Essex Conservation News

The Essex Birdwatching Society Conservation Sub-Committee has been considering how it can begin to involve the whole membership of the Society in conservation issues, especially in local biodiversity action plan (BAP) work and in local surveys. These will provide information on bird populations that is not normally obtained from national surveys and that also provides a new and fascinating dimension to our pastime

Skylark - Steve Arlow

The Essex Biodiversity Action Plan

The Essex Biodiversity Action Plan is a result of cooperation, which began in 1997 when the Association of Essex Councils hosted an Essex Sustainability Conference. The County action plan was designed to be translated into specific actions at the local level, with individual plans covering species and habitats which are indicators of the health of the environment. Each plan has a lead partner organisation and identifies specific actions from partners to achieve targets. There are five bird plans - Bittern, Grey Partridge, Skylark, Song Thrush and Stone Curlew, in addition to several habitat plans which support important bird faunas.

Corn Bunting - Adrian Webb

A copy of the plan can be obtained from Essex Council offices and public libraries or download from http://www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk/action-plan.htm

Society members have an opportunity to undertake biodiversity projects and make a valuable contribution. Farmland is the largest habitat type in Essex and supports two Essex BAP species Grey Partridge and Skylark, in addition to National BAP species Linnet, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Bullfinch. There is a need for winter distribution data on these birds, however, a large proportion of the birdwatching effort is focused on the coast and at particular hotspots and most farmland is generally under recorded. When you are birdwatching please make an effort to record these species on farmland and then send your records to the County Recorders on a regular basis.

Bittern - Les Harrison

Whilst EBS members are primarily interested in birds many will have a broader interest in other areas. There are other projects within the county for example several important survey projects are underway which are reliant on volunteer help. Full training is given and you can make an important contribution. If you would like to get involved in this aspect of the Essex Biodiversity Partnerships work please contact Mark Iley, Biodiversity Project Officer Tel. 01621 862975, email marki@essexwt.org.uk

Bullfinch - Adrian Webb

Adopt an Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve

Essex Wildlife Trust and Essex Birdwatching Society have agreed to share their bird records. In addition, where Trust wardens do not have sufficient birding expertise or have limited time for survey work, we have set up a scheme where Society members can adopt a Trust reserve. So far 18 reserves are on the list and these are: Asheldham Pits, Brookes NR, Chigborough Lakes, Cranham Marsh, Hogmarsh, Heather Hills, Lion Creek, Little Waltham Meadows, Loshes Meadow/Hop Grounds, Onslow Green, Oxley Meadow, Phyllis Currie, Shoebury Old Ranges, Stanford Warren, Two Tree Island, Vange Marshes, Grays Chalk Quarry, Warley Place. There are many more Trust Reserves and we are sure more wardens will want to join in if the scheme is successful. Its now up to Society members! If you are keen to work more closely with your local Trust warden in this way please get in touch with Tony Gunton or Bob Flindall (see below).

Linnet - Adrian Webb

Essex Birdwatching Society Member Surveys for 2004

Over the next few months the Conservation Sub-Committee will be developing a rolling programme of bird surveys that we hope will interest the broadest possible membership and, hopefully, in discussion with bird clubs in neighbouring counties. In 2004 we would like to encourage submission of the following species: Hobby (all records), Corn Bunting (singing males), tree sparrow (all records), House Sparrow (breeding records), Starling (breeding records), House martin (breeding records), Swift (breeding records).

Song Thush - Adrian Webb

The results of county surveys will be published in Essex Birding and on this website.

Want more information?

Biodiversity Action Plans www.ukbiodiversity.net www.ukbap.org.uk

Essex Biodiversity Action Plan www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk Tel. Mark Iley, Biodiversity Project Officer 01621 862975, marki@essexwt.org.uk

London Biodiversity Partnership www.lbp.org.uk

Havering Wildlife Partnership www.havering.gov.uk Tel Tony Gunton 01708 220897

Chelmsford Biodiversity Action Plan www.chelmsfordbc.gov.uk

Essex Wildlife Trust www.essexwt.org.uk Tel 01621 862960

Adopt an EWT Reserve Tel. Tony Gunton 01708 220897 email tonygunton@btclick.com

RSPB Volunteer and Farmer Alliance 01767 680551

East London Birders Forum www.elbf.co.uk Tel. 020 8527 7193

For any further information please contact me,