Following in the footsteps of John Muir

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, 16 January 2024
Following in the footsteps of John Muir
A beach litter pick © Natasha Sharma

By Jill Ferguson

Communities and Wildlife Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Over the past year and a half, we have run an inspiring conservation programme enabling individuals and families to gain a John Muir Award as part of our Discover Rye Harbour project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. To gain the award, participants take meaningful action for wildlife by completing a total of 25 hours of practical conservation tasks while exploring and learning about the rich natural heritage of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Since the project launched, 47 individual young people, children and adults have successfully completed the award.

Toasting marshmallows
Toasting marshmallows © Natasha Sharma

Our most recent group of home schooling families made mammal footprint tunnels to look for the presence of small mammals, carried out surveys of winter birds, shark egg cases and Harvest Mouse nests, cleared brambles to increase biodiversity and conducted a beach litter pick to help protect marine species. Participants were encouraged to record and share their ideas, observations and insights through a variety of creative outlets including making plaster cast animal tracks, bird feeders, natural paints and wreaths using natural materials gathered from the reserve.

Back in the classroom
Back in the classroom © Natasha Sharma

One family gave the following feedback:

‘Thank you, Jill, for introducing my family to the John Muir Family award and exploring Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with us. Yourself and fellow staff were incredibly accommodating of my daughter’s needs. We are frequent visitors to the reserve, but have learned so much in the last few days that we wouldn’t have without your instruction. You’ve inspired us to explore the nature in our garden and wildlife in our area too. We’re also booked into a beach clean and have contributed to a wildlife survey encouraged by John Muir’s teachings.’

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