I first came across the Environment Agency (EA) awards back in early October. Having read the criteria for the `pioneering biodiversity programme` award, I thought that it wouldn’t do us any harm to apply. I eventually managed to convince Malcolm Ausden, the RSPB’s Principal Ecologist that an application wouldn’t do us any harm, and Malcolm duly submitted the application.
When we heard that there had been around 250 applicants for the seven awards that were up for grabs, I was somewhat pleased to hear, three weeks ago, that we’d been short-listed! We had entered our heathland re-creation work, as a demonstration of helping wildlife to respond to future climate change by creating bigger blocks of suitable habitat.
Due of the short notice, only Malcolm and I could make the presentation event in London – I thankfully managed to re-arrange a meeting that I originally had for that day. My train tickets only arrived the day before the event, which was when I also heard from the EA that the dress code was `business attire`.
Knowing that I didn’t have a suit, I began to think that I shouldn’t attend. However, in the knowledge that I’d attended two weddings during the summer, I was aware that I’d have something smart to wear, but I was still mortified by the prospect of having to wear a tie!: It’d been nearly four years since I’d last worn one – I just hate anything tight around my neck, and it’s for that reason that I don’t even wear T-shirts!
So, the big day arrived and Sally gave me a lift to station. I had decided to catch an early train and make a day of it. It had been years since I’d last been to London and I was really looking forward to some sightseeing, and to visiting the HMV Oxford Circus shop for the first time. I duly went there and spent more money than I should have - don’t tell Sally!
From there I walked towards Trafalgar Square. It was here that I became aware of the student protests – that’s why there were four helicopters in the air making all that noise! I crossed the Thames via the Millennium Bridge and had good views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye (an eye-watering £18 for a `flight`). Then it was on to Buckingham Palace via Lambeth Palace, taking photos all the way.
From there, it was a walk through St James’s Park towards Westminster Abbey, passing many visitors, some with squirrels hanging from their legs after titbits, and trying not to walk on the abundance of pigeons that were about my feet. I’d never been through this park before, and apart from the pelicans, I managed to tick off ring-necked parakeets for the year.
I decided not to visit the Abbey – the £15 entrance fee rather put me off. As it was now getting dark, I headed back to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, past the anti-War camp at Westminster Square and the `revolting` students.
After a fairly quick visit to the gallery, it was time to don the tie and to head for the Awards Ceremony at Westminster Central Hall! Malcolm arrived some 30 minutes later: he said that he didn’t recognise me, which wasn’t a surprise as I was certainly out of my more natural plumage!
We bumped into and chatted with a number of ex-RSPB colleagues: Graham Wynne (recently retired Chief Executive), Paul Jose (ex EA and now working for Huntington District Council), and Buglife Chief Executive Matt Shardlow, as well as our new Chief Executive, Mike Clarke. Both Graham and Mike had been there for the entire day; attending the annual EA conference.
Over drinks and nibbles, Chris Huhne MP gave his address. Then the awards ceremony began – ours was to be the sixth of the seven awards to be presented. Each of the organisations that were short-listed for each award was mentioned and then the winner announced and photo taken.
The four other projects short-listed in our category were: Hesketh Outmarsh West (a partnership re-alignment project on the Ribble estuary that included the RSPB – one of our newer reserves); Alkborough Flats (another re-alignment project on the Humber estuary); Little Ouse Headwaters Project (a small community charity on the Norfolk-Suffolk border); and Lancashire CC `Our Moors, Our Planet` (a peatland restoration project).
You can imagine the surprised look on our faces when we were announced as winners! We were both quite shocked and dumb-foundered, particularly given the standard of all the competing projects.
Malcolm Ausden (left) and Mel Kemp (centre) receiving their EA Award
After the photo, we were ushered to an area to give an interview to camera and then went on to mingle and ultimately receive the congratulations of colleagues. As the audience gradually dwindled, I took my leave and went for something to eat – a rather enjoyable curry.
With time ticking on, it was off to the station to catch the last train home. So, you can imagine my frustration when, as we neared Liverpool St, an announcement came over the tannoy at the tube station before mine, that there would be a five minute delay. Panic! My train was to leave in seven minutes and it would take me too long to find my way out of the station and then find the main line station. What to do? – I stayed put.
We eventually moved off, and on arriving, I raced up the stairs and looked up to the overhead boards for my departure. It wasn’t there – more panic! Having asked someone, I then raced to the platform just in time to see my train leaving! I knew that I could still get back to Ipswich, so it was quick call home. After having to endure a number of comments regarding my situation from my beloved, a time was agreed for my pick-up.
Thirty minutes later I was off home. I couldn’t believe that I’d managed to sit in one of the two carriages that didn’t have heating – I’d sat in the other carriage on my incoming trip! Nevertheless, I was pleased to see Sally at the station and then more than happy to be at home with a beer in front of the fire – it was half past eleven. It’d been a long but gratifying day.
What a day!
Guest blog by Mel Kemp, RSPB Minsmere warden