A KEEN naturalist has turned his love of bird watching into a burgeoning career in conservation after taking up a post as a wildlife warden.

Marc Outten, 35, can often be spotted roaming the RSPB nature reserves in Vange and on Canvey, binoculars at the ready, identifying the growing numbers of bird species and butterflies settling at the sites.

Marc, from Great Wakering, secured his role just weeks before graduating from his BSc course in Conservation and the Environment at Writtle College, near Chelmsford.

He said: "I had to go for the job as it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

"Although I had two and a half months of college left, I was determined to work for the RSPB as it has been a lifetime ambition of mine."

No stranger to the great outdoors, the father-of-one worked as a park ranger for Southend Council before joining the RSPB. He said: "To be working for the charity in my local area is amazing.

"The warden's role is a varied one. My working day is never dull, with duties ranging from species monitoring and habitat management, through to leading guided walks and giving presentations."

Marc now spends his time managing the 370 hectares of marshland, spread over south Essex.

Work is under way at both visitor sites to create an invertebrate-rich environment to attract more birds and wildlife. Lapwings, redshanks and skylarks have all recently been sighted in the marshes.

He said: "We've had some success with avocets, the emblem of the RSPB, and had ten pairs breeding at Vange this year, which was great news.

"We've also got good skylark numbers on Canvey. Everybody has an affinity with them. It's wonderful to see them up in the air, singing away."

One of Marc's favourite aspects of the job, though, is leading guided tours on Vange Marsh, which take place on the first Saturday of every month.

He said: "I love enthusing the public about the environment.

"It gives people a chance to witness the spectacle which nature can offer, and enjoy the freedom of walking in the countryside."

For more details, contact the RSPB South Essex office, based in Wat Tyler Country Park, on 01268 559158.