Bird Aware Solent welcomes new lead ranger
25 May 2023
Bird Aware Solent has appointed Richie Ainger to head up its ranger team, raising awareness of birds along the Solent coastline.
He brings to the role a huge passion for wildlife as well as a wealth of leadership experience, having for many years managed teams at a major UK retailer.
Richie said: “I’m excited to work with our partners and the community in this very special place for wildlife. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for birds as well as encouraging coastal visitors to share our shores responsibly with nature”.
Councillor Seán Woodward, Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire, the body that oversees Bird Aware, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Richie Ainger to the team. The rangers provide a vital and engaging presence for visitors to the Solent, helping to ensure our coastal birds thrive for future generations to come”.
Bird Aware Solent is a partnership of 19 different local authorities and wildlife organisations. It encourages people to follow the Bird Aware Coastal Code: to look out for birds; move further away if the birds become alert; keep dogs alongside; and follow requests on signs.
The partnership raises awareness of the ducks, geese and wading birds that spend the winter on the Solent coastline. It works on coastlines around the New Forest, Southampton Water, Portsmouth, Chichester and Langstone Harbours and the northern coast of the Isle of Wight. It aims to lessen the potential recreational impact from new homes built in the area.
