Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s Manager retires
Tim Speller came to Buriton’s local Country Park in 1995 and has been a great contact and friend of the community for all that time.
Amongst many highlights of cooperative working with the parish council and community groups was taking over the responsibilities for Buriton’s Chalk Pits Nature Reserve from the District Council and amalgamating it into the Country Park’s responsibilities.
Tim was a vital part of the Parish Council’s team in 2007 when there was a threat to close all public access to the site. The Parish Council made it clear that it did not want this to happen and launched an initiative which subsequently culminated in it winning a £250,000 Heritage Lottery Grant Award to help look after the Chalk Pits. Tim’s support and influence was a significant factor throughout.
Chatting to him at his farewell event on January 28, when he planted a tree in the park as a permanent reminder of his dedication, he highlighted how much things had changed in his time here. As well as huge increases in visitor numbers there has been the complete refurbishment of the Park Centre, the introduction of play equipment and a host of cycling opportunities for people of all ages.
And he’s also been a keen advocate of wildlife, too, helping Buriton with many projects and enjoyable BioBlitz initiatives.
He’s pleased that the Park means something to many different people and he leaves behind an excellent legacy whilst knowing that the area will remain in good hands.
