Meet the staff: Matthew Rich

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, 04 July 2023
Meet the staff: Matthew Rich
Matt Rich © Gesine Garz

Laura Ross, Communications Officer talks to Matthew Rich, Ranger at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Tell us a bit about yourself

I've always been a big lover of nature. That stemmed from the walks I used to have with my granddad in the woods when he would point out birds, insects, spiders, conkers - all sorts really. David Attenborough inspired me too. As soon as I could, I started volunteering, as I knew a career in wildlife was something I wanted to do.

Taking up photography has helped me develop my knowledge even more. You can go out one day and not see much, and next you spot behaviour you've never seen before. Or something that no-one's seen in 20 years!

Bee-fly © Matt Rich
Bee-fly © Matt Rich

How did you come to work at Sussex Wildlife Trust?

My dad has been living in this area for around 10 years, so I discovered Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and loved being here. Then he called to say he’d spotted this job. I applied and thankfully got it.

Tell us a bit about your role

Being a Ranger is largely about helping manage the land here for the benefit of both wildlife and people. So, we're aiming to create micro-climates and ensure these are protected and not disturbed. We will also be creating big areas for the breeding ground-nesting birds. We keep an eye on the electric fencing to make sure that's maintained. Taking out groups of conservation volunteers is a vital part of the role too. I mostly work with David King, the other Ranger here, and will be working closely with the new Site Manager when he starts later in the summer.

Grasshopper © Matt Rich
Grasshopper © Matt Rich

What skills do you need to do your job?

It’s important that you don't mind doing physical work, so you need to have a certain level of fitness. It can be labour intensive – using large machinery like the mowers to cut back the pathways. It’s also important that you’re a people person as we need to bring the public along with what we’re doing at times and help them become more engaged with nature. Having initiative is key, as things can sometime go wrong. When you're out on the reserve, you might not have the tool you need at that moment, so you've got to come up with a safe alternative on the fly.

What are you enjoying most?

For me, it's just a magical experience. I feel blessed to be here. Waking up in the morning, driving around the reserve, checking things like infrastructure is a total joy. I honestly can't wish for more.

Potters Wasp © Matt Rich
Potters Wasp © Matt Rich

What do you see as the big challenges?

To understand all the processes of how this site works and how they change throughout the year. It’s over 456 hectares of land and I think it will take some time for me to get to know it all and really understand it.

Tell us something about you that we might not already know

I’ve recently started doing jigsaw puzzles and I love it! I visited my grandma and started helping her with them. It’s a good way for me to de-stress and switch off the TV.

Ruby-tailed Fly © Matt Rich
Ruby-tailed Fly © Matt Rich

What's your favourite place in Sussex?

I think that would have to be right here. I feel that if you really know somewhere well, and understand it, you find it even more beautiful. I've walked around Rye Harbour more than most places in Sussex. One of my favourite quotes is by Brian Cox who talks about the universe 'There's only one thing more beautiful than the cosmos. That's understanding it'. I feel the same about nature.

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