Volunteer Expedition Researcher

Melissa Jolly

After studying Behavioural Science at university, I went on to work as a researcher for an independent TV company making wildlife documentaries for children. I was in charge of finding captivating wildlife stories around the world and planning the logistics of the film trips. For the last 15 years I have run my own landscape design business and have been increasingly drawn to designing and implementing wildlife gardens that take inspiration from the wilder landscapes around us and increase the biodiversity on our doorsteps.

Swallows! When I was growing up, I used to watch the swallows return to nest in an old stable at my parents’ house. I didn’t know much about their migration when I was younger but as it dawned on me that they fly off to southern Africa each winter and return to this little patch each spring I was enthralled by them and how they are able to make this trip. I would watch the parents diligently hunting for their chicks and listen as the young birds squawked at their return. Sadly, the last couple of years, the birds haven’t returned.

I walk every day and like to explore different landscapes. This photo was a selfie taken on one of my dog walks in the woods near our house. Although I walk in these woods most days, I never get bored of them and often take time to get off the footpaths to sit by the trees, photograph fungi or wait quietly to watch the local deer browsing.