Time has flown by – cliché I know, but I cannot believe it’s already time for me to say farewell to Fairburn. It’s been a joy to be surrounded by so many unique and inspiring people, each totally different but completely dedicated to the same cause and for their love of Fairburn.
The enthusiasm of everyone here is hardly contained and it’s completely contagious. There is always a buzz of excitement in the air and that made it so easy for me to want to learn and be involved.
I was only here part-time, but learnt so much. I now feel so much more comfortable speaking with people about wildlife; the down to earth and easy going attitude of the visitors, volunteers and staff here made it easy for me to soak up information like a sponge. Ultimately I am an incredibly shy person, but the people here made me want to engage in conversation and become more knowledgeable. It added further to my excitement about wildlife and general enjoyment of being outdoors; and now I want to pass that enjoyment onto others.
My favourite part about being here, besides the people, was watching how the landscape changed through the seasons. On my first day, I remember taking my first (of many) wanders around the reserve. My eyes were almost overwhelmed by the variation of colours and texture amongst the autumnal trees and undergrowth. It was on this day I realised that fungus is really, really cool.
On my final day, I took the same walk – the sky was clear and fresh in the wake of storm Doris and Spring was definitely on the horizon. The sun even felt a bit warm! I sat in a field and happily munched on some crisps, feeling glad I’d spent six months of my time at Fairburn.
Here's some more photographs I took whilst here :) all the lovely textures and light at Fairburn!