Watatunga’s New Conservation and Education Officer, Re-Introducing Miranda!

At Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, we are thrilled to re-introduce our new Conservation and Education Officer, Miranda Sealy. Miranda brings a passion for wildlife conservation, education, and ecological research, and she has already begun making significant strides in her role. Here’s a closer look at what Miranda does and the exciting plans she has for Watatunga.

Developing Tailored Education Programmes

One of Miranda’s key responsibilities is shaping and improving our educational offerings. She is developing a structured educational programme that will benefit visiting schools and groups. The goal is to create a variety of lesson plans that cover important topics like habitats, adaptations, and conservation, tailored to different Key Stage levels. These plans will consist of interactive sessions, engaging activities, and informative tours that include interesting facts related to each topic.

Schools will be able to choose which lesson plan best suits their needs when visiting, ensuring a tailored and engaging experience for students. Miranda is also working on improving record-keeping to track the impact of our educational initiatives and ensure we’re constantly improving. Once the system is in place, she aims to expand outreach efforts, connecting with more schools and associations to showcase what we do at Watatunga.

Conservation at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Miranda is also deeply involved in the conservation efforts at Watatunga, focusing on two main areas: collaborating with external organisations and maintaining the health of the reserve itself.

We have established partnerships with various charities, collections, and NGOs such as the Mount Kenya Conservancy and the Great Bustard Group. These collaborations help us share knowledge, collect donations, and raise awareness about important conservation work. For example, Miranda has been in discussions with the Great Bustard Group on best practices for feeding their birds and sharing knowledge to improve animal welfare.

However, wildlife conservation at Watatunga goes beyond partnerships. The animals that call our reserve home depend entirely on the natural environment here. This means the health of the reserve is critical to the welfare and success of our breeding programmes. Another area that Miranda has been developing further is ecology, she has been conducting in-house ecological surveys to assess the biodiversity across our habitats, identifying any weak areas that need attention. Find out more on wildlife conservation at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve here.

Working alongside experts from organisations like the Norfolk Bat Group (read all about the Bat Evening here), Norfolk County Record Office, and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Miranda is gathering valuable insights into the species that inhabit Watatunga. These experts provide critical information on rare species, population numbers, and habitat requirements. For instance, with their guidance, Miranda is planning habitat improvements, such as keeping areas of bare rock to attract breeding terns. By monitoring these habitats and species over time, Watatunga can make data-driven decisions to enhance biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of the reserve.

Research and Zoological Records

Though Miranda’s current focus is on education and conservation, research is another important aspect of her role that she will begin soon. Future projects might include monitoring barn owl boxes or collaborating with university students on research initiatives. This will help further our understanding of the wildlife at Watatunga and contribute to broader conservation efforts.

In addition to all these responsibilities, Miranda also manages Watatunga’s zoological records using ZIMS, a global database used by zoos to track animal data. Keeping these records updated with details of births, deaths, location changes, and daily reports is essential for maintaining our zoo license and ensuring the highest standards of animal care.

The future of Conservation

Miranda’s role as Conservation and Education Officer is a vital part of Watatunga’s mission to protect wildlife and educate the next generation about the importance of conservation. As she continues to build and refine these programmes, we look forward to seeing the positive impact her work will have on both the reserve and the wider community. Stay tuned for updates on our conservation initiatives, educational programmes, and exciting research projects as Miranda helps guide Watatunga into the future!

Watatunga is more than a wildlife reserve – it’s a place where education, conservation, and research come together to make a difference for wildlife and the environment. Thanks to Miranda’s efforts, we’re confident that Watatunga’s impact will only continue to grow.