Profile
Milly Bell
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About Me:
I am 27 years old and grew up in Cumbria. I went to university in Lancaster, and then lived in East Yorkshire for 3 years before moving to Bristol to live with my partner who is working on his PhD in Volcanology at the University of Bristol. I play netball and badminton, and enjoy hiking and playing guitar 🙂
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My pronouns are:
She/Her
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How I use Geography in my work:
I work with scientists every day to understand more about their research on tree health, pests and diseases, and to be able to communicate this to the appropriate target audiences.
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My Work:
I am a science communications professional working for the Centre for Forest Protection, a Defra-funded research collaboration between Forest Research and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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Read more
I have been in my current role in Programme Support and Communications with the Centre for Forest Protection (CFP) since June 2025. It involves the following key work areas:
- Managing the day to day running of the CFP website – coordinating with researchers and scientists across Forest Research, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Defra, and collaborators to develop and publish regular blogs, news, research project updates, and training opportunities.
- Managing the CFP communication channels – planning and creating regular social media content to enhance the visibility of the CFP and promote its activities and plans, whilst also organising and writing regular CFP newsletters to share updates, events, and research highlights with stakeholders.
- Coordinating intern recruitment – promoting opportunities, collating applications, and organising interviews.
- Reviewing the development of professional and technical training modules for the CFP, in collaboration with subject matter experts.
- Supporting the organisation of in-person and online education and knowledge exchange events, liaising with CFP scientists, collaborators, and education partners.
- Updating and maintaining digital collaborative spaces for researchers and scientists across a range of research projects spanning multiple organisations.
- Providing administrative and technical support – scheduling board meetings, sharing agendas, taking minutes, disseminating board papers, tracking actions, and more.
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My Typical Day:
Every day is different, but I start most days by checking all of our communication channels (emails, website, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky) to ensure everything is running smoothly, respond to any queries, manage any issues etc.
I then may have meetings to discuss upcoming events, research projects and outputs, communication plans, etc.
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Education:
- Secondary School: Caldew School, Cumbria – 2009-2014
- Sixth Form: Caldew School Sixth Form, Cumbria – 2014-2016
- Undergraduate Degree: Lancaster University – 2016-2019
- Postgraduate Degree: Lancaster University – 2020-2021
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Qualifications:
- GCSE’s: 9x A’s (including maths, geography, physics, and biology), and 2x B’s (chemistry, and drama)
- A-Levels: Geography (A); Media Studies (A); Philosophy & Ethics (B)
- Undergraduate Degree: BSc Geography (Hons) – First Class Honours
- Postgraduate Degree: MA Environmental Sociology – Distinction
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Work History:
- Sainsburys Shop Assistant (whilst studying for A-Levels) – Aug 2015 – Jan 2016
- HMV Shop Assistant (whilst studying for A-Levels) – Jan 2016 – Aug 2016
- Lancaster University Student Representative (voluntary role whilst studying for my undergraduate degree) – Sep 2017 – Jul 2019
- Sainsburys Shop Assistant (worked here to save money for my postgraduate degree) – Oct 2019 – Sep 2020
- Lancaster University Assistant Dean (part-time role whilst studying for postgraduate degree) – Sep 2020 – Aug 2021
- Lancaster University Sociology Department Student Representative (voluntary role whilst studying for my postgraduate degree) – Sep 2020 – Aug 2021
- Lancaster University Sociology Department Captions Editor (voluntary role whilst studying for my postgraduate degree) – Sep 2020 – Aug 2021
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council Local Government Graduate Programme Graduate Management Trainee – Oct 2021 – Dec 2022
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council Senior Sustainable Development Officer (Environment) – Jan 2023 – Jul 2024
- Forestry Commission South West Area Team Engagement Officer – Jul 2024 – Mar 2025
- Centre for Forest Protection Programme Support & Communications Officer – Jun 2025 – Present
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Current Job:
Centre for Forest Protection Programme Support & Communications Officer – Jun 2025 – Present
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Employer:
The Centre for Forest Protection, a Defra-funded research collaboration between Forest Research and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
I had no idea, other than I knew I wanted to work in the environmental sector! It took trying a few different roles to really work out that I liked working in comms and engagement, getting to work with the public, policymakers, scientists and researchers to communicate their work to those who need to know about it.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No, I was a goody two shoes! Always terrified of getting in trouble. I had one detention my entire time at school and that was for forgetting to do a piece of homework in my first couple of weeks of year 7 – a little harsh if you ask me!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Tricky one! I think I’d like a job where I spend a little more time outside, perhaps a ranger for the National Trust!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Twenty One Pilots
What's your favourite food?
I love a classic (vegetarian) roast dinner!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
• To have more confidence in my own abilities • To be more open to saying ‘no’ to extra work or responsibilities when I have a lot to balance already • To be less worried about what other people think of me!
Tell us a joke.
Why are mountains the funniest place to travel to? Because they're hill areas!
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