Why I joined the Ecological Society

Starting university can be a daunting process, but joining a club or society is one easy way to make it less scary. There are so many benefits to joining a club or society, and when I started my degree, I decided to join the Ecological Society. 

The Ecological Society is one of the 150+ clubs and societies run by the Brighton Students’ Union (BSU) at the University of Brighton. In our society, we foster an environment where people with an interest in ecology and nature can get together with likeminded people, learn new skills and have fun. I was initially attracted to the society as I study the BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation degree, and the society provided the opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests whilst learning skills relevant to my future career. However, something I particularly enjoy about the society is how we attract people from all course areas, and we are all brought together through our mutual love of nature and learning about wildlife.

What is the Ecological Society about?

The Ecological Society was originally founded as an addition to the Ecology and Conservation course; however, it has since developed into a separate space that welcomes all people interested in nature. We don’t ask for any prior knowledge or experience, just an interest in wildlife and the natural world. Fostering an inclusive environment has been a great evolution of the society, as it allows us to connect people from across different course areas and demographics. 

We get up to lots of different things at the Ecological Society. The thing we are most known for is our practical events, allowing students to gain skills and knowledge about the world around them. We have hosted species identification walks to different local nature sites, held lab events such as owl pellet workshops, and collaborated with local conservation organisations to offer habitat management and restoration experience for our members. We also host a range of relaxed and indoor events, such as documentary nights, quizzes, and craft events. 

One of our aims is to create a relaxed environment where students can show up to the events that interest them. As a group we host weekly events, however there is no pressure to attend each week. Some members only attend once a term for certain events and others come every week – it is all down to personal preference!

My favourite parts about being a member of the Ecological Society

My favourite thing about being a member of the Ecological Society is all the practical activities we get up to. Not only have these been fun to attend, but as part of the society committee it has been so incredibly rewarding to provide these opportunities to other students. If I had to pick, my absolute favourite activity would have been either the first time we went to watch the starling murmuration’s at the pier or our day trip to the Seven Sisters Country Park. Both events were with incredible people, and we all saw some amazing wildlife together! 

Something I am most proud of is being a part of the committee this year and last year. Prior to my degree, I would never have imagined myself in a role where I organised events and provided opportunities to students, however it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to have done so, and I have now developed key transferable skills. A highlight from this time was having the work recognised, and the society being nominated for ‘Most Innovative Society’ at the 2024 Brighton Students’ Union Awards! 

What I’ve learned being a part of the Ecological Society

Being a part of the society has benefited me in so many ways both personally and academically. On a personal level I have met some incredible people and made some fantastic memories which will stay with me for a long time after graduation. However, academically I have also seen so many benefits. I have had the opportunity to develop so many field skills which are essential for a future career in ecology, and so whilst the society has been an incredible social outlet it has also been a productive use of my time. 

Extracurricular activities are a prime opportunity to make new friends on campus. Societies are based on shared interests, and so attending societies is a great way to meet likeminded people that you may not necessarily meet in other parts of student life. 

My advice for potential society members 

My advice for anyone considering joining any society at university is to give it a go. You’ll never know if you enjoy it if you don’t go, and you may even make some lifelong friends and core memories. A great thing about societies run by the BSU at the University of Brighton is that they are all free to join, making them accessible for all students! You may go to a certain society and find it’s not really your thing, but the good news is that there are so many other societies you can try instead! 

Being a member of the Ecological Society here at the University of Brighton has improved my experience so much. I would encourage all current and prospective students to try out societies during their time at university. 

If you’re interested in the Ecological Society specifically, you can see more about what we get up to on our Instagram (@ecosocbrighton) and our page on the Brighton Students’ Union website. 

Author: Robson Peisley – Ecology and Conservation BSc, School of Applied Sciences