After six years, seven  modules and two subjects (Environmental Science and Biology) my degree is finally finished, and I have a 2:1 BSc. It feels most peculiar: I started the degree during lockdown, not long after Dad had died, and it’s been a quite the journey. I loved the breadth of the Environmental Science, and the way that it encompassed not only science, but politics, economics, sociology, psychology and a lot else besides. Biology was more of a slog: I enjoyed the ecology aspects, but memorising chemical pathways and remembering what the hell happened when was more of a challenge. But I have loved feeling my knowledge grow, and my brain expand.

I’ve particularly loved the practical experiments: I’ve fed magpies on different coloured doughballs twice (and indeed they still pop in occasionally to see if I’m still feeling generous) .

I’ve measured trees, and been quizzed by East Finchleyites to make sure that I’m not from the council with a plan to cut them down. I’ve filled the fridge with strange concoctions, and have read newspaper articles with a more quizzical eye. Who knew that even respected papers could illustrate their stories about bees with photos of hoverflies? Very happy to help out with that one, if any one has any journalistic contacts.

I’ve often  felt distressed at the extent of human destruction and short-sightedness, but have also been inspired by the scientists, activists and researchers that I’ve learned about. While there is still such creativity and empathy in the world, I refuse to wring my hands and give up. We can sort ourselves out, we just need to get a move on.

And I’d just like to say how much I’ve enjoyed the Open University – I’ve loved the course, and wouldn’t hesitate to get stuck into something else at some point. But this year and in 2027 I want to concentrate on my End of Life Doula qualification, which will require a very different set of skills. So, it’s goodbye to all that, and on to the next challenge. Let’s see what the next few years bring!