George's thoughts

In the start of regular weekly blogs from George, our Visitor Experience Intern, here he muses about his first couple of weeks at the reserve:

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These past few weeks at Frampton Marsh have been a little hectic, especially with the Easter holidays, but I have settled in now and very much enjoying it. Everybody I have met is friendly, knowledgeable and a great laugh. Why just yesterday we all went out to Boston at Pizza Hut for a get together; it was very fun (not to mention fantastic ice cream). There is also a team meeting on Friday which promises even more pizza!

The number of Easter eggs that have been awarded to children for completing the treasure hunt trail is staggering. The week is nearly over, but we still have the weekend to go. That much chocolate is very tempting, so much so that I consumed my own stores of chocolate back at the house to fight the urge!

The reserve itself is breathtaking, especially on top of the sea bank, and seeing the endless miles of salt marsh. I have seen little ringed plovers, avocets, brent geese, redshank and swallows. I also catch glimpses of skylarks in the air, singing proudly. Despite being flatland, there’s plenty to see all round.

I have many upcoming events and courses during my internship, for example I have an emergency first aid course in Boston coming up next week. I am a bit apprehensive but excited nonetheless to have an extra skill to put on my CV. All of this training is to make me a better candidate for a career in visitor experience, so I am hopeful about my future employment.

I went to RSPB Lakenheath a week ago, to undertake a “working with volunteers” course conducted by Martin Bull. It was great seeing him again because we have worked together in the past as volunteers for Strumpshaw Fen. Afterwards me and the group went searching for a glossy ibis and a bittern but sadly didn’t see either. Bit of a shame, but the reserve itself made up for it and the weather was nice.

I have developed an understanding and appreciation of the midges that whizz around the paths in low winds. While an occasional annoyance, I have learned they are absolutely essential to the food web here at Frampton. The more midges we have, the more food there is for our waders, warblers and everything in between. So while I am almost duty bound to swat them away in the hope I don't eat them and deprive a swallow or sand martin of a meal, I certainly don't begrudge their presence. I hope that Frampton Marsh will continue to be a great experience for me in the next coming weeks.