Many apologies for the dearth of blogging of late. Again this was in no way born of a lack of newsworthy material but simply a case of too little time. I hasten to add that previous periods of prolific blogging were seldom a case of the devil finding work for idle hands!
By a distance the biggest news over recent weeks (or months or years) has been the departure of Nick T who has taken up the position of Kingcombe Centre Manager with the Wildlife Trust. It is strange to think of Nick as our erstwhile boss but perhaps it's best to focus on his list of improvement that he has made to the RSPB sites in Weymouth during his years in the hot seat. Suffice to say Nick's achievements were considerable and too numerous to mention here. When Nick took over, Radipole’s conservation status (as judged by Natural England against a set of site specific objectives) was ‘Unfavourable Declining’ which is the lowliest category that a SSSI can inhabit. Earlier this year, after years of striving, the reserve was adjudged to be in favourable condition – the best conservation status that a SSSI can achieve due, in no small part to Nick T’s dedication and persistence.
Mr T.
As previously revealed in blog-form. Anne too has left but remains within the RSPB as part of RSPB Ecological Services (née DHP). Geoff has left the VC after seventeen years and Pam is soon to depart after two… so all change in Weymouth RSPB.
Above: Anne's last stand with Martyn Foster RSPB London manager centre. Thanks to Pete Clinch for the picture.
Allan Neilson, thankfully has been as active as ever across the whole gamut of what he does for us, from butterfly transects and bird surveys to the painstaking compilation our excellent, all encompassing Weymouth Reserves Natural History Report – the 2010 edition of which is now available (for a trifling sum) in the V.C. Get yours while stocks last!
Allan, I am grateful to say, also provides us with photographs of such quality that to not blog them would be a crime. I am sure that the recent examples following will provide sufficient evidence to support this last statement…
The world still turns and Weymouth Wetlands still turns up some amazing wildlife. Thanks Allan for the photo's - to say the very least!
Nick T was (and still is) an inspirational friend and mentor to me as someone who worked with him weekly - I already miss him enormously. I also miss Anne, Geoff and Pam hugely. What losses to such a great team and great reserves. I know things change but not always for the better. All I can wish is that all of them enjoy their new challenges and the very best of luck and love to them all. The same goes for all those who are still here - still a fantastic team and wonderful bunch of people, staff and volunteers alike! And of course, still great wildlife! Was at Radipole today and wonderful views of Water rail. Thanks to Nick Q for great blog as usual and the updated info boards around the reserve and all the work you and many other people have done with Nick T over the years. Thanks too, to Allan for great pix, also as usual.
Frank i too look forward to the coming months with interest and more than a little trepidation.
all the best Cookie
What a brilliant team we had led by the dedication and enthusiasm of Nick T. Good luck to all those who have moved on and let's hope that the new management from Arne can provide the commitment needed to keep our Reserves at the same standard left by their predecessors.
I look forward to the coming months with interest and a little trepidation.
Seize the day!