It is with heavy hearts that the Council of Trustees has to announce that due to continuing ill health Sophie has made the difficult decision to step down as Warden at Holme Bird Observatory.  Sophie has provided us with a farewell message to share with you all:

Dear All

It is with much sadness that I have to leave the NOA after 25 years as Assistant Warden and Warden. It has been such a privilege and I have had a fantastic time, enjoying some amazing wildlife experiences which I will never forget. But I value more than all of this the amazing qualities of the NOA membership. It is your loyalty, kindness and enthusiasm which make this organisation so special, and this was never clearer than when we made our recent land appeal, which ensures the future of the NOA at Holme.

I leave you in the capable hands of Shannon Clifford, who has been growing into the role of Warden since the onset of my illness two years ago, with much dedication. I very much hope to return to birding and ringing when I am feeling better, as a visitor and volunteer, and hope to see all of you when circumstances permit. Until then, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and wish you every joy of the wonderful place that is Holme Bird Observatory and the NOA’s other unique reserves.

Sophie