Meet the team

The North Bournemouth Reserves are managed by an enthusiastic team of rangers and their volunteers. They carry out various tasks to maintain and enrich the important habitats on these sites for both wildlife and visitors alike.

Our Rangers

Tom Bennett (Area Manager)

Tom has a Diploma in Forestry and a National Diploma in Countryside Management, he is also an NVQ assessor in Environmental Conservation and has worked within the industry for the last 15 years.

He started working for Bournemouth Borough Council at Stour Valley Local Nature Reserve in August 2014, where he manages the North Countryside Team. He loves the outside and enjoys playing football and cricket in his spare time.

Steve Charnley (Assistant Heathland Mitigation Ranger)

Steve has always had a keen interest in nature & especially the Stour Valley having lived in the area for 25 years. Steve started volunteering at the Kingfisher Barn visitor centre in 2016. Having previously worked in office management for many years he decided to change direction when he was given the opportunity to work as a Trainee Ranger in 2017. He is now employed as a Ranger and enjoys working alongside his colleagues and our teams of amazing volunteers in maintaining and improving the Stour Valley and our other North Bournemouth nature reserves.

Steve is a keen countryside rambler, walking every day and especially enjoys long weekend hikes with country pub pitstops en-route!

Andy (Senior Countryside Ranger)

Andy has a degree in Biological Sciences and a Post-graduate diploma in Land and Water Management. He has been working in conservation for over 30 years, for local authorities and NGOs.

He enjoys mountain-biking, photography, world cinema, restoring classic bikes and cars and is an occasional Tour Guide at Hall and Woodhouse brewery.

Leon (Heathland Mitigation Manager)

Leon is one of our heathland mitigation rangers, he has always wanted to work in conservation since leaving Kingston Maurward College with a National Diploma in Countryside Management and has worked with the RSPB and the National Trust before finding his dream job with us. His hobbies include playing guitar, cycling, swimming, working on cars and anything outside in nature!

Meg (Visitor Centre Manager)

Meg runs a range of art and nature workshops at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre for all ages. She has always found ways of incorporating her love for wildlife into all aspects of her life. After graduating Sociology BA, and later Painting MA - where her focus always led her to environmental topics within, she has found a job where she can see nature and art blossom together. In her spare time Meg loves to paint intricate oil paintings, read fantastic books, and care for her bunny Olive and stick insect Apple.

Jack (Grazing Ranger)

Jack has been with us for nearly a year working with cattle, after recently moving to our area. Coming from the National Trust and freelance he has experience working in farms and estates but wants to make more difference working in urban conservation. In his free time having three dogs he likes exploring the outdoors in a responsible way by hiking, bikepacking and canoeing.

Frankie (Lead SANG Ranger)

After completing his BSc in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University in 2012, Frankie has continued working in various facets of wildlife conservation and ecology, both in the UK and abroad.

Frankie’s interests outside of work coincide with his professional duties as he enjoys birding and general wildlife watching around Dorset and in other countries when he gets the opportunity. He spends his spare time also playing cricket, football and travelling.

Josh (Countryside Ranger)

Josh is a native Herefordian with a keen interest in nature who started volunteering in conservation in 2012. He started working for BCP Council in 2018. Josh graduated with a BTEC in Countryside Management and has a strong practical mindset for anything outdoors and hands on. His hobbies include playing football and badminton for local teams. 

Matt (Heathland Mitigation Manager)

After several years running a photographic business Matt decided to follow a lifelong passion for wildlife and the environment and switched careers into conservation. Since then, he has completed an apprenticeship in Countryside Management and spent the last few years working hands-on in habitat management, species monitoring, and community engagement. Outside of wok you’ll most likely find him rock climbing, hiking, or birdwatching.

Colm (Heathland Mitigation Manager)

Colm is one of the Heathland Mitigation Rangers based out of Kingfisher Barn. He got his start in conservation working at Kingfisher Barn in 2021. He enjoys practical work that he carries out with the team and volunteers on the local nature reserves, as well as wildlife surveys. His personal interests outside of work are films and gaming.

Michael (Countryside Ranger)

Michael has been working with our countryside team since 2021 after completing an advanced apprenticeship and working as a ranger for North Dorset Council. He particularly enjoys the days when he gets to work with the livestock or drive the tractor. Outside of work he enjoys travelling and motorbike touring.