Earlier this week we shared the very sad news that Mark Smart, a long-standing conservationist with the RSPB, had passed away.
Photos above: Mark Smart out on reserve by Steve Rowland
Mark was a real powerhouse of conservation who made an incredible impact with all his work. A giant of wetland habitat creation and practical land management, Mark’s mentoring and skills were valued and sought out by all.
His impressive career in conservation spanned more than 30 years, much of which was spent in Norfolk where he worked at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, then as warden at RSPB Buckenham and Cantley Marshes, and later as senior site manager at RSPB Berney Marshes and Breydon Water, where he worked for more than 25 years.
Photo above: Grazing marsh in winter at Berney Marshes RSPB reserve. Yare Valley, Norfolk, by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Mark’s early career was in farming, and he spent more than 10 years working as an agricultural mechanic in Eastern England, fixing and driving tractors as well as following his passion for nature by volunteering with local conservation groups, and joining the Wash Wader Ringing Group.
Photo: Mark Smart proudly showing off his gifted mug matching his tractor, by Andrew Holland
During his time with the RSPB, Mark was perhaps best known for transforming landscapes for nature, and for his unparalleled tractor skills. His incredible talent was his vision for creating perfect wetland landscapes for wildlife, and his ability to work in partnership with landowners and the local farming community to bring this vision to life.
His work saw the creation of extensive freshwater and wetland areas across Norfolk and beyond, to help combat the impacts of climate change and improve habitats for wading birds and wintering waterfowl, such as Lapwing, Redshank and Snipe.
Photo above: Lapwing walking across grassland by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
In 2018 Mark was given a national award in recognition of his work over 17 years, bringing together landowners, conservationists, local authorities and scientists, to turn RSPB Berney Marshes and Breydon Water into one of the most important lowland wet grasslands in Europe. The accolade, called the Marsh Award for Wetland Conservation Achievement, was awarded by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in partnership with the Marsh Christian Trust.
Photo above: Mark Smart stood in a footdrain at RSPB Berney Marshes, 2002
Paying tribute to Mark, Michael Copleston, Director of RSPB England, said: “Mark was known and respected by many, and he made an incredible impact and lasting legacy through his work. His achievements and commitment to conservation cannot be overstated. He will be greatly missed, but his immense contribution to conservation will long remain, for generations of people and wildlife to come.”
RSPB England Advisory Committee member, Jake Fiennes, who is also Conservation Director for the Holkham Estate in Norfolk, added: “There are conservation heroes and there are conservation doers. Mark Smart was a good friend and a mentor of mine. He was an absolute legend and created some of the most amazing wetlands. There are some very grateful waders out there thanks to his work.”
Andrew Holland, the RSPB’s Conservation Advisor in the Norfolk Broads, also paid tribute: “Mark was a lovely man, a great friend, colleague and line manager,” he said. “He had masses of energy, motivation and passion for what he believed in. He gave you his time unconditionally, believed in his team and made stuff happen on the ground. A true inspiration and conservationist. He will be sadly missed."
Our deepest sympathies are with Mark’s family and friends, as well as our own teams, colleagues and partners who worked with Mark over his long career.
If you would like to read more about Mark’s inspirational work managing water levels for wading birds, you may enjoy the following blog.
Photo above: Sunrise over RSPB Buckenham Marsh Nature Reserve, Norfolk, where Mark Smart was a Warden, by Matt Wilkinson (rspb-images.com)