Richard Powell, RSPB Eastern England Regional Director for 17 years and RSPB employee for 22 years, is going back to his roots – to volunteer at RSPB Berney Marshes in Norfolk. Richard started his career as Reserves Manager and helped create and extend Berney Marshes in the eighties. It remains one of his favourite reserves. Richard also helped set up Woodbridge Local Group. Local Groups are run by volunteers and are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people, learn more about wildlife and contribute to the RSPB’s work.
Richard continued to climb the RSPB ladder to become Eastern England’s Regional Director in 1993 and although he left the RSPB last week to become the Chief Executive of the University of East Anglia’s Student’s Union he still remains a staunch supporter of the RSPB. Very supportive of volunteering, Richard has been an RSPB pin badge box minder and helped with the Love Nature collection weeks in the region. Love Nature week is the RSPB’s flagship week, when volunteers get out on the streets to talk with people about the work of the RSPB and raise vital funds. Last year £7,500 was raised in the Eastern Region and this year will be even better!
Richard said that he was thoroughly looking forward to becoming a volunteer at Berney Marshes, where he will be learning to drive tractors to help with the reserve management, getting thoroughly muddy and enjoying all aspects of the reserve. So, you never know who may be volunteering at a reserve near you!