Where did your love of nature stem from?
My first book was the little Observer Book of Birds. As a child, I loved looking at the birds in our garden and finding them in the book. I couldn’t believe that a Robin had a bluey colour on it! I used to trace around the pictures and then colour them in.
How did you get involved with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve?
I've been coming to the nature reserve for over 40 years. I learned so much from joining the Warden walks and would often pop in to Lime Kiln cottage for a chat with Lucy Bowyer. I helped with the Little Tern watch, where volunteers would sit and try to protect the birds that preferred nesting on the shoreline. I also worked on the nature reserve for five years and loved working with the volunteers
You're also a Trustee for the Friends. What does your role there involve?
The Friends have produced some wonderful books, tea towels, coasters and mugs. I'm the person who deals with the suppliers and gets them into several outlets in Rye, including the Discovery Centre of course. I'm also responsible for organising and helping out with the popular Guide in a Hide event.
Guide in a Hide is loved by our visitors. Tell us where it all began..
Guide in a Hide was the idea of Lucy Bowyer, who asked me if I’d like to organise it - and the rest as they say, is history. We've got a brilliant team of guides who work together so well and thoroughly enjoy it - we're constantly amazed at how interested people are in it too. And the children are a real delight. To date we’ve had over 7500 visitors and volunteered for 1500 hours!
Do you have a favourite species at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve?
I think it's impossible to have a favourite, but I always look forward to the returning Little Terns in spring, and the Golden Plover in the autumn. I now try to look down as well as up, as the flowers are wonderful here. I'm also learning to identify bees and dragonflies. There’s more to Rye Harbour than just birds!
Finally, tell us something about you we might not already know
This year, I'm the consort to my husband Rob, who is Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. It’s quite a year! My other passions in life, are music (my favourite band are Stereolab) and sport - QPR are my team.
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You can find out more about the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, and the work they do, here.
This post is also available on Sussex Wildlife Trust website
