Doing something just for the joy of doing it, is a wonderful thing. And if that something also helps give nature a home, it's doubly so.
This is exactly what our incredible volunteers do. We are totally indebted to the 13,000 people who volunteer on behalf of the RSPB in a thousand and one ways. Together they put in an unbelievable one million hours each year which makes a massive difference to the work we can undertake to keep nature safe.
Last week we celebrated the dedication of long service volunteers who have contributed to the success of Bempton Cliffs. These passionate and committed individuals have helped make our award winning nature reserve a very special place that's loved by visitors from far and wide. Certificates and commemorative silver pin badges were given to them to mark the occasion by retiring Site Manager, Keith Clarkson and in-coming Site Manager, Ali Barrett.
I'm sure Sarah Ryalls wouldn't mind us saying that she's been all at sea for 25 years. Sarah is a stalwart of the local RSPB East Riding group and has volunteered on our hugely popular RSPB Seabird Cruises from the outset. Sailing aboard the Yorkshire Belle, Bempton Cliffs' 'seventh viewpoint', gives passengers a unique perspective on the towering cliffs and the soaring, swooping, screeching seabirds that call them home. Sarah has also been a cornerstone of encouraging the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts through the local Wildlife Explorers' group.
Alan Bellerby has been rolling his sleeves up (literally) around the reserve for five years. He's part of our warden's hard working maintenance team that makes sure everything on the reserve is in good nick. Because of his experience in a previous life, he's also been working with us on our Environmental Management System plan. He also makes a grand cuppa when he pops into the office.
Anthony Hurd is part of the seabird monitoring team working on kittewake productivity. This vital work entails being on the cliff tops in all weathers recording eggs and young on the nesting sites to secure long-term data on how the colony is developing. Ant is also a key member of staff at the Living Seas Centre, just down the road from Bempton.
Also receiving recognition for five years of volunteering was Jo Symon who helps out in in the retail section of the Seabird Centre. In her time, Jo has seen thousands of cuddly toy puffins fly off the shop's shelves. Her sterling efforts ensure we generate income from sales to help us do all we can to protect the real puffins and the other wildlife on the cliffs. She also makes Monday mornings more bearable with the best 'Hello and Welcome' on the coast.
Bernard and Elsie Turnbull sadly weren't able to attend on the evening to collect their awards but their valuable input again is truly appreciated. They have tirelessly undertaken beach bird survey for the past fifteen years gathering valuable data.
And whether our volunteers are with us five years or twenty five years, they never waiver in their support. Thank you from the entire team at Bempton Cliffs for the time, energy and enthusiasm given in our cause. Long may it continue.