Project Description:

• The internship will be held with Living England in the Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment team at Natural England.  In the Living England project, we are using earth observation data to build a national map of the distribution and extent of England’s diverse habitats. Our work includes a national programme of field data collection, imagery processing, machine learning modelling and engaging with stakeholders. Our work is being used to inform national statistics and environmental policies enacting real world change to support nature recovery.   

  The internship project will focus on exploring how high-resolution data can be used to further our understanding of the opportunities this can offer for mapping habitats at scale and in monitoring how habitats are changing over time. This will be using seasonal mosaics available to project and comparing with openly available Sentinel-2 data currently being used by the project. The project activities may include:  

  • Data Preprocessing: preprocessing of high-resolution imagery and collection of datasets over study sites and cloud masking processes  

  • Data quality assessments: comparisons of spectral data between the seasonal mosaics from different sources of imagery and visual assessments  

  • Spatial analysis: investigate mapping opportunities for specific habitat types (grasslands, scrub, bare ground) and develop workflows for detecting changes in habitats.   

  • AI modelling: image segmentation and object-based classification  

  • Reporting and Recommendations: providing recommendations to the project for further investigation  

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

Academic:

• At least a degree in an earth observation or related scientific/environmental field (Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology, Conservation, Computer Science)  

Minimum requirements:

• Passion and enthusiasm to learn  

• Problem solving skills  

• A knowledge/interest in applications of earth observation data  

• Basic experience with a programming language  

• Experience working with a range of spatial datasets  

  Desirable requirements:

• Experience with applying earth observation techniques to environmental applications.  

• Interest in machine learning tools and techniques.  

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• In-person Induction Event to be held on Monday 24th June 2024 and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held in Autumn 

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement  

How we work:

We offer fully flexible hybrid working with our team spread with our team spread out nationally. All new staff will be formally linked to any of our 25 offices across England and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the community of staff in their geographical area.  Travel expenses will be paid if work related travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and your associated office. 

At Natural England we are the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England and we help to protect and restore our natural world. Find out more about the work of Natural England at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england   

Natural England is a fantastic place to work, where difference is celebrated. 

We’re committed to fairness and equality for all, so you feel valued for who you are and what you do. Our shared values help us work together to benefit the communities we serve. Our thriving employee-led diversity networks support our inclusive culture and contribute to our Diversity Action Plan.