Some people will have not been able to access this message because it was in html, so I have ajusted it and am sending it again. PLEASE remember to send messages at text plus attached pictures rather than all together.
Message from Claire Backshall.
Help us find Lapwings and Curlews!
These once familiar birds are vanishing from our countryside, nationally and locally. In Shropshire, the breeding population of Curlew has fallen from approximately 700 pairs in 1990 to around 160 in 2010, and that of Lapwing from an estimated 3,000 pairs to only 800 over the same period; declines of 77% and 73% respectively.
What can be done? Firstly, itÆs essential to establish where Curlews and Lapwings remain; then to work with landowners and farmers to attempt to reverse the decline.
The Tanat to Perry Community Wildlife Group is treading this path, and is about to begin the third year of its Lapwing and Curlew study. Last yearÆs fieldwork revealed an estimated 15 to 19 breeding pairs of Curlew and 42 to 51 pairs of Lapwing in our study area, slightly more than in 2018 as weÆre getting better at finding them! This year we aim to find any that we missed and learn more about their breeding success and preferred habitats.
This is where you can help! You donÆt have to be an expert birdwatcher to join in: Curlews and Lapwings are easy to identify and youÆll receive guidance to get started. The survey is straightforward and requires only three visits û around the beginning of April, early May and mid-June û on dates to suit you. Our study area extends from Oswestry in the north to Kinnerley in the south, and eastward from Nantmawr to Ruyton-XI-Towns: from the Tanat to the Perry.
Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4th March at Morda Social Club. Project co-ordinator Leo Smith will give a presentation about Curlews and Lapwings in Shropshire and set out our plans for this yearÆs fieldwork. Whether youÆre interested in becoming a surveyor or simply wish to learn more about these wonderful birds, you will be sure of a warm welcome. If youÆd like to get involved but canÆt make the meeting, please contact me.
Finally, local knowledge is priceless: if you know where these birds have nested in recent years, please tell us.
Claire Backshall
01691 830691 or tpcwg@shropscwgs.org.uk
Next Meeting: 7.30pm Wednesday 4th March 2020 at Morda Social Club, Weston Road, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9NS
(turn opposite the Miners Arms, then 200 yards on the left)
