Ray Marsh was fundamental in starting the Essex Naturalists’ Trust in 1959 which later grew into Essex Wildlife Trust, the largest conservation organisation in Essex. Ray sadly passed away in October and we reflect on his contribution to wildlife for over 60 years. 

Back in the 1950s, Ray and his wife, Rose, first came across Skippers Island, which sits in the Walton Backwaters in north-east Essex. They stopped for a picnic with their young children, watching the saltmarsh and the tide come and go. In his book, Skippers Island: The Island Bug (2015), Ray wrote: “Little did I know that this would be the start of an island love affair that would carry on for the rest of my life.”

Over the 60 years volunteering, Ray was Volunteer Warden for Skippers Island, a nature reserve and unique wildlife habitat in Tendring, Essex. The current state of the reserve, including its status as a stronghold for the endemic Fisher’s estuarine moth, is down to his commitment. Ray played a key role in protecting the moth on the island, often staying overnight to conduct surveys. Ray rowed across to the island at least once a week – a conservative estimate is that he rowed across 10,000 times!

Ray officially retired in the summer of 2019. He was very proud to have shared his knowledge with so many visitors over the years. As Ray crossed the last bridge and climbed up the seawall on a conservation visit in June, Ray turned and said: “I’m really going to miss this place.” 

Accolades and achievements

Ray's story is truly inspiring. In recognition of his achievement, the Trust awarded Ray in 2019 with the first ‘Ray Marsh Award’. This award is now an annual volunteer recognition event given to an outstanding volunteer.

Ray was also the winner of the RSWT The Christopher Cadbury Medal for services to nature conservation. This award was created to recognise outstanding contributions to the work of The Wildlife Trusts.

In 2020, Ray received an MBE from Buckingham Palace for his dedication as a volunteer to Essex Wildlife Trust.