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Blake Euan Marlow

Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Management

What sparked your interest in studying Wildlife at Harper Adams, Blake?

Well, I’m a keen ornithologist! Harper Adams seemed like the ideal place for me to explore that interest, especially farmland bird ecology. It was a great opportunity to build my skills at a university based in the West Midlands, with a rural setting that’s ideal for all of our field-based learning.

In fact, the location proved really valuable for assignments — and the field trips on offer helped me take my skills even further!

And did your first impression match those expectations?

My first impression was that Harper Adams truly invests in its students. The resources and equipment available across courses and sectors stood out compared to other universities I’d visited with similar degrees.

The lab facilities, library, and surrounding green spaces were all impressive. From the very first week, my lecturers and course mates were incredibly supportive — which continued throughout my entire time at Harper Adams.

How have you grown since that first week, including during your placement?  

Studying at Harper has really helped me grow — both in terms of my CV and my skillset. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a local wildlife hospital, which gave me loads of hands-on experience. I actually became an ambassador for their charity in my second year!

For placement, I joined the RSPB at a semi-urban wetland site, where I gained valuable insight into education, practical conservation, and public engagement there. A highlight for me had to be developing and delivering my own conservation engagement project to the public. I loved it.

Harper has also improved my confidence massively — in myself and in the subject of conservation. In my final year, I was able to put my communication skills into action by reaching out to conservation organisations to help source equipment for my farmland bird feeding dissertation project. A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that. But the skills and knowledge I’ve gained — both in lectures and on placement — have shown me just how important networking and proactive engagement are when building a career in conservation.

While at Harper, I’ve also been able to explore my passion for wildlife photography. I’ve taken part in competitions and even had my work published in BBC Wildlife magazine. It’s helped raise awareness for conservation causes and opened the door to some really exciting opportunities.

Congratulations Blake! So, what’s next?

Well, the aim is to build a career in the conservation sector once I’ve finished my degree here at Harper. Ideally, I’d love to work on a reserve with wetland or farmland habitats, where I can put the skills I’ve developed over the last four years into practice. I’m also aiming to earn my bird ringing licence with the BTO.

The skills I’ve gained at Harper — both practical and professional — have been invaluable, and I’m confident they’ll support me in whatever conservation role I take on next. I’m excited to see where this journey leads!

And if students were considering following in your footsteps, what would your advice be?

If you’re thinking about studying at Harper — go for it! The lecturers are genuinely enthusiastic, and the on-site resources give you loads of opportunities to learn and get stuck in. And of course, you’ll make some amazing friends along the way.

My advice? Stay on top of your work, take every opportunity that comes your way, and start building those industry contacts early. Harper’s a brilliant place to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

Four years might sound like a long time, but trust me — it flies by. Make the most of every Harper moment!