We’re thrilled to announce some exciting changes at Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP)! As we continue our mission to protect and promote the incredible marine environment, over the summer we’ve welcomed a new team of dedicated Coastal Rangers. These passionate individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they’re eager to connect with our community.
He is our last new recruit for the Coastal Ranger team… Meet Tom Wise! He is what we would call a ‘turquoise’ Ranger as he has worked in a green job at Poole Farm before he joined a blue job, here at PSNMP. Needless to say he loves doing his bit for our local natural environment and has already made his mark since joining us.
Tell us about yourself!
Before joining the Ranger team on the PSNMP I was a Level 2 Countryside worker apprentice on the Plymouth Natural Grid project, helping to deliver habitat restoration and natural flood management works in Local Nature Reserves across the city. I’ve been really privileged to work across the green spaces of Plymouth and meet so many of the people who help keep them as a haven for wildlife. My road to being an Assistant Coastal Ranger hasn’t been a clear one, from dropping out of Art school in the final year of my degree to working in a bar for years, I never thought I would be here! I am so glad I did my apprenticeship; it completely transformed my life. The short of it is, I love nature and specifically identifying all the critters and big ol’ trees that surround us!
What attracted you to apply for the Assistant Coastal Ranger position at PSNMP?
I applied for this position as my ‘green’ apprenticeship at Poole Farm ended and it seemed the perfect opportunity to learn more about the ‘blue’ spaces in Plymouth and help develop a more ‘Turquoise’ mindset. I love anything nature focused, being able to share my wonder of the marvels in the natural world all while getting paid? Sign me up!
What do you love about the job so far?
I love that I get to meet so many different, passionate people. There’s not a single person I’ve met in this job who doesn’t want to share some knowledge, history or skills. It’s great! As someone from Plymouth it’s amazing how much I’m still learning about the city every day.
What are you most excited about working in PSNMP?
I’m looking forward to seeing how I can share my skills and experience with others. I’ve certainly been on a bumpy road and I never thought I’d be a Coastal Ranger but here I am! Through following my passions and having a hunger for knowledge I was able to go from working in a bar to reskilling into the Conservation industry.
I’m excited by the community archaeology digs that are in the works to happen! I’m a big fan of both Indiana Jones and Time Team so it’s honestly a win-win.
It’s brilliant to have such a multi-skilled person in both the green and blue sector. We can’t wait to see how Tom thrives within the team. We are super excited to see him engage with communities around the National Marine Park for years to come!
Meet the rest of the team!
Jess Stevens – Coastal Ranger: Find out about her work in Borneo here
Jes Hirons – Coastal Ranger: Read on to discover her sailing adventures
Millie Groom – Assistant Coastal Ranger: Discover her passion for environmental conservation