My Story- Ajay Tegala
East Anglia has a rich natural history and some of the country’s finest lowland wildlife spots. Today, there are reedy sanctuaries where once-rare birds secretively lurk, roosting in the winter, nesting in the spring. But turn the clock back a few centuries and the landscape of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk was far more wild and watery. At primary school, in South Lincolnshire, I remember learning about the drainage of the Fens and also the depletion of rainforest on a global scale. As a schoolchild, I knew that we shouldn’t drop litter, that pollution was bad and the thought of people mistreating animals made me sad. Although, mostly I was happy, fortunate to enjoy many simple but enjoyable nature sightings in our local area.
I was happiest on our family countryside rambles; finding insects in the grass and under logs, and watching birds on the river. I felt drawn to water and loved wetland wildlife. I dreamed of seeing otters and some of the rarer birds in my parents’ identification guide. This became a personal mission and, with patience, I encountered these sought-after species one by one.
In my teens, time outdoors was still important, cycling with friends and my first camping trip (although it rained every day!). Like most of my peers, I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. Until, aged 15, I did a week’s work experience on Wicken Fen nature reserve in Cambridgeshire with the National Trust. The team clearly enjoyed their jobs. They genuinely loved Monday mornings! What was better than working in beautiful surroundings and – more than that – making a positive difference for wildlife? By the end of the week, I knew I wanted to be a conservationist.
Lots more volunteering followed, plus a degree in Countryside Management including a year’s placement on the North Norfolk Coast, which changed my life. On Blakeney National Nature Reserve, I helped survey nesting marsh harriers, protect ground-nesting shorebirds in summer and count seal pups in winter. I learned about the tides, salt marsh plants and the importance of visitor engagement. As my experience grew, so did my confidence and I soon found myself working as Blakeney Point’s ranger, stationed in the old Lifeboat House. A dream job in a fantastic location.
An unexpected element of the job was radio and television interviews, something I realised I quite enjoyed; sharing my love for the place. I also got a buzz from sharing stories on the Blakeney blog. Before long, I found myself getting more television opportunities (including Springwatch) and chances to write articles for nature magazines. A longing to write something longer then arose… a book! Imagine that, a whole book sharing my weird and wonderful experiences on Blakeney Point. It had to be done.
The 2020 lockdown provided the opportunity to sit down and write. By now, I was working on Wicken Fen, having fulfilled my teenaged ambition. A big part of ranger life on the Fen involves habitat restoration, ‘rewilding’ drained land to bring back lost habitats and species. This process involves grazing herds of semi-wild cattle (Highlands) and horses (Koniks). I have spent many hours keeping watch over them, developing strong bonds with individual characters and witnessing newborn animals growing up. Working with livestock is full of drama, and I just knew there was a second book around Wicken and its animals.
Reflecting back on my journey and those formative years, time in nature was always so important. As much as the idea of being alone in the wild, surrounded by birds, was a big part of the initial attraction, the need to share, engage, educate and inspire intensified along the way. Today, one of the things that gives me most pleasure is what I used to be nervous about: leading school visits! My perceptions changed during my first guided walk on Blakeney Point; watching an oystercatcher chick hatch with a group of primary schoolchildren. Seeing how excited and transfixed they were was a lightbulb moment!
And a story I’ll certainly be sharing – along with many others – at Watutunga on 21st August.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Booking required, tickets available here.