Ajay has written an abundance of articles ranging from blogs and magazines (BBC Countryfile and BBC Wildlife) to scientific journals (British Birds), writing with authority and infectious enthusiasm. You can read his RSPB blog about the comeback of the crane in England here.
Ajay’s first book ‘The Unique Life of a Ranger – Seasons of Change on Blakeney Point’ (The History Press) is available here
“An insight into the important work that rangers do to protect our vulnerable wildlife and habitats”
– Chris Packham, leading UK naturalist and wildlife TV presenter
“This intimate and unique window into a small patch of the British coastline is beautiful written”
– Megan McCubbin, wildlife TV presenter, conservationist, author
“A charming and vivid window into a dream job for many of us – watching over the wildlife of one of our most important and remote nature reserves.”
– Patrick Barkham, natural history writer for The Guardian, author, Norfolk Wildlife Trust President
“In this enchanting, inspiring book, Ajay warmly invites us into a world few of us truly get to know in any real depth. Tegala writes about his life as a ranger, protecting the wildlife of the mysterious Blakeney Point, with humility, sensitivity, and an infectious and evocative sense of wonder.”
– Zoë Howe, author, broadcaster, musician, visual artist, Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow
“An authentic, intimate account of the life of one of Britain’s best-loved nature reserves – and the people who care for it.”
– James Lowen, Norfolk naturalist, author of Much Ado About Mothing
“Ajay’s metamorphosis into a wise protector or wild things is as fluid as the shifting sands of the Point itself.”
– Joe Harkness, author of Bird Therapy
“Blakeney Point is magical. Not only for wildlife, but for lifting your spirits. This book truly captures that magic.”
– Richard Porter, ornithologist, former head of species conservation for the RSPB
“A lively account of life through the seasons on one of Britain’s best nature reserves, by a young man with a real passion for the natural world.”
– Stephen Moss, BAFTA-winning television producer and one of the UK’s leading nature writers
“I have spent many weeks staying in this magical part of the world and Ajay is able to show us all exactly what makes it just so special – a unique insight.”
– Richard Taylor-Jones, wildlife TV presenter, film maker, cameraman and photographer
“Blakeney Point in Norfolk: it’s the largest seal colony in England. A remarkable 40% of the world population of Grey Seals lives around the British Isles; impressive evidence of the richness of our seas.“
– Sir David Attenborough, Wild Isles commentary
“Ah, Ajay! Top bloke and a natural presenter. What I like about Ajay is, he keeps his day job, real conservation work.”
– Iolo Williams, award-winning naturalist, wildlife TV presenter, writer and conservationist
“It’s a fascinating insight into the world of a Blakeney Point warden, and the highs and lows that come with such a job.”
– Megan Shersby, BBC Wildlife Magazine
“Full of delightful nature observations and peppered with endearing details of daily life at ranger HQ, this is an illuminating read of a life in the wild.”
– Sarah McPherson, BBC Wildlife Magazine
“Created during lockdown, the book is a fascinating glimpse of a life known by only a handful of hardy rangers and wardens who made a lonely spit of shingle home in order to protect seal colonies and internationally-important seabirds.”
– Stacia Briggs, Eastern Daily Press [full article here]
“There is a very human element to this book in the humorous and not so humorous scrapes the team find themselves in. You get to know Tegala’s colleagues through the book too and his genuine friendships with them. It is a privilege to follow Ajay’s story and his career progression demonstrating that you should never give up on something you feel in your bones you are called to do.
Overall the book is entertaining, engaging and educating, imparting not only the crucial role of the ranger in conservation but also the joy that can be found from taking on such a role, despite the inevitable blood sweat and tears that come with any worthwhile task.
This is not only a fabulous book for those interested in nature, conservation and its stories but also for those wanting to enter a career in conservation. It demonstrates clearly that these are valuable career paths that we should continue to support and in fact elevate in order to redress the imbalance between humans and nature and forge strong meaningful connections with the places in which we live.“
– Dawn Wilson, Rewild Yourself Through Story blog [full review here]
“Through it all though his passion for the job and conservation work shines through.“
“I love a book that makes you want to visit a place to see if it’s as magical as you imagined, and this book made Blakeney Point seem both magical and breathtakingly real. This book was a great way to start the year as it’s made me want to spend as much time outside as possible“
– Gill Price
