Meet Our Team - Bird Aware Essex

About Our Team

The Bird Aware Essex team has been set up as part of a partnership between local authorities and wildlife organisations. Our goal is to protect the internationally important coastal birds from recreational pressures across the entire Essex coastline.

Essex is home to thousands of birds who need space on our shores to survive. Our rangers talk to coastal visitors, raising awareness and appreciation of wildlife while encouraging the Bird Aware Coastal Code:

To look out for birds and move further away if they become alert,
to keep dogs alongside; and
to pay attention and follow requests on signs.

RAMS Delivery Manager, Leanne

Joining bird aware in 2021, Leanne spent the first part of her journey with the project getting an expert team set up.

Her role is to ensure the team fulfils the strategic aims of the Essex Coast RAMS and co-ordinates the wider partnership, whilst working with a wide range of stakeholders in Essex.

She still enjoys joining the team on site engaging communities to help reduce disturbance to our amazing coastal birds and habitats in Essex, and has a soft spot for the Brent Geese!

Lead Coastal Ranger, Chloe

Chloe joined Bird Aware Essex in 2023, and oversees the operational work of the coastal ranger team and project.

Chloe’s background is in veterinary nursing and she has a Masters in Conservation and International Wildlife Trade. Her favourite sites are Marsh Farm and Canvey Wick.

One of Chloe’s favourite aspects of the job is getting projects off the ground. For example, Chloe has recently helped lead on the team’s dog campaign.

Coastal Ranger, Lea

Lea joined Bird Aware Essex in 2022, after changing her career from trees to coastal birds. She has a love for wetlands, habitat protection and enjoys sharing these passions with the public.

You’ll see Lea in Brightlingsea or Maldon Promenade Park with a spotting scope and white board, chatting to people about birds, dogs and the local area.

Her favourite part of being ranger is the Share our Shores project, which protects our critically important beach nests.

Coastal Ranger, Bronwen

Bronwen is our coastal ranger for the south of Essex. She has previously worked on conservation projects along the Thames Estuary and has experience of working on Seagrass habitats.

In the winter you will hear Bronwen talking about the importance of the Essex coastline as feeding grounds for Brent Geese.

Bronwen spreads our coastal code at varied events which guides people in how to engage in coastal activities while making space for our precious coastal birds.

Coastal Ranger, Tom

Tom covers the northern parts of the Essex coast in winter. After working in copywriting, marketing and social media, he stepped away from his desk to pursue a career focusing on the outdoors and wildlife.

Previously Tom has worked with the Suffolk and Essex Coast and heaths on their ringed plover project and other biodiversity initiatives.

You’ll often see Tom accompanied by his trusted canine companion patrolling the coast or leading guided walks.

Coastal Ranger, Jodie

Jodie discovered a love for all things wildlife from an early age and with that, studied a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoo and Wildlife Conservation.

Jodie has a background in assisting in ecological surveys as well as voluntary roles conserving beach nesting birds.

Jodie’s top three favourite waders are the curlew, turnstone and of course, the ringed plover!

Vacancies

We current do not have any vacancies. Check back soon!

Find out more...