What made you choose Arbtech?
If I’m honest, I’d been wanting to apply to Arbtech for over a year before I did, ever since I first came across the website.
The ability to have control over your own calendar, choose which areas you’d like to pursue in the ecological world, and – of course – the perks looked absolutely like a dream!
At the time, I was on an ecological graduate scheme, so I waited until I’d finished to apply.
In the meantime, I reached out to a couple of Arbtechers on LinkedIn to get the lowdown on what working at Arbtech was like. They echoed the good vibes from the website and their own love of their job, which cemented my decision.
What do you love most about the company?
As I spend more time at Arbtech, I’m sure I’ll find more things to love, but at the moment, it’s the people.
My induction at HQ in Chester was full of friendly faces, and I was made to feel part of the team right away.
I’ve been told already that the socials are the best thing, so I will look forward to more of those!
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
When I’m not at work, I fill my time with the usual wholesome activities, including a nice stomp in the countryside followed by some good food and wine, cooking and trying new pasta dishes, and spending time doing literally anything with the people who make me the happiest.
I enjoy the gym and have recently joined my local tennis club, so if you see me at Wimbledon next year, don’t be surprised!
Some of my current goals include learning some Dutch to impress my Dutch family (and the Duolingo owl) and trying to do a headstand in my yoga practice – limited success so far, but it’s good to have goals!
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
My biggest tip to achieve the most out of life is to fill your life with things that fill your bucket, be grateful for everything, and treat everyone with kindness.
Life is all about enjoying the little things as well as the big things!
I’m a big advocate of the ‘treat yourself’ mentality, even if that’s just buying the fancy barista oat milk for your coffee rather than the cheap basic one or making a cafetière instead of instant – I’m a big coffee lover if you can’t tell!
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I attended a social in Chester on my first day at Arbtech and thoroughly enjoyed it.
All the HQ team are lovely, and we gave the pub quiz a good go!
Word on the grapevine has suggested that ArbCon in December will be a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to that!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I’d like to travel everywhere!
My main motivation for travelling is seeing different ecosystems and wildlife (as well as trying all kinds of food…).
I’m heading on a trip to Vancouver and Vancouver Island in a couple of weeks to hopefully see some bears. I’ve booked a bear tour which will hopefully end with some good pics of bears and not me being eaten.
Some other bucket list destinations for me are Madagascar to see some lemurs, New Zealand to see some kiwis, and multiple trips to the Netherlands in an attempt to learn a bit more Dutch!
In a few years, I’d be tempted by a sabbatical to properly explore Australasia or South America.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In 5 years’ time, I’d like to have progressed in my ecology career at Arbtech with a couple of licenses under my belt and gained as much bat knowledge as is possible to absorb.
I’d also liked to have worked with dormice and have seen a water vole!
In my personal life, I’d love to have ticked a few destinations off my bucket list, and I’d love to get a dog.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
I’ve always wanted to live in a cottage in a quaint village with wooden beams inside, ivy and wisteria up the sides, and a garden full of flowers.
I’d like to grow my own veg and get some ducks, both for companionship and slug control purposes.
I’d also love to one day have the capacity to be able to take in and rehabilitate some wildlife, maybe hedgehogs!
Anneke joined Arbtech in September 2025.
