Hello, hello, hello!

Gosh, it is all change here at RSPB Frampton Marsh. Let me introduce George, our new visitor experience intern. George will be with us for the next six months, helping me with all the visitor activities. So, over to him to tell you a bit about himself.

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Hello! My name is George Woodford and I am the new intern at Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire. I first began volunteering 10 years ago when my step father invited me to join the Saturday work party at Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk. Initially I was disinterested with the whole prospect, but after a couple of weeks of volunteering in my spare time, I became quite committed to the RSPB. I met a lot of fascinating people, both staff and volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. They were very welcoming towards me, and I felt like part of the team.

The work I did was focused on habitat manipulation and fen management; it was very demanding. Of course it had to be, because Strumpshaw Fen manages the reedbed for some secluded species such as the bittern, marsh harrier and swallowtail butterfly. I would always count myself lucky if spotted a bittern breaking cover flying over the reeds, because that’s when I realized that all that hard work had paid off.

Eventually I was asked if I was interested in doing some visitor experience work. Feeling enthusiastic I accepted, and discovered a whole new side of the RSPB. Doing conservation felt more like behind the scenes, everything maintained and quiet but standing behind a desk and greeting visitors as they arrived at the reserve, I felt like I was on the front lines. While overwhelming at times, I actually enjoyed it. I loved listening to people about their adventures in nature and operating the reception was a good challenge. From that moment on, I knew what path I wanted to, so I decided to do residential volunteering doing exactly that.

 George (imitating a kingfisher)

After applying for a visitor experience volunteer role, I found myself at Titchwell Marsh up on the coast of Norfolk. The experience was amazing, and I enjoyed having the freedom of living away from home in a shared cottage with other volunteers. Titchwell also offered a fresh challenge with a larger visitor centre, shop and cafeteria. While volunteering, I organised events such a beach litter picking day and even came up with activities for the Halloween event. I had a great time; my only regret is not staying long enough since I was only volunteering there for 2 months (plus an extension to cover October).

Having done Titchwell Marsh I decided to step up and become a visitor experience intern at RSPB Frampton Marsh. So far, the experience has been really good if a bit hectic; settling in and facing the full force of the Easter holidays. While the visitor centre is relatively small, you’d be amazed at how many people come through the doors: families, bird watchers and even walkers. Learning the routines and accepting responsibility has proven to be an interesting challenge. Frampton Marsh itself is beautiful and I’ve never seen so many brent geese in my life before!