Many of us like to go for a walk along the riverside or a canal tow path. Most of the inland waterways in Britain are looked after by British Waterways, who conduct an annual survey of the wildlife on our canals and rivers. The survey is carried out by the general public, who report sightings of wildlife that they have seen whilst out and about on our canals and rivers. Last year, people taking part in the wildlife survey reported more than 42,500 sightings of nearly 300 different species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and mammals making their homes on our canals and rivers.
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Image by Dm Gultekin
As you may remember in October 2009 we spoke to the RSPB’s Northwest Campaign Talks Officer John Loder, about the society’s Birds Of Prey Campaign. Six months on we can report that the campaign has been an overwhelming success.
John has asked me to pass on his thanks to the CheapTents.com readers, for your interest in the campaign and support he and the society have received in trying to stop illegal killing of birds of prey.
John used the support he has received from the public to get political support from the Barbara Keeley MP (Deputy Leader of the House of Commons) who has backed the campaign.
Related camping and outdoor news, reviews and advice:On the 14th of January I wrote about Hayley Shephard’s solo kayaking trip around South Georgia. She is taking on this adventure to raise awareness of the plight of the Albatross. An enormous threat to this magnificent sea bird is due to long-line fishing practices. Fortunately, simple changes can be implemented which dramatically reduce Albatross fatalities. The RSPB and BirdLife International are working with the international fishing industry to bring about these changes. This is taking time but the results so far are encouraging.
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A red kite By Sue Trantor, courtesy of rspbimages.com
Being out in the countryside hiking, camping and climbing often gives us the opportunity to see wildlife. A most impressive sight is that of a bird of prey circling high above, in the clear blue sky, sightings such as this have at times been rare, but thanks to the hard work of individuals and societies such as the RSPB something is being done to conserve an important factor in our ecology.
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Lost? The last confirmed sighting of the Ivory Billed Wood pecker was in 1987. Source: BirdFair 2009 YouTube Video.
Related camping and outdoor news, reviews and advice:In global terms, things continue to get worse – but there are some real conservation success stories this year to give us hope and point the way forward.
Kingfisher. Source: Flicker by Sheffield Tiger
There are regularly in excess of 20,000 waterfowl at Rutland water making it one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain. It is also a site of special scientific interest. Therefore it is an ideal venue for Birdfair.
What is BirdFair?
British Birdwatching Birdfairs have been held annually since 1989. The aim of Birdfair is:
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