Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows Survey
Many of the birds breeding in our river valleys are identified in Hampshire's Biodiversity Action Plan as species of conservation concern. The regular monitoring of these species is identified as a key target in the Plan. During spring 2002, a number of organisations are cooperating in a joint survey that was postponed from 2001 because of Foot and Mouth.
Nationally: Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows (BWWM) is a joint project organised by the BTO in collaboration with the RSPB, English Nature, and DEFRA. This project is aiming to assess changes in breeding wader numbers on wet grassland since a similar survey carried out in 1982. The main species to be surveyed are Lapwing, Snipe, and Redshank, but information is also being collected on Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Pochard, and Tufted Duck.
Locally: Alongside the BWWM project, HOS in co-operation with Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB, is surveying other important river valley species. Results from this part of the survey, will be compared with earlier river valley surveys where possible, and will also provide a baseline for future monitoring. The species to be surveyed include Little Grebe, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Kingfisher, and Cetti's Warbler, plus any more unusual species that may be found.
What will the survey involve? Each observer is being asked to obtain permissions, and visit an allocated section of river valley on three occasions between mid-April and the end of June. Participants will need to make their visits in early morning and, subject to permissions, walk across every field, and where possible also along the riverbanks. They'll record on the forms and map provided, numbers of all the significant river valley birds that they see.
If you would like to take part in either the BWWM or HOS surveys, or preferably in both, please contact Glynne Evans tel. 01264 860697 hantsbto@hotmail.com.
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