Here at South Essex we want to start celebrating the people that make the South Essex Reserves such a special place ranging from the staff and volunteers who go out every week to improve the habitat on Bowers Marsh to our brilliant Welcome Hosts found in the visitor centre at the South Essex Wildlife Garden in Wat Tyler Country Park. We start this series off with a big thank you to Stephanie King, One of our Assistant Wardens who is sadly leaving us today. Steph has been an incredible asset to the team over the past 6 months and has applied herself to all areas of managing a reserve ranging from getting stuck in with the work party to helping write reports.
Below are just a few words from Steph herself.
"I always knew I wanted a career that needed my full attention, hard work and one that was full of adventure. However what surprises most people who ask me is that, even though I have always had a love for nature, when I was an imaginative young girl I never realised I’d end up wanting a career in wildlife conservation, let alone being in one. However all that changed when I found myself, after searching online for a way to get out of a barstaff job, as a work party volunteer at a local nature reserve. I knew from then on that this was what I truly wanted to do.
From that point I worked incredibly hard by volunteering, and becoming an intern for the next few years until finally, starting in April 2017, I became an Assistant Warden for RSPB South Essex. I finally got my career that required my full attention, I had to work hard and it was definitely full of adventure.
Since being here I have had major projects that include organising putting a viewing screen in West Canvey Marsh, done Breeding Bird Surveys, brushcutting, hide repairs and many other things.
Unfortunately my time at South Essex is coming to a close but I have learnt so much, I have enjoyed myself and this is down to some amazing staff and volunteers we have at here at South Essex Marshes, who have welcomed me with open arms and has made me feel like I was part of a family. South Essex has been so valuable to enhancing my knowledge of working in wildlife conservation and that knowledge and experience with certainly come with me on my next adventure."
So a big thank you for all your hard work and we wish you all the best in the future!