Sad news

I was shocked and gutted to hear yesterday that Gordon Allison (aka 'Gordon the Warden'), Warden of RSPB Elmley Marshes and former Warden of Northward Hill, passed away at the weekend.

I hadn't known Gordon long, but the occasions I worked with him over the last 7 months were a pleasure. The first thing that came across to me is what a friendly, approachable guy he was. Even though I was one of the newest members of the team he always had time for a quick chat. Whether about birds, dragonflies or the whereabouts of local punk legend, Billy Childish, he had an interesting story or some tips to pass on (which he happily did) Of course I soon realised he was a phenomenal naturalist and birder. His passion for birds was always evident; never more so than at the Kent Ornithological Society's winter quiz a few weeks ago. There, he was cursing his decision to not bring binoculars so he could see the screen better for those all important ID pointers! It didn't matter, his team still won easily. On top of that, his reluctance to ever turn up on time for one of our monthly team meetings was admirable.

He was only 50. It's such a shame but I guess at the moment it doesn't really feel like he's gone. More like he's just out twitching a rarity somewhere. His last blog post on the Elmley webpage is quite special. Tragic as it is, it sounds like he enjoyed his last day. He will really be missed round here.