Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project: October 2009 update

Over 400 visitors went Wild on Wallasea Island!

Our first Wallasea Island Wild Coast community day was held on 27 September. The theme of the event was Take a walk on the Wild Side, offering a chance to view the scale of the project and to discover why Wallasea Island is a true Essex wilderness. Over 400 people came to explore, with many visiting the island for the first time. The free ferry from Burnham was very well used, with 165 people making use of this route via the mini-bus shuttle from Essex Marina. Three walks were offered on the day, with over 100 people taking the longest walk, a three-mile round trip, to see the new conveyor belt route. The minibus provided for those not wishing to walk ran every 20 minutes, allowing people to have a look the new water vole habitat. The RSPB and Crossrail displays in the main marquee were well viewed, with lots of questions, discussion and positive feedback about the project. We think this was a very successful first event on the island and we will certainly be holding similar events in the future. If you’ve got ideas for events or activities you’d like to have at Wallasea Island, then let us know? We’d love to hear from you.

Other news:

• The enabling works were completed ahead of schedule on 23 September.
• The RSPB acquired 343ha (46%) of the project land on 25 September, the remaining project land will be acquired over the next two years. That’s the same size as 318 football pitches.
• The first meeting of the Local Liaison Group was held in Canewdon Village Hall on 14 October. This group will meet throughout the life of the project, with the next meeting scheduled for January.
• We expect the unloading facility to be installed from April 2010 and first material to be delivered to the site in June 2010.

Chris Tyas Wallasea Island Project ManagerPlease

contact me: 1, Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Maldon. CM9 8TP chris.tyas@rspb.org.uk

Baby albatrosses fed man-made plastics by their parents

http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=11

As if the albatross family have not got enough to worry about. This is absolutely devastating, and proof if it were needed, on the effect dumping such material in our oceans is having on some of our rarest seabirds. Is there really any hope?

Follow this link to help: http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/albatross/index.asp

Black Brant at Leigh-on-Sea

Almost 4,000 dark-bellied brent geese showing well all day today from Victoria Wharf, amongst the flock both black brant and adult pale-bellied. A couple of record shots of the black brant below.

RSPB Leigh brent goose watch

Friday 09 October
Around 3,000 brent geese now present at Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. With new birds arriving almost daily, today we saw our first family groups arrive. Two families one with three and the other pair had four juveniles with them. The RSPB will hve telescopes and a marquee on Victoria Wharf daily until October 22.

See the Essex coast come alive this October! CLICK HERE

Get ready for a wildlife spectacle on your doorstep as thousands of brent geese fly in to Essex this autumn to spend their winter in the Thames Estuary.

From Saturday 3 – Thursday 22 October, the RSPB will be setting up its annual viewpoint in Leigh-on-Sea, where visitors can catch the spectacular sight of thousands of these wonderful geese feeding on the mudflats or taking to the air.

Each year the geese return from their breeding grounds in Siberia to come and feast on the eelgrass found on the saltmarsh along the Essex coast.

The Essex coast is one of only a few places in the UK to see such huge numbers of brent geese, so-called because of their charcoal black colour; the name brent is derived from an old Norse word meaning ‘burnt’.

Paula de Burgh, Visitor and Publicity Officer said, ‘Saltmarsh such as that found on the Essex coast is one of the most biologically productive habitats on the planet, even rivalling tropical rainforests. It also works as a natural sea defence, absorbing the force of the sea and reducing risk to people as well as birds.’

To watch the geese, visit the RSPB viewpoint on Victoria Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea, near the beach and public toilets. It is open everyday between 10 am – 4 pm from Saturday 3 – Thursday 22 October. Friendly RSPB staff and volunteers will be present with telescopes and binoculars available for use.

To find out more about the viewpoint at Leigh-on-Sea and the work of the RSPB go to http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/essexcoast/index.asp or phone 01268 498627.

October events

October 2009

Saturday 3 – Thursday 22 October: A Date with Nature – brent goose watch – Leigh-on-Sea 10 am – 4 pm daily
It’s that time of year again, when the Essex coast comes alive with thousands of brent geese returning for the winter. Be sure to come and see them through our telescopes on the seafront, and find out why the Thames Estuary is so vital to brent geese and other birds. Free event.

Monday 5 October: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 12.30.

Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 8 October: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Saturday 10 October: Wildlife walkabout – RSPB West Canvey Marsh, Canvey Island 10 am – 12 noon
This gentle stroll is an ideal introduction to the reserve and its varied wildlife. Join us for an informal nature walk, taking in the seasonal delights and see how we are creating a place for wildlife. Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627.

Monday 12 October: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 12.30.

Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 15 October: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Saturday 17 October: Volunteer day at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.00 am – 4 pm
Come and find out why being an RSPB volunteer is so rewarding. Chat with our volunteers, visit a reserve with our wardens and discover how giving just a day each month is a huge benefit to our work. Drop into our visitor centre to find out more. Free event, for more information call 01268 498627

Monday 19 October: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 12.30.

Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 22 October: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 October: Feed the Birds weekend at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.00 am – 4 pm
Don’t forget the birds this winter. Make sure your garden or park is bird-friendly by providing food, water and shelter for your feathered friends. Join us for fun activities and make a bird feeder fat log to take home! Don’t forget to visit our wildlife garden for tips and ideas. Free admission, small charge for some activities.

Monday 26 October: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 12.30.

Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Tuesday 27 October: Autumn Family Fun Day at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.00 am – 4 pm
Follow the autumn trail, collect clues, and enter our free draw to win a funky bird feeder! Free admission, small charge for some activities.

Thursday 29 October: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 29 October: Let’s go fly a kite! Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.00 am – 4 pm
The wonder of flight – drop onto our Discovery Zone and find out more. Fun activities include making your own kite. Free admission, small charge for some activities.

Saturday 31 October: Wildlife walkabout – RSPB Bowers Marsh, Bowers Gifford 10 am – 12 noon
This gentle stroll is an ideal introduction to the reserve and its varied wildlife. Join us for an informal nature walk, taking in the seasonal delights and see how we are creating a place for wildlife. Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627.

Kate Humble is elected RSPB President

Television presenter Kate Humble has been appointed as the new President of the RSPB, Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity.

The RSPB and its members hope that Kate’s infectious enthusiasm for wildlife and wild places will inspire millions of people to get closer to nature.

RSPB members at today’s AGM in London’s Queen Elizabeth II conference centre, have just voted for Kate to become their new President (Saturday 3rd October). She is only the second female President since the organisation was founded in 1889 - the first, the Duchess of Portland, served for more than 60 years.

Kate is best known for presenting programmes such as Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Animal Park and The Frankincense Trail, and for her recent appearance on Who Do You Think You Are?

Her interest in wildlife stems from a childhood in the country and travels abroad in her late teens.

Kate says: “I’m not an academic or a specialist, but I do love learning new things and asking questions – I’m never afraid to ask. If I can communicate some of the amazing things I learn about wildlife on an almost daily basis and spark the same interest in others, that would be great.

“I’m extremely proud to be asked to be President of such a highly respected and popular organisation. With over one million members behind it, the work of the RSPB is rightly renowned for making a huge difference for birds, other wildlife and the environment.”

Kate’s TV appearances have made her a hit with everyone from serious naturalists to everyday wildlife enthusiasts, a spread that reflects the RSPB’s own membership.

In her new role, Kate aims to increase support for the RSPB’s work. In particular she aims to get more people enjoying wildlife first hand, whether feeding birds in their back garden, walking in the countryside or visiting nature reserves. She will also be promoting RSPB campaigns to stop the illegal killing of birds of prey, to save albatrosses from extinction and to protect tropical rainforests.

Graham Wynne, RSPB Chief Executive says: “Kate has a long held passion for nature and wildlife, plus a knack for spreading her enthusiasm to others. She is a great choice for RSPB President.

“We are delighted that Kate has taken on this role. I know she’ll make a huge contribution to our conservation efforts over the next five years.”

Kate takes over from Julian Pettifer, who has given outstanding service to the charity, having served two terms as RSPB President. Julian is a distinguished journalist and broadcaster who has written and presented many wildlife, conservation and social history programmes.

Supporters feel the earth move as diggers move in

West Canvey’s green future starts to take shape

Heavy machinery has begun landscaping a large new nature reserve on Canvey Island in south Essex.

David Hedges, the RSPB’s South Essex Area Manager says, “West Canvey Marsh is the largest single area of green space on Canvey Island. Our commitment is to make this a high quality open green space, where local wildlife can once more find a home and where local people and visitors can enjoy new, enriching access.”

David continued, “The landscaping was made possible with generous financial support, and is part of the Parklands Project that is part-financed by Essex County Council, under the Thames Gateway programme of the Homes and Communities Agency, Biffa and Interreg - allowing us to create a sustainable green space for future generations on Canvey.”

West Canvey Marsh was originally bought in May 2006 from William Morrison Supermarkets Plc. The purchase was made possible by generous financial support from the East of England Development Agency, Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust and the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Thames Gateway Programme.

Work has begun on the RSPB’s 256 hectares (640 acres) of grassland and saltmarsh to create a haven for both wildlife and people. This includes 3km of new multi user/purpose nature trail, viewing points, picnic areas and playground to open the landscape up to discover the wildlife secrets of the marshes.

Once the works are completed, this new nature area is set to open to the public in summer 2010. The RSPB will encourage wildlife to flourish allowing visitors to enjoy the flocks of wetland birds, butterflies and wildflowers and discover the rich historical heritage of how local communities have shaped the landscape of Canvey Island.

The RSPB is fully committed to Greengrid, an initiative to provide new green spaces connected to each other in a network accessible to people and filled with wildlife. This is a foundation for sustainable development, securing a healthy and attractive place to live in and to visit. West Canvey Marsh will directly benefit the 650,000 people living in the area of south Essex close to the Thames Gateway.

Doug Benjafield, Chairman of Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust, one of the funders for the original purchase, added: “To make this land available to the local community to enjoy in perpetuity was the main reason why the Trust originally supported the land purchase. Out of our £2½ million support of the RSPB in south Essex, £750,000 has gone to West Canvey Marshes. Having been involved with this project right from the start, it’s very exciting now to see the reserve really starting to take shape providing an accessible green lung for people and wildlife on the edge of the urban fringe”.

John Meehan, Project Manager for Parklands said: “The Parklands Programme has been made possible by Essex County Council preparing a Parklands Business Plan which won Essex £11.5 million. The fruits of all this effort are now starting to show themselves on Canvey Island and will continue to do so for years to come. We are delighted that Canvey Island has now got high quality environmental organisations such as the RSPB helping to look after the natural areas of the island”

Take a walk on the wild side of Essex

~RSPB lays on free ferry for family day from Burnham to Wallasea Island ~

~ every 20 minutes, Sunday September 27th ~

The RSPB is throwing open the doors of its Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project with its first ever free community open day this Sunday (27 September 2009).

In what promises to be a wild adventure for everyone, local residents, families and day-trippers will be able to learn a little bit more about this magical island, with walks, children’s activities and information on the project on offer between 10am and 4pm on the day.

The RSPB’s Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project is the largest of its kind in Europe, and is soon to be transformed back into a fantastic wildlife-rich marshland similar to how the island would have looked 400 years ago.

It’s a great example of how the RSPB and its project partners, Crossrail, are helping the coast and its wildlife adapt in the face of climate change. Tunnelling material (clay, sand, gravel and chalk) from Crossrail, the new cross-capital rail link, will be transferred by ship to Wallasea Island. This material will be used to raise the land to create 1,500 acres – nearly 2.5 square miles - of tidal wildlife habitat.

Chris Tyas, Wallasea Island Project Manager said: “The scale of this project is immense, and this is an amazing opportunity to see the work that we’ve already begun on the Island. With any luck, we’ll be getting up close to some of the fantastic wildlife on the Island as well.

“We really hope that people can come along and enjoy the wildness of the Island, whilst soaking up the fun of the day. It’s an incredible project to be a part of and we hope the visitors feel the same way.”

For more information on the event taking place on Wallasea Island on Sunday 27 September, 10 am – 4 pm, please contact Chris Tyas on 01621 862621 or email at chris.tyas@rspb.org.uk

There will be free access by ferry to and from the Island (every 20 mins) from Burnham-on-Crouch and mini bus transport from the Essex Marina. For those wishing to come by car the event will be signed from Ashingdon Road in Rochford.