Several dozen people from North Wales were among thousands of placard-waving nature enthusiasts who filled central London with birdsong from their smartphones on Saturday afternoon, supporting The People’s Walk for Wildlife.
The event, organised by TV naturalist Chris Packham , culminated with a Manifesto for Wildlife handed to 10 Downing Street.
This proposes 200 actions to save nature, triggered by the shocking statistic that 56% of species monitored in Britain have declined since 1970.
For me, there were two take-home messages. Firstly, there were many people aged under 30 present, and 15-year old Bella Lack summed up the mood with powerful words from the stage about hers being the generation to turn the tide.
(Image: Luke Dray, The Woodland Trust)
The second is that one of the biggest cheers in Hyde Park went to Martin Lines, chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network , who spoke passionately about how an increasing number of farmers want to save wildlife through their land management.
So often, arguments are framed as a choice between nature and agriculture, when most conservationists I know are strong supporters of keeping farmers on the land to deliver public goods paid by financial support.
(Image: Robin Sandham)
What’s around at the moment?
While we marched in London, RSPB Conwy had a rarity weekend, with a showy Spotted Crake, Little Stint, Knot and Short-eared Owl.
Last week’s gales blew two Grey Phalaropes to Porthmadog , two to Pwllheli and one to RSPB Ynys-hir. Leach’s Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters, Black Terns and Long-tailed Skua also passed coastal watchpoints.
A Red-backed Shrike was photographed recently near Erddig Country Park, Wrexham , with a Woodchat Shrike found at Ynys-las on Monday.
A Chough was spotted on Hilbre, at the mouth of the Dee estuary, before flying west towards Point of Ayr.
If anyone sees a Chough in Flintshire , do let me know if it has coloured rings on its legs: [email protected] .
Go birding: Talks, walks and activities in North Wales this week
You can turn up to any of these events unless a phone number to book is provided.
- Wed, Sept 26, 9am-1pm: Farmers’ Market, RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ.
- Wed, Sept 26, 10am: Muddy Puddles, activities for toddlers. RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ.
- Wed, Sept 26, 10am-3pm: Wild About Mold, bulb planting, Ruthin Road, CH7 1QQ.
- Thu, Sept 27, 9.30am: Ladies birdwatching walk, RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ. Bookings: 01352 750118.
- Fri-Sun, Sept 28-30: Artly Sparkly photographic and seaglass jewellery exhibition, RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ.
- Sat, Sept 29, 10am-2pm: Wildflower seed collection, Caeau Pen y Clip, Menai Bridge, LL59 5QL.
- Sat, Sept 29, 11am: Guided walk, RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ.
- Sat, Sept 29, 11am-3pm: Feathered Friends Food Festival, RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ.
- Sun, Sept 30, 11am: Fungus Foray, Erddig Country Park, Wrexham, LL13 7RF.
- Sun, Sept 30, 11am: Under One Rock story-telling and activities for 3-6 year olds, RSPB Conwy, LL31 9XZ.
Source : DailyPost
