The remarkable story of a local ranger
Having dedicated almost a decade to protecting the incredible wildlife at Blakeney Point, Ajay Tegala shares the joys and challenges of managing one of Britain’s most captivating nature reserves…
In over 120 years, only a handful of inspiring rangers have devoted their hearts to safeguarding the wild wonders of Blakeney Point, Britain’s first coastal nature reserve. For Ajay Tegala, calling this isolated spit of shingle home was a privilege that fuelled his passion for conservation and intensified his love of the natural world.
Striving to protect the environment and promote its preservation, Ajay spent most of his 20s watching over the Point’s wild wonders – tirelessly tackling the unpredictable challenges brought by each season. From the excitement of monitoring the growing grey seal population to the struggles of saving vulnerable terns from a plethora of threats, every day at Blakeney Point was an adventure.
Drawing from fond memories, mesmerising stories, and diaries of his first-hand experiences, Ajay has shared the many emotions of life on the edge of land and sea in his fascinating new book. Compiled during the first lockdown and published last summer, The Unique Life of a Ranger is an enchanting insight into the world of a Blakeney Point warden and a lively account of life through the seasons on one of the country’s most treasured reserves.
“When you fall in love with a place as special as the North Norfolk coast, it remains in your mind and heart forever. I’d always dreamed of publishing a book of my experiences, though I never found the time to do so,” says Ajay. “When lockdown began in spring 2020, I finally had my chance - so I mapped out what I wanted to do and just started writing. The vibrant memories came flooding back, and it all flowed from there.”
“I’ll always feel immensely proud to be part of the history of Blakeney Point...”
Ajay was raised in East Anglia and grew up surrounded by captivating creatures and evocative fenland landscapes, developing an understanding of their importance at an early age. “I loved being outside and always felt a connection with nature,” he says. “As a teenager I volunteered at wildlife reserves, learning from a community of passionate local rangers. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in conservation, as I loved that combination of enjoying the job whilst making a meaningful difference to something I really cared about.”
Going on to study Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management at university, Ajay embarked on a year’s placement at Blakeney Point to develop his skills and experience. Enthusiastic and eager to learn, the impressionable 19-year-old went from attending lively student parties to living in a world of sweeping coastal skies, beautiful open beaches, and a never-ending chorus of calling birds. “It was a huge change, but Blakeney immediately captured my heart,” he says. “It was eye-opening adjusting to Norfolk life and a little overwhelming at first, though the Point is such a magical place it soon becomes a part of who you are.”
After completing his degree Ajay took up work at Wicken Fen reserve in Cambridgeshire, though he returned to the Point as a seasonal assistant in the summer. The following year, Blakeney’s resident ranger – who’d become a close friend - called to say he’d taken another job and felt Ajay should apply for his role. “I remember being completely astounded. It was a huge responsibility and I wondered if I was really good enough,” he says. “But the more I thought about it, it became clear in my mind that it was what I wanted. Having already learned the key elements of the role, I was hit by the overwhelming realisation that it was my dream job. I simply couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else, so I decided to throw all I had into it.”
After securing the position in February 2013, Ajay devoted almost eight years to conserving the coastal wildlife at Blakeney – residing in the Point’s iconic blue Lifeboat House with two fellow wardens throughout the summer months. His remarkable role involved the daily monitoring and protection of vulnerable species, coping with crises (including the tidal surge of December 2013), and educating school groups to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Ajay’s book is filled with accounts of rescuing net-trapped seals, hunting for egg thieves, dramatic bird sightings and fond memories of Blakeney’s phenomenal natural beauty. Containing over 50 striking photographs, illustrations, and extracts from his personal diaries, it’s a love letter to the wonderful wildlife of the Norfolk coast and the passionate team who watch over it.
“I’ll always feel immensely proud to be part of the history of Blakeney Point, and every second I spent there will stay with me forever,” says Ajay. “Choosing to hand over reins was difficult, but by 2018 I knew it was time to start a fresh challenge at a different reserve. I’d achieved a great deal and made some of my happiest memories on that special stretch of sand, though I needed to give someone else the privilege of safeguarding its future.”
“A key element of conservation is sharing a love of nature, and I’m thrilled my book has enabled people to join in on my journey into the beautiful world of Blakeney Point. I hope it will give readers an increased appreciation for the amazing wildlife on their doorstep, and that they’ll feel inspired to play a part in protecting it themselves.”
For more information about Ajay Tegala and his inspiring book, visit ajaytegala.co.uk
