Meet the Team: The Passionate People Behind Landguard Fort, Felixstowe Museum, and Landguard Nature Reserve
Every great destination is powered by passionate people — and the Landguard Peninsula in Felixstowe is no exception. Home to Landguard Fort, Felixstowe Museum, and the Landguard Nature Reserve, this remarkable coastal site blends history, heritage, and wildlife in one inspiring setting.
Behind the scenes, a talented and dedicated team works tirelessly to maintain, promote, and protect everything that makes Landguard special. From volunteers greeting visitors with a smile, to curators preserving centuries-old artefacts, to rangers caring for delicate ecosystems — each person plays a vital part in telling the Landguard story.
In this feature, we’re excited to introduce you to the wonderful individuals who make the Landguard Peninsula such a memorable place to explore.
The Team at Landguard Fort
Steeped in centuries of military history, Landguard Fort stands proudly overlooking the sea — a symbol of Felixstowe’s coastal heritage. Today, it’s brought to life by a passionate team dedicated to sharing its stories and preserving its impressive structure for generations to come.
Meet the Fort’s Guardians
Elian Shipp,
General Manager of Landguard Fort and Felixstowe Museum.
“I oversee everything at both sites, staff and volunteer management, health and safety, curating new displays or putting on events. I use my Master’s degree in History as well as my experience of having worked at a number of heritage sites. I love history and heritage and want to use these wonderful sites to bring stories from the past alive. When I am not at the Fort I love singing, playing guitar and learning Italian.
The Fort and Museum are such a special community that exemplifies how much volunteers can do for these sites.”
The Team at Felixstowe Museum
Just next door to the the Fort sits Felixstowe Museum, a treasure trove of local history, maritime heritage, and fascinating exhibitions. The museum’s charm lies not only in its artefacts but also in the dedication of the team that keeps its stories alive.
Meet the Curators and Storytellers
Tom Parker
Deputy Manager (Collections Officer, Felixstowe Museum)
“I’m lucky enough to look after Felixstowe Museum and our brilliant team of volunteers, whose passion and dedication bring the place to life. With experience in other Suffolk museums, I also care for our 8,000‑strong collection of artefacts, each with its own story to tell about our town’s rich past.
What I love most is the people—chatting with visitors from near and far, and working alongside volunteers from all walks of life. Every day brings new stories, fresh perspectives, and shared moments of discovery.
My own journey into history began at 15, when I volunteered with the National Trust at Sutton Hoo. That experience sparked a lifelong fascination with the Anglo‑Saxons, a period I still find endlessly inspiring to explore and share.”
The Team at Landguard Nature Reserve
Moving from heritage to habitat, Landguard Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for those who love the outdoors. Managed with care and expertise, it’s one of Suffolk’s most important ecological sites, where nature thrives alongside history.
Leonie Washington,
Ranger, Landguard Nature Reserve
Leonie studied Rural Environmental Management and Environmental Science and on top of her role at Landguard Nature Reserve works as a freelance ecologist, with a keen interest in protected species such as bats, reptiles, and water voles. As the Nature Reserve’s on-the-ground custodian, she looks after the site’s habitats and wildlife, while also engaging the public through education, enforcement, and outreach. She’s especially passionate about sparking curiosity in children—helping them connect with nature through hands-on experiences.
”I like to think of Landguard as a living classroom—there’s always something to learn, if you’re paying attention.”
Whether it’s a sunrise over the shingle or a bat survey at dusk, Leonie never tires of the small wonders that make Landguard special.
Outside of conservation, she’s a sound therapist and keen crafter, bringing creativity and care into everything she does—whether it’s restoring balance through sound or creating something by hand.
A Shared Passion for Landguard
What truly connects everyone at Landguard — from the Fort to the Museum and the Reserve — is a shared commitment to community, education, and preservation. Together, they form a collaborative network of staff and volunteers united by their love for Felixstowe and its heritage.
Whether they’re restoring a historic wall, curating a new display, or planting wildflowers to support local biodiversity, each person contributes to the continuing story of Landguard.
It’s this dedication that makes the Landguard Peninsula more than just a place to visit — it’s a place to experience, learn, and be inspired.
Get Involved
If you’re inspired by the Landguard team’s work, there are plenty of ways to get involved. From volunteering opportunities to educational programs, your time and passion can help protect and promote this extraordinary site for future generations.
