Time for a quick ‘hello’ I think, and to introduce myself as the new part-time Visitor Experience Officer at Minsmere! Some of you know me already - I’ve been here at Minsmere since early last year working with Chris and the Learning Team, assisting with flocks of excitable school children as they explore the reserve.
Children jumping by Nick Cunard
I come from a background of outdoor learning, or ‘playing out’ as I like to call it. I absolutely love helping people of all ages connect with and enjoy nature, so I’m extremely excited to take on this role! I hope to continue Amy’s fantastic work, engaging with visitors and delivering a fun family events programme across the rest of the year.
Minsmere continues to be an amazing place to work, and I am yet to have a disappointing day out on the reserve. I think my wildlife moment of the year so far has to be this chance encounter with one of my most favourite creatures: dragonflies.
This picture was taken as a nymph emerged out of its exuvia, right on the edge of the pond fence in full view of a class of keen dippers. We watched on tenterhooks as life literally unfolded in front of our eyes! Anna, Minsmere’s Learning Intern, has labelled me a pond dipping ‘addict’ in the past, and with this kind of live action drama it’s easy to see why.
As well as being an amazing place to learn about different species, Minsmere is pretty good for the soul too. As a Yorkshire girl, I’d never even seen a proper reedbed before. But every time I stand on the Island Mere boardwalk and listen to the tranquillity of the rustling reeds, I feel right at home.
I’m hoping to continue helping others feel this way about the natural world too, with one of my projects this summer. I’m going to be leading Minsmere’s Wild Woods holiday club – where kids aged 7-12 can explore the woodland, learn simple bushcraft and sit around the campfire (might be a little warm for hot chocolate, mind!).
The club will take the approach of a Forest School, which promotes positive, hands on experiences in nature, and primarily having fun. I’m really hoping it’s a success and we can repeat it again next year – so please spread the word!
In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine and i’m sure i‘ll be seeing many of you out and about on the reserve very soon!
Good luck with your new role Hannah, we'll look forward to causing you just as much trouble as we did Amy :-)
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