Run in partnership with the Mirror newspaper, VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar recognises and celebrates those in the industry who go the extra mile to ensure tourists in England have an amazing and unforgettable visitor experience. After making the shortlist, the vote is over to the public, and we want to encourage everyone to vote for Ranger Jane.
Ranger Jane was shortlisted for her passion for Northumberland, her sustainable and educational approach to the fantastic tourism product that she offers, and her extraordinary story that led her to start her own business.
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said, “Ranger Jane is an exemplary example of the fantastic people driving the tourism industry in Northumberland. Her passion for Northumberland’s coast and wildlife, along with her sustainable approach to everything she does, provides visitors with a fun and engaging experience and educates them on how to care for Northumberland’s landscape.
“To be nominated as England’s next Tourism Superstar is a monumental achievement for Jane and recognition of Northumberland’s growing reputation as a responsible tourism destination. It demonstrates the endless experiences and first-class welcome people can expect when they visit.”
Following over ten years' service as a National Trust Ranger, Jane recognised the need to educate visitors to Northumberland’s coast, particularly after the COVID pandemic saw a surge in visitors. Since opening for bookings in May 2022, Jane delivering over 100 guided 'Seashore Safari' experiences before the end of the 2022 season.
Ranger Jane’s Beach School offers a range of tours and activities along the protected landscape of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. During her Seashore Safaris, guests carefully explore the rocky shore learning how to find creatures in their natural habitat with minimum disturbance. Jane’s primary tour objective is to connect her guests with nature and bring compassion and respect for the secret world of the rockpools.
In summing up her nomination, Jane commented, “My passion for rock pooling began with a lost wooden fish box at the age of five in 1975 when I came on family holidays to Low Newton and Embleton on the Northumberland coast. I love sharing my passion for the coastal environment on my safaris, and am humbled to have been nominated by Visit Northumberland and recognised and supported by a number of local holiday cottage owners.”
Jane’s Seashore Safari activities are a 90-minute guided experience at north beach in Seahouses for up to eight people in a group. To vote for Jane and help her take home the gold and win the title of England’s Tourism Superstar 2023, visit https://www.visitbritain.org/tourism-superstar-2023. The ballot closes at midnight on March 20 with winner set to be announced on March 25.
