My Work Experience at Creekside Discovery Centre

When I arrived at Creekside Discovery Centre on a glum Monday morning, I don’t think I was expecting to immediately go on a low tide walk, learning all about local wildlife and history, and ultimately having the time of my life. I am so pleased that I was wrong. After trying on around three ill fitting pairs, I finally found my favourite waders (which I’ve ended up having to wear every day this week!) and grabbed a stick, ready to go on what my much younger self, whose trip to Deptford Creek almost ten years ago inspired me to do my work experience here, would call an adventure.

After being in the river for a few minutes I decided that despite my being a keen conservationist, my ultimate goal became to find something worthy of joining Creekside’s shelves of curiosities. Unfortunately, all we found on Monday were some clam shells, much to my dismay. The next day, I was keen to get involved in one of the other aspects of the charity: public engagement! We headed off and set up a stand in Union Wharf, where in the pouring rain we watched as a member of the conservation team did some work on one of the other local urban areas that Creekside helps to maintain.

Wednesday saw us taking part in the conservation side of things here at Creekside, as we helped to conduct a survey as part of a project called ‘Slimewatch’. We went deep into the mud, collecting samples of algae, that we then counted under the microscope and added to a set of data going back months. I stayed with the conservation team that afternoon, conducting a flower survey during which every single plant with a flower was noted. As much as I tried, I only did manage to remember one or two Latin names, but found the experience to be one of my favourites! I rejoined the Education team, armed with my new knowledge of the creek, and helped deliver parts of the session. I showed off my kick-sampling skills and even caught two Chinese Mitten Crabs to show the kids; I didn’t get pinched by a crab once this week, which I consider to be an achievement in itself.

The end to my week at Creekside was most definitely bittersweet. As there were no schools visiting, I helped to put in some bookings for next year, and helped to organise the boot room before my final walk in the creek. As well as taking it all in for one last time (this week at least) I achieved my goal of finding something worthy of the museum like display of objects pulled from the river by finding a mud covered plastic baby. After catching a few final crabs, I said goodbye to Creekside for now. The experience was, one I will never forget, and would highly recommend to absolutely anyone looking for work experience in South London!