Introducing the Friends: Christine George, Events Coordinator

Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Spending over 40 years working as a physiotherapist in the NHS, you might have thought Christine George would have relaxed into retirement. But for her, retirement is another word for being very busy.  Luckily she found a bit of spare time to sit down and tell me a little bit about where her zest for life comes from.

Tell us about yourself and where your love for nature came from..

I’ve always lived in or near the countryside. I spent quite a lot of my childhood at an uncle and aunt's house and he was very knowledgeable and passionate about nature and I think he inspired me. We moved to this area from Cheshire in 1996 as a result of my husband’s work. I have two children who are now in their 30s, plus a small granddaughter and another little one on the way. I am now retired, and very busy! I help with the local garden society as well as co-ordinating and undertaking various bird surveys, not to mention grandparent duties and gardening when I can fit it in.

You're one of our amazing volunteers. How did you come to get involved?
I discovered Rye Harbour Nature Reserve soon after moving here and regularly visited with the children, I loved the area and wanted to give something back, so when the children became more independent, I started to help with ‘Little Tern Watch’ then volunteering in Lime Kiln Cottage and then Guide in a Hide. This turned into ‘Wednesday walks’, then the Cabin and now I'm at the Discovery Centre, where I volunteer on the Welcome & Information Desk.

You also have a key role with the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Tell us more..

I've been a member of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for over 20 years. I'm now a Trustee and also their Events Coordinator, which involves sourcing and arranging monthly talks on a wide variety of subjects, but primarily with a focus on local wildlife that will be of interest to our members. These popular talks are only open to members of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

Do you have a favourite spot at RHNR?

I love being at the viewpoint near Castle Water. I find it so peaceful and you never know what birds will turn up in front of you.

Tell us something about you that we might not already know.

I am a qualified Bird Ringer and Bird Ringing trainer.