Meet the Team
Our Coastal Rangers
The Coastal Rangers are the friendly faces of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, out on the ground helping to reconnect the city with its sea. They lead activities and events along the coast, support community projects and champion the rich wildlife and heritage of the Sound. Working with schools, local groups and partners, they help people discover, enjoy and care for this remarkable waterfront, so that more of us feel confident, informed and proud to look after Britain’s Ocean City for the future.
Head Ranger
Sam Balderson
Sam leads efforts to protect and celebrate the rich coastal environment of Britain’s Ocean City.
A passionate conservationist, Sam’s career has taken him from the coral reefs of the Seychelles to the rugged landscapes of South Georgia.
With a Geography degree from the University of Sheffield and a Conservation MSc from University College London, he has worked on marine and wildlife conservation projects across the world, from managing a conservation centre on Alphonse Island to inspecting fishing vessels in the sub-Antarctic.
Since arriving in Plymouth in 2022, Sam has thrown himself into local life, becoming an active RNLI crew member and diving regularly to capture the beauty beneath the surface of the Sound. As Head Ranger, he’s excited to help people connect with the marine world — not only through getting their feet wet, but also by using new technologies to reveal the wonders hidden below the waves.
Ranger
Jess Stevens
Jess helps people connect with the coastline and discover the spectacular wildlife right on our doorstep. With a background that blends animal ethics, conservation, and community engagement, Jess holds an MA in Anthrozoology alongside degrees in English Literature and Animal Management and Conservation.
Her career has taken her around the world, from rescuing primates in the UK to leading volunteer programmes at a renowned orangutan rehabilitation centre in Borneo.
Now back home in Cornwall, she’s passionate about inspiring others to value and protect the remarkable nature and history of our own shores.
At the Marine Park, Jess brings her energy and empathy to engaging visitors, leading education programmes, and celebrating the rich life of Britain’s Ocean City. She’s especially excited to help reveal the hidden underwater world of Plymouth Sound by using technology and creativity to make its wonders accessible to everyone, whether they dive beneath the waves or explore from dry land.
Ranger
Millie Groom
Millie brings fresh energy and a clear passion for marine conservation to the team. A recent Environmental Management and Sustainability graduate from the University of Plymouth, Millie has already built a strong foundation in environmental journalism and advocacy, writing for various outlets to champion awareness and action around key environmental issues.
Growing up in the countryside but always drawn to the sea, she’s now fulfilling her dream of combining community engagement, education and conservation right here in Britain’s Ocean City.
In her role, Millie works closely with volunteers and local residents to run events, coastal cleans and citizen science activities , all aimed at making Plymouth’s marine heritage and environment accessible to everyone. Millie also co-piloted the launch of our Blue Sparks programme giving individuals, communities and grass-roots organisations even more ways to interact with our sea. She’s excited to see how the Marine Park continues to grow over the coming years and feels proud to be part of a team helping people connect with, protect and take pride in their coastal home.
Ranger
Jes Hirons
Jes holds a lifetime of connection to the sea and a deep passion for sharing it with others. Growing up in Cawsand, Jes has spent years sailing, diving and exploring the waters of Plymouth Sound, even crossing the Atlantic as part of a professional yacht crew at just 18.
She holds a degree in Marine and Environmental Science, has worked on grey seal conservation projects, and was named University of Plymouth Student of the Year for her research into marine pollution.
Alongside her marine work, Jes has supported community wellbeing through social prescribing, helping people connect with blue and green spaces for their health and happiness.
Now back where it all began, Jes is excited to use her knowledge and enthusiasm to help others experience the magic of Britain’s Ocean City. Whether leading activities on the shore or raising awareness about marine life, she loves inspiring people to care for Plymouth Sound as much as she does, and to see the coast as their own playground too.
Assistant Ranger
Luke Kendall
Luke was born and raised in a quiet Derbyshire village, but always had an eye on the horizon. Drawn south to study marine biology and coastal ecology at the University of Plymouth, his fascination with the sea began with childhood crab catching trips in Whitby, where those cantankerous creatures first sparked his curiosity.
It did not take long for Plymouth to feel like home, with its mix of ocean, culture and community. When he is not working, you will likely find him snorkelling at Firestone Bay, walking the South West Coast Path, or embracing local tradition dressed as a pirate.
Luke joined Plymouth Sound National Marine Park as a volunteer in 2025 and quickly saw how the project brings together science, heritage and wellbeing with the community at its heart.
Now an Assistant Coastal Ranger, he is passionate about connecting people with the marine environment, sharing his knowledge while learning from others along the way. He is especially excited to see projects like Blue Sparks come to life, helping more people build a meaningful relationship with the Sound and recognise its value to the city.
Assistant Ranger
Lilah Khan
Lilah recently graduated from the University of Plymouth with a degree in Marine Biology. Despite growing up inland, she has always been drawn to the sea and is fascinated by the life within it. After nearly four years in the city, she is still discovering just how much Plymouth and the Marine Park have to offer. At heart, she loves being outdoors, whether that is scuba diving, swimming, walking the coast, or playing rugby.
Lilah began her journey with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park as one of the early volunteers, back in the days of bright yellow t shirts. What started as a way to build experience quickly became something more, as she discovered a real passion for connecting people with the sea through community engagement.
Now an Assistant Ranger, she brings that same energy to her role, working closely with volunteers and supporting events across the city. She is especially excited about how the volunteer programme continues to grow, alongside new projects that deepen people’s connection to the Sound, and is always looking ahead to the next chance to get people involved, especially during Pirates Weekend.