Meet new Rye Harbour Nature Reserve volunteer coordinator Josh Gardner.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m 30, I’m from Brighton. I moved to Hastings a year ago. My other role is as a youth worker in south London, working with refugees, in terms of education support and emotional wellbeing. Before that I was training as a carpenter. I used to lecture in arts and performance at the University of the Arts in London.
And your role at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve?
I’m volunteer coordinator for 17.5 hours per week, and I work at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve on Mondays and Tuesdays. I started just before Christmas and I’m the first person to undertake this role here, so there’s a lot to learn and I’m just settling in. It’s an amazing place to be and there are lots of interesting projects going on. I’m looking forward to being out with Rye Harbour Reserve officer Dave King and the conservation volunteers this afternoon, coppicing.
What are you enjoying most?
Working in such an incredibly beautiful place. I’m looking forward to learning and understanding the eco-system here. Why the birds that come here do so, and why they stay.
Are you looking for new volunteers at the moment?
Yes, we have amazing volunteers, but we’re always looking for new recruits. In April, our delayed (because of Covid) history project starts, with Peter Hibbs of the Sussex Military Research group. It will be about uncovering stories that relate to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the area in general. We’d like people with an interest in history, willing to learn about mapping, archaeology and to undertake research.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’m currently learning the violin. I also play the guitar and banjo.
Image Credits: Barry Yates .