It’s that time of year again when we welcome a wide array of bird life back to our shores, but it’s not only the birds that are returning. Three new seasonal Rangers joined the team earlier this month and are now raring to get out on the Solent!
We have one familiar face return too as Mark was part of the team last year. All of them bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and we are very pleased that they are on board.
Dave
‘My interest in coastal birds stems from spending the last few years in Scotland, where I studied for an HND in Countryside Management. Whilst there I also completed a Trainee Assistant Warden internship at RSPB Mersehead on the Solway Firth. With many of these species being endangered, I’m excited to help Bird Aware to share the message that it’s vital we share the Solent coastline with our winter visitors for their survival.’
Miranda
‘I have lived on the South coast for a few years now, but I am originally from Buckinghamshire, much further from the sea! I studied Zoology at the University of Sheffield and then volunteered for several conservation organisations around the country. An apprentice Ranger position brought me down to Dorset and Durlston Country Park where I developed a love of sea birds. For the last three years I have been helping to protect the rare heathland wildlife at Avon Heath Country Park through a mix of practical habitat management and engagement work. I am really looking forward to getting back out on the coast and discovering lots of new wildlife spots!’
Mark
‘Last winter I patrolled the Western Solent and thoroughly enjoyed helping people to enjoy the coast whilst helping to protect the birds at the same time. This winter I am looking forward to visiting new sites along the Eastern Solent. During the summer I worked for the RSPB as an Assistant ranger on The Roseate Tern LIFE Programme project (opens in a new window) . I was lucky enough to be based at Lymington-Keyhaven nature reserve doing boat and foot patrols as well as habitat management. If you see me out on the coast, please come and say ‘hi’ and share your winter bird sightings with me.’
Dave and Miranda are also very keen for you to say ‘hi’ to them, so do keep an eye out for our Bird Aware flags along the coast – if you see one of those, a Ranger won’t be far away!
