I agree with all the advice above...Im studying a Degree in Countryside Management..and have been volunteering over 2 years with the RSPB,Wildlife trusts and done work with the Woodland trust.
One thing though....when you say "Conservation" what sort are you meaning as in my opinion there are two different camps....those with ANIMAL SCIENCE based degree are usually wanting to work with animals abroad...orangutangs etc...and zoo's, animal parks, breeding programmes and genetics.
Those like myself who want to work in UK wildlife conservation...tend to go more for Landscape Management or Countryside degrees which teach you as much about the habitats and flora that the wildlife needs to survive as it does about the native wildlife itself as well as the practical skills mentioned...fencing, tree surgery, paths, etc....
It took me ages to find the right course for me as EVERYTHING was geared toward the "Working abroad with fluffly monkeys" brigade and the mention of "Wildflowers and Butterflies" to the course rep normally caused frowned expressions back at me!
So...i guess if you want to work in UK BASED wildlife conservation on nature reserves then you may do well getting the MSc in that field...but if you mean the more ANIMAL based conservation abroad then just get some more relevant voluntry work...although i think you should also get voluntry work for the uk based stuff as like you mentioned the experience in the field is priceless. (A friend of mine who has been doing a degree in ANIMAL CARE/SCIENCE recently told me they had been on a field trip to a UK bird rescue centre watching them wash oil spillage off of Guinea Fowls?????...I informed her they would have more likely been Guillemots!)..i rest my case
