My time as a Seasonal Warden – Niall’s Reflections

I have enjoyed my season with Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, it has been a privilege to be part of such a well-organised project with clear messaging to connect people with the amazing heathlands and greenspace on our doorstep where so many species make their home.

We are a big team with many partners protecting the last sites of heathland that support breeding bird populations across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire. Collaboration is key to our common goals, and partnership working come into play in other ways such as conducting butterfly transects at Forestry England sites as well as stock checks to monitor the welfare of cattle for conservation grazing.

Hazeley Heath. Credit: K. Fletcher

The season, running from February to September, culminated with Heath Week, a programme of fun engaging activities celebrating the magic of heathland including nightjar walks, reptile and amphibian roadshows, and a sensory scavenger hunt for all ages to get creative in nature. I also had the opportunity to create my own pop-up with the theme of the “Story of Heathland.” This was a visual tour of different aspects of Thames Basin Heaths from its roots in prehistory to present-day protection area.

Engaging with visitors to balance conservation and recreation, so everyone can enjoy the heaths without adversely impacting on the rare habitat and wildlife, has been a pleasure and hopefully will help keep Thames Basin Heaths special for the benefit of many future generations.

Seasonal Warden Niall

Thames Basin Heaths Partnership