Pam leaves Park after 16 years (May 2014)

Familiar to thousands of Park visitors as the face behind the information desk, Pam has stepped down from her role as Information Officer in order to spend time with her husband and three grandsons, as well as indulging her passion for family history, walking in the New Forest and enjoying her motor home and garden.

Pam began working at Moors Valley in March 1998. Over the years she has researched the history of Kings Farm, the site on which the country park was created, and the old barn, which became the Visitor Centre. She has also been instrumental in monitoring the bird count in the park and seen the number of species increase from 113 to 137 over her 16 years. Among many memorable bird-related moments, Pam recalls the appearance of a stray flamingo, a Great Bustard and a blue budgie!

“I have always enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Moors Valley and I am delighted to have seen it grow and prosper over the years,” said Pam on the occasion of her retirement presentation.

“I have wonderful memories of Moors Valley and all the Rangers I have worked with over the years and I will watch with interest the Park’s future progress.”

Clare Gronow, Countryside Manager at Moors Valley, said “Pam’s knowledge of the Park is remarkable and her ability to recall everything from historical information to bird species and railway prices will be sorely missed. Throughout her 16 years of service she has been unendingly friendly and welcoming, even on very busy days when several hundred people can visit the information point.”

Although she is retiring, Pam won’t be leaving Moors Valley completely as she intends to return as a volunteer so that she can keep tabs on the growing bird population.

ENDS

Word count: 320

Editors’ Notes:

Photo shows Pam Martin seated, with staff and volunteers from Moors Valley Country Park and Forest at her retirement party.
Image can be downloaded from the press images gallery.