Introducing the Friends: Christine George, Events Coordinator

Laura Ross
, 04 March 2025
Introducing the Friends: Christine George, Events Coordinator

Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Spending over 40 years working as a physiotherapist in the NHS, you might have thought Christine George would have relaxed into retirement. But for her, retirement is another word for being very busy.  Luckily she found a bit of spare time to sit down and tell me a little bit about where her zest for life comes from.

Tell us about yourself and where your love for nature came from..

I’ve always lived in or near the countryside. I spent quite a lot of my childhood at an uncle and aunt's house and he was very knowledgeable and passionate about nature and I think he inspired me. We moved to this area from Cheshire in 1996 as a result of my husband’s work. I have two children who are now in their 30s, plus a small granddaughter and another little one on the way. I am now retired, and very busy! I help with the local garden society as well as co-ordinating and undertaking various bird surveys, not to mention grandparent duties and gardening when I can fit it in.

You're one of our amazing volunteers. How did you come to get involved?
I discovered Rye Harbour Nature Reserve soon after moving here and regularly visited with the children, I loved the area and wanted to give something back, so when the children became more independent, I started to help with ‘Little Tern Watch’ then volunteering in Lime Kiln Cottage and then Guide in a Hide. This turned into ‘Wednesday walks’, then the Cabin and now I'm at the Discovery Centre, where I volunteer on the Welcome & Information Desk.

You also have a key role with the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Tell us more..

I've been a member of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for over 20 years. I'm now a Trustee and also their Events Coordinator, which involves sourcing and arranging monthly talks on a wide variety of subjects, but primarily with a focus on local wildlife that will be of interest to our members. These popular talks are only open to members of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

Castle Water © Barry Yates

Do you have a favourite spot at RHNR?

I love being at the viewpoint near Castle Water. I find it so peaceful and you never know what birds will turn up in front of you.

Tell us something about you that we might not already know.

I am a qualified Bird Ringer and Bird Ringing trainer.

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