On Saturday 31st August 43 persons from across the raptor spectrum in
Wales gathered at Newtown, Powys to
discuss the formation of a Welsh Raptor Monitoring Scheme. Assembled were
members from the Welsh raptor groups, Barn owl groups, Peregrine groups, Osprey groups, and the Welsh Kite Trust, together
with various non-governmental organisations, the BTO and RSPB and the Wildlife
Trusts.
BTO Scotland’s Dr. Chris Wernham gave a very informative
presentation on how the scheme works in Scotland, and how we could build on the
consensus of those present, and progress with our own scheme. The establishment
of such a scheme will allow the individual projects, and the various groups to
maintain their identities under a common banner, whilst allowing the collation
of data gathered to be used for conservation purposes, and the speedy
production of an annual report.
The proposed 2014 National peregrine Survey was discussed
and it became obvious that since the last survey in 2003 that there have been
some significant and very interesting changes in the distribution of Welsh
Peregrines.
Following a rather unpopular name change which we will not
mention, the Wales Raptor Study Group has reverted to it’s original title. With
all the new developments the existing Chair decided that it was time for a new
broom and
Ian Spence the former coordinator
of the North East Wales Raptor Study Group has agreed to take on the role.
The next meeting will be held at the beginning of 2014, and
again is open to all raptor workers in Wales. Dr Dave Leach of the BTO's nest recording unit has agreed to come and speak. If you would like to become
involved and are not on the current mailing list please contact
Kelvin Jones at
BTO Cymru who is the acting secretary.
