Tributes pour in for 'champion of local wildlife' who has sadly died aged 73

-Credit: (Image: Submitted)
-Credit: (Image: Submitted)


Tributes have poured in for a "champion for local wildlife" whose legacy can be seen in parks and open spaces across the area after he has sadly died aged 73.

Mike Sleight, from Humberston, was renowned for his incredible work as an Ecology Officer for North East Lincolnshire Council, and was responsible for the development of Cleethorpes Country Park and the creation of 60 acres of woodland to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, for which he was awarded a Diamond Jubilee medal at Buckingham Palace.

He leaves behind daughters Rachel, Loren and Tamzin, grandchildren Toryan, Karina, Taliah and Alfie and great-grandson Elijah, as well as many friends who loved him.

Mike's daughter Loren told Grimsby Live: "My dad was fun and supportive - it didn't matter what we were doing, we would always enjoy ourselves with him. We used to spend a lot of time in the back garden, and he loved Queen. He used to wake up really early so would always wake us up blasting Queen out.

"He had a big heart, but his job was really his passion. He loved being out in nature and would tell us all about it. He did so much for the area - Cleethorpes Country Park wouldn't be what it is now if it wasn't for my dad."

Mike was awarded a medal at Buckingham Palace for his incredible work -Credit:Submitted
Mike was awarded a medal at Buckingham Palace for his incredible work -Credit:Submitted

Mike began working for North East Lincolnshire Council in the mid-1990s as a Park Ranger, and was eventually promoted to Ecology Officer. His work transforming five local sites into woodland for the Queen's Jubilee in 2012 earned him a medal, which he was awarded at Buckingham Palace by Princess Anne.

In a poignant tribute to Mike, former colleague Tony Neul wrote: "Mike joined the Council in the 1990s and became a valued member of the Park Ranger Service. Mike soon became a champion for local wildlife and nature conservation and accepted a well earned promotion to Ecology Officer.

"His passion would shine through and he developed an excellent reputation with Natural England and other statutory bodies and personally developed many of the biodiversity management plans that protect the local wildlife we see in North East Lincolnshire.

"Mike was a true public servant and was often seen, in his own time, out in the park or along the sand dunes checking on his work. His achievements were many. His legacy can be seen all around us in the local parks and open spaces we enjoy today.

Mike will be fondly remembered by so many people -Credit:Submitted
Mike will be fondly remembered by so many people -Credit:Submitted



"He was the voice of nature in the development of Cleethorpes Country Park, making sure that it was a haven for wildlife. The cattle grazing, tree planting, island creation and wildflower areas we see today are a result of Mike’s vision for the park. He worked alongside community groups to ensure that their voice was heard.

"Mike’s input on the “in bloom” campaigns was a key factor in their early success and the first Gold Awards. The judges were impressed by how nature and wildlife habitats had been blended with traditional flower displays.

"Even when Mike retired, he continued to lobby for protection of the environment, often reminding the Council and others of their duties, and continued to inspect the most vulnerable habitats. It was in his blood. Mike will be sadly missed by his fiends , ex-work colleagues and most importantly of all by the wildlife that can call North East Lincolnshire their home."

Mike's family would like to invite members of the public to his funeral, which will take place at 2.15pm on Friday, October 4 at Grimsby Crematorium. Wildflower or bee brooches welcomed. No flowers, but donations will be taken on the day to Cleethorpes Country Park. Members of the public are also invited to the wake at The Countryman pub on Fieldhouse Road in Humberston.