One of Minsmere’s most familiar faces has been acknowledged for his outstanding services to Suffolk’s environment at a prestigious local award ceremony this week.
John Grant has been visiting Minsmere for about 40 years, and has been a volunteer guide for several years. His enthusiasm for Minsmere is infectious, and whether volunteering or simply visiting, John has helped to inspire hundreds of visitors.
John’s knowledge of Suffolk birds is legendary, and his ability to identify gulls is second to none – while most of us struggle to muster the energy to check through a flock of gulls, John will pick out the intricate plumages that allow him to not only identify a Caspian gull, but to accurately age it too.
When not at Minsmere, John works for the East Anglian Daily Times as their Environment Correspondent. His articles are always well researched, beautifully crafted, and full of hope for the future as he has proudly promoted conservation projects from small community schemes to huge European funded programmes.
In recognition of this work, John has been presented with the first ever Derek Moore Memorial Award at Suffolk’s Creating the Greenest County Awards ceremony.
The award, which was presented by Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, came as a huge surprise to John, who is more used to writing about the news than being the news.
John was a personal friend of the late Derek Moore, one of Suffolk’s leading conservationists who died last year, so to be presented with an award in his honour meant a huge amount. On receiving the award, John said: “Knowing Derek as I did for many years I am deeply honoured. We all still miss Derek terribly and will for many years to come. The overwhelming feeling I have at the moment is a closeness to Derek, but also deep gratitude. It is such an honour to be the first recipient of this award. I accept it with great pride and humility but also in recognition of my old mate, Derek.”
I’m sure you’ll all join us in sending John our congratulations on this richly deserved award.
John Grant (left) receiving his award from David Barker, Creating the Greenest County chairman (photo by Sarah Groves, Adnams)
I could hardly think of a more deserving recipient for this award - well done, John! You sound like an amazing guy.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.