Local wildlife enthusiast achieves lifetime ambition

The RSPB team in south Essex has a new addition. Local man Marc Outten, from Great Wakering, is the new warden for nature reserves in Vange and Canvey.

Marc, 35, has been a keen naturalist since childhood and has been walking the Essex countryside, sporting a pair of binoculars, since the age of five. A recent graduate from Writtle College, he has always wanted to be a warden for the RSPB. However, the position became available before the college course ended. Marc explains ‘‘I had to go for the job as it was too good an opportunity to pass up. Although I still had two and a half months of college left but I was determined to work for the RSPB as it has been a lifetime ambition to do so’’.

Now that Marc has gained his BSc in Conservation and the Environment, he aims to enjoy his burgeoning career. He says, ‘‘I have long been aware of the important work the RSPB does for protecting and conserving the natural environment and wildlife. To be working for the charity in my local area is amazing. The warden’s role is a varied one. The working day is never dull with duties ranging from species monitoring and habitat management through to leading guided walks and giving presentations’’.

The RSPB currently manages 350 hectares of marshland in South Essex. At Vange and West Canvey marshes, the RSPB is creating an environment that is important for wildlife and birds. This will give people in the local area the chance to witness the spectacle that nature can offer and enjoy the freedom of walking in the open countryside.

Marc leads a guided walk on Vange Marsh on the first Saturday of every month. The walk aims to give a greater understanding of the work the RSPB is doing in the area along with showing the wildlife seen on the reserve. For further details or an events leaflet, please contact the RSPB South Essex office on 01268 559158.

Coryton oil refinery fire

A quick dash to the marina at Wat Tyler Country Park, from where the oil refinery can clearly be viewed. The fire which started around 11 am yesterday took 10 fire crews to get the 100' flames under control.

A pair of stonechats were using the pylon nearest to the marina as a vantage point to hunt for insects.Photos by Ted Cook and Alan Shearman