change that is impossible. You cannot appease everyone, so there is little point in trying such. Being honest is far more important than being liked.

That said, fear of the repercussions associated with holding a view can often lead you to think twice about voicing such, which is folly. You should not be afraid to poke your head above the parapet once in a while, if, of course, you believe wholly in your cause. Even if your views amount to little other than scorn and woefully busy message box. When doing so, and taking a view, it is, however, important to ensure that you broadcast such with clarity. So that your motivations become clear, and you leave little room for speculation (and misinterpretation) on behalf of those who, as mentioned above, do not like you. Or others boasting disguised motives. Do not inadvertently provide others with ammunition and, for the love of god, explain things in detail as opposed to being overly vague. Too many times this year have my words landed me in trouble due to this.

When expressing a view, in text or online, be aware that others will attempt to twist things for their own ends. On occasion, turning a reasonable (if a little naive) article or post into something supportive of their own cause – this is a lesson I must learn, fast, but ultimately comes down to a tendency to take people at face value, as opposed to thinking critically with regards to their motivations. I must also shake the tendency to allow said opinions to be influenced by the sob stories of others, or, indeed, the views of those I perceive to be my betters – whether due to title or experience. Stop being so impressionable, James.

With this in mind, it is important to think objectively at all times, and not to be influenced by mass opinion. Even if taking an alternate path renders you unpopular in the long run. You should not be afraid to take a different opinion, providing you present such in a reasoned manner, and certainly should not be afraid to take the middle-ground once in a while. Especially when you understand both sides of an argument. Though in the eyes of some, this is often worse than picking a side – do not let that phase you. Although, changing your stance, from time to time, is not actually a bad thing. Standing by your guns is all well and good, at times, though pointless when presented with new information. Life is a learning curve and opinions do change.