18 October 2007                   

Talking about birds

Steve Lovell has joined the RSPB’s Eastern England regional office as Community Talks Officer. 

Based at the RSPB’s Norwich office, he will be getting out and about in Norfolk and Suffolk to give talks to groups and societies about the RSPB and conservation. This service, Steve hopes, will encourage more people to enjoy the wonderful wildlife on their doorstep.

His talks for the RSPB will be done alongside his design and landscaping business, based in his home town of Lincoln. This includes hedge and woodland planting, farm pond restoration, the creation of wildflower meadows and wildlife-friendly garden design.

These skills were used abroad last year when he went to Sri Lanka with TV’s ‘Challenge Anneka’ as part of a team to restore a community cricket pitch damaged by the Tsunami.

Previous work saw him as an Area Farm Manager for a group of poultry farms in East Anglia. Then a change of career led him to study at Easton College in 1990/91, achieving his Amenity Horticultural qualifications at Distinction Level as well as winning the John Innes Cup for the best overall student.

An adult education qualification allowed him to branch out into talks to clubs and societies, giving up to sixty presentations a year for the past ten years and covering a wide range of horticultural and environmental topics.

Steve already has talks lined up for several community groups but is now hoping to receive invitations from many more – including filling in at short notice. He can also offer guided wildlife walks at some stunning locations combining the magic of wildlife with a little gentle exercise. 

You can meet Steve at the RSPB’s ‘Feed the Birds Day’ events at Stalham and North Walsham libraries on Monday 22 October, North Walsham Garden Centre on Thursday 25 October and at Notcutts Garden Centre in Norwich on Friday 26 October and Sunday 28 October.

Steve has a nine-month contract with the RSPB, covering for Lee Cozens who is taking maternity leave.

• Contact Steve Lovell on 01603 697592 or 07702 237563.