Following Friday's guest blog from residential volunteer Gwen, her compatriot Alice here writes her account of her first few weeks in the role.
I’d like to start by introducing myself; my name is Alice and I am one of the new residential volunteers living at Burton Mere Wetlands. I will be here for six months and have the opportunity to work on both the visitor experience and the warden side of the reserve, which is a fantastic opportunity to get an all-round experience.
I turned up the night before my first day filled with both excitement and nerves, anticipating the adventure ahead of me. It wasn’t long after meeting who I’d be living with that I was put at ease and felt right at home. All of the team here have been great, very welcoming and keeping us busy over the past three weeks. Each day has been different and full with new experiences for me.
One of my first beautiful Dee Estuary sunsets (A.Cousens) I’ve been given the shared responsibility of counting avocet nests, which is my first experience of doing birds counts. This has definitely been a challenge but it’s a great feeling once you find them and can confirm their nests. I have also enjoyed getting out around the reserve doing practical work such as putting up fencing in the garden and replacing parts of the wooden ramp on the Burton Mere trail. We have also already been involved in work on the Welsh side of the reserve at Point of Ayr, and nearby Gronant, where we have put up the electric fenced pens for the little terns to nest within.
Sawing wood for the ramp repairs (A.Cousens)
I recently had my first experience wearing waders and went out onto the marsh to do a redshank survey. It was great to be out that early, seeing everything come to life over the marsh. I almost got away dry however the marsh had other ideas and decided I needed a proper initiation.
7am in the middle of the marsh (A.Cousens)
As well as being out on the reserve and doing practical work I’ve been spending some time in the visitor centre. It’s been great greeting people and introducing them to this beautiful site. It’s a really good feeling when you can show people something they haven’t seen before and share that magical moment with them.
I’ve been getting to know the regular faces around the reserve and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to learn from them, as everyone is so willing to share their knowledge of birds and wildlife. I’ve been able to see lots of things for the first time here such as green woodpecker, great white egret, garganey, yellow wagtail, spoonbill and many more. Another first occurred during the avocet count one morning when Gwen and I saw our first lapwing chick through the telescope. It was so lovely to see and we were then able to show visitors walking past and share our special moment with them which they appreciated.
A digi-scoped lapwing with chick (A.Cousens)
My first ever spoonbill, at Burton Mere Wetlands last week (A.Cousens)
I've always been a lover of nature and wildlife and working in the conservation sector has been something I’ve thought about for a while now. It’s been a dream of mine to get involved in a volunteer placement to gain the skills I need to progress in my career. I’m thoroughly enjoying my time on the reserve so far, I feel each day I learn and see something new. I’m keen to get involved as much as I can and make the most of this amazing opportunity.