Hello! My name is Lara, I’m the Special Protection Area (SPA) Engagement Officer for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits- a series of excavated lakes in Northamptonshire that are now home to an internationally significant number of migrating birds, such as Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler Ducks. The SPA includes the Northampton Washlands flood reservoir, as well as BCN nature reserves: Summer Leys, Nene Wetlands and Titchmarsh, so there are a variety of ways to engage a very broad range of people. These gravel pit habitats are so vital to supporting these assemblages that they have been granted international protection, in addition to being an SPA and SSSI, meaning it’s got one of the highest levels of protection for any habitat in the UK. For me, it is a real privilege to spend my days working to educate others about these birds, and the ecosystems that support them. These gravel pits are also important for water storage during times of drought as well as flooding, and they will become increasingly important for their ability to sequester carbon as we seek to mitigate our impacts on climate change. Often, we don’t realise just how much incredible nature we have on our doorstep, and to be able to show people how special their local wild spaces are is a real joy, and goes a long way to inspiring them to help us protect it.

One of the main aims of my role is to reduce the impact of human disturbance within these protected habitats: with the population growing and increased development, we have seen, and continue to see more people using the SPA for recreation. This is wonderful, as we are always keen to see people getting out and appreciating wildlife, however we also see the birds leave the sites when there is too much pressure from dogs running off leads, and other recreational activities that cause disturbance. On the SPA, we need to ensure that the birds can overwinter effectively: they need to feed and breed without the fear of being chased by dogs, or being frightened by lots of noise if they are to build up enough energy reserves to fly all the way back to their summer homes in Scandinavia, Iceland and Russia.

By educating site users on the amazing wildlife we have, and the threats that they face from recreational pressures, we can empower people to make responsible choices and work together to protect our important wildlife, as well as educate others. I work with a number of external partners to expand the reach of the Trust’s work, and share our knowledge and love of wildlife with as many individuals as possible. These partnerships are key to working effectively across a landscape, as there are a diverse range of stakeholders involved in these spaces: landowners, businesses, local councils and other environmental organisations come together to make them beautiful, functional spaces for wildlife and for people. I love that I am able to have a positive impact in a very challenging world, and I strive to encourage a ripple effect through our communities to encourage others to do the same.

I love that I am able to have a positive impact in a very challenging world, and I strive to encourage a ripple effect through our communities to encourage others to do the same.