Every week we will release Mark's diary, which is a fascinating glimpse into the world of an RSPB Conservation Internship. You are promised an entertaining and informative read. Thanks Mark! This week is the introduction into Mark's volunteering life at the RSPB:
My leap into the world of conservation volunteering began in September 2009 whilst working for BTCV in Colchester. After a couple of months I wanted to broaden my horizons and gain additional experience in the Conservation sector. The RSPB were the first charity to positively respond to my enquiries and quickly came back to me with a voluntary opportunity locally.
My experience of Old Hall Marshes began on a wet, grey November day. I will never forget it, as I got lost on the way to the reserve. After doing several circuits of Tolleshunt D’Arcy I eventually found the well hidden reserve. After my interview with Suzanne Grimwood the Assistant Warden I was press ganged into helping move the cows! To a normal person that doesn’t seem to be that bad a task, but to someone like me, it was a horror story unfolding. I’ve had a phobia of the creatures ever since I can remember (a family trait on my mother’s side). My deep seated fear of cows would be unearthed before I had even officially started working as a volunteer!
The journey from the office to the field seemed to go on for an eternity. A number of disaster scenario’s went through my head as I was starting to panic. “Right, pull yourself together and deal with the challenge ahead” I thought. I had no choice but to stand my ground against a herd of great big beasties. I was given my simple instructions to block off a track and not let the cows through.
The wait was endless, I was planning suitable escape routes in my mind and how bad it would look if I ran off and locked myself inside the 4 x 4. It was too late for that now, I heard them, several loud moo’s in the distance, getting louder, more numerous and then came the thunder of hooves. A black mass of Aberdeen Angus was moving like the wind towards me. I now understand the fear of a foot soldier against the might of a full blown cavalry charge. Pampers would have been a better choice of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for me that day. I exchanged a few anxious glances with my foe, accompanied by a bit of unconscious arm waving and nervous shouting. In a few minutes, it was over in a flash as the last cow passed by me without incident. What a relief I had done it……….
On driving home I was grateful to be alive and decided adamantly, that I’m definitely not going back there again! Little did I know that some ten months later I would still be volunteering at the reserve.
Right they are all in, quick shut that gate Paul
Old Hall Marshes is truly a hidden oasis, one of very few remaining wildernesses left in the region. The reserve is a place of raw beauty, peace and tranquillity on the Essex coast. Old Hall is surrounded by wonderful countryside and many picturesque villages. The area has a diverse working population with a real sense of community spirit, which sadly has been lost in many historic commuter villages around Essex. Many of the locals still engage in rural pursuits and maritime activities, which gives the area a strong feeling of identity. The reserve is a haven for Wildlife and a wonderful place to work.