Meet Steve, another long term member of staff
How long have you worked at Martin Mere?
I’ve been at Martin Mere for 17 years, the first 2 as a volunteer.
- What was the first job you did?
On my first day, I put sticky labels on envelopes in publicity. Being indoors didn’t really suit me, though, so soon after I was introduced to the grounds manager and started volunteering with the outdoor team. I then went on to get a job working in the grounds as a warden.
- How has your role changed over the years?
I do a lot more admin now! I’m now an animal manager - I still do a wide range of outdoor tasks, like feeding and maintenance around the grounds, but I have more responsibility and supervise some staff now, too.
- What are your fondest memories from your time here?
Working with all the gang outside, having such a laugh every single day – it doesn’t feel like work, almost like a hobby I get paid for.
- Tells us something that your average visitor would never know about the Centre.
Some of the flamingos are older than the staff members that look after them – up to 40 years old in some cases.
- What is the strangest thing you’ve ever found yourself doing for Martin Mere?
There are quite a few but trying to catch a red deer stag on the car park stands out. It had escaped from another local attraction, and it took a while to catch. Eventually our reserve manager at the time was able to grab on, and after spinning him around a couple of times, we were able to get it under control and take it back home.
I also get a lot of funny looks when I go into the Chemist’s to buy pile cream in bulk – it’s the perfect treatment for flamingos with sore or injured feet.
- What do you think Martin Mere will be like 40 years from now?
I’ll have retired by then, I hope, so obviously it won’t be as good! Seriously, Lots of investment has come in recently. The way we keep birds is always improving, and our exhibits will be better. Hopefully the reserve will still be the same.
