Blogger: Sarah Green, Project Coordinator - Natura People Partnership Project
This week marks my 2 year anniversary with the RSPB.
Blimey.
2 years.
It doesn’t feel that long, yet I think I’ve seen and done a lot in this period.
Working on the Natura People project I have had the privilege to visit Minsmere regularly as well as work with some great partners on the continent and see their sites – Zwin (in Belgium), Marqueneterre (in France) and Lake Grevelingen (in the Netherlands). I’ve seen a lot of wildlife, including a lot of firsts – first waxwing, kingfisher, bittern and bearded tit (much to my partner’s chagrin as he’s never seen one). I’ve developed a fondness for all tufted birds and spent some time with Minsmere’s lovely konik ponies.
I’ve seen our brilliant new visitor facilities at Minsmere being constructed and used (with joy!) by lots of families.
I’ve learnt how our continental partners attract visitors - The Dutch Waterdunen visitor centre is in a church in the village of Groede. Lake Grevelingen does not have a visitor centre yet, but is working to produce Rondje (route) Grevelingen, a series of paths and trails around the Lake, connecting key wildlife sites and facilities for visitors new to the area.
I’ve been working on a new ways to engage with businesses around in the East of England, launching a consultation to find out how businesses would like to work with us, developing a corporate membership package for Minsmere and finally signing up to Twitter - find me by searching for @Green_Sarah3 or @RSPBintheEast
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Rye Meads in Essex (where I saw my second ever kingfisher), Strumpshaw Fen (where I one day hope to see one of their famous otters) and Old Moor (where I had the pleasure of seeing hills nearby).
Here’s to at least another 2 years and a lot more wildlife!
Natura People is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the INTERREG IV A 2 Mers Seas Zeeën Crossborder Programme 2007-2013.
Photo: Story Telling Totem by Adam Murray