WMRG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 © WMRG The West Midlands Ringing Group 2020 Annual report would not be possible without the support of the following partners

J & J Roberts Farm R.Tomlinson Pattingham Burleydam

The Bradshaws Estate R. Lay Wolverhampton Wolverley

Lower Drayton Farm R W Leedham & Son Penkridge Wiggington

Graham Clay Stone WE USE ECOTONE NETS www.westmidlandsringinggroup.co.uk

Cover Image Nicholas Berry - Skylark on Bredon Hill Page 2 WMRG West Midlands Ringing Group Foreword Paul Hopwood Paul Hopwood

Secretary, West Midlands Ringing Group

Welcome to the third annual report for the several months. Even when the restrictions West Midlands Ringing Group. were lifted members of the group, myself included, still had to consider partners and Feedback for our 2020 was extremely relatives who were in the high risk positive and we hope that this years will be category, so we never got back to just as well received. anything like normal. But, when we could get out, and when it was safe to do so, we We had hoped that 2020 would be a great did our best. year for us, we had high hopes and some exciting projects ahead of us, sadly as we Our funding applications were curtailed entered February we started to see the due to charities concentrating on support impact of Covid 19, but at this point we for groups and organisations who are sup- had no idea of what the following months porting those directly impacted by the would bring. virus, something that we totally understood. First of all we would like to send our For me 2020 has reminded me of two vitally thoughts and best wishes to those who important things; one to cherish your have been effected by the families and friends and secondly never to pandemic. Secondly we would like to underestimate the importance of the thank all of the NHS staff and other Key natural world for mental health. In the workers who have worked tirelessly for the darkest months of lock-down we were UK during an unprecedented event. As a still lucky enough to have the countryside show of the group’s appreciation we held around us, and for me the daily one hour a fundraising event and donated over £200 exercise period allowed me to to NHS Charities Together. immerse myself in the nature around my home in South Staffordshire. I truly believe As I started to compile this report in the that being outdoors in the natural world autumn, the second wave of the virus was was hugely beneficial and helped me increasing and the months ahead looked though the summer. to be challenging. With that in mind we felt that our 2020 report may shine a light on I truly hope that you enjoy this report and it some positives, in darker times. brings you some enjoyment! Our ringing activities were restricted for Paul Hopwood Page 3 Contents Page

Content Page Number Partners 2 Foreword by the secretary of WMRG 3 Contents 4-5 Bird ringing in the UK 6 Focus on Farming 7-28 Is it really all Doom & Gloom ? 8 Overbury Enterprises 9-11 The Bradshaws Estate, Staffordshire 12 R. W. Leedham & Son Syerscote Manor, Tamworth 13-14 Lay Farms Loppington 15-16 Burleydam Farm 17 Aston Hall Farm Stone 18 Article from NFU online bout our work with farmers 19-20 Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge 21 Lower Barns Farm, Pattingham 22-23 Wild bird seed mixes 24-26 Skylark - an article on our thoughts on this species 27-28 Staffordshire Nightjar 29-30 Severn Trent Report 31-43 Our work with Severn Trent 32 2020 Year of the owl 33-35 The importance of Sewage Works 36 Roundhill Nr Stourbridge 37-39 Kinver 40 Bobbington, Himley & Gospel End 41 Minworth 42-43 Barston 43 Thermal Imaging Surveys 44-45 Cannock Chase Report 46-48 WMRG Stonechat colour-ringing project 49-52 Wildlife Crime 53-54 Marsh Lane Nature Reserve 55-64 Marsh Lane Improvement Works 59

We use Ecotone mist nets

Page 4 Contents Page

Marsh Lane Common Tern Project 60-61 Marsh Lane - Lapwing Project 62 Marsh Lane - Oystercatcher Project 62 Marsh Lane - Black-headed gull Project 63 Black-headed gull sightings 2020 64 WMRG Peregrine Falcon Project 65-66 Community Engagement 67 Transforming the Trent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme 68 Staffordshire Pied flycatchers 69 Everything is Rosy! 69 Vosker - Security Cameras 70 New Group Members 70 Ringing Data 71-77 Ringing Recoveries 72 From Russia with Love 73 Subsequent Recaptures and Sightings 74 Ringing Totals 2020 75-76 Colour Ringing Projects 77 2020 A Year in Review 78 Contact us 79 Shropshire Ornithological Society 80 West Midlands Bird Club 80 Staffordshire Wildlife Trust 81 British Trust for Ornithology 81 Team4Nature 82 WMRG Stonechat poster 83

We would like extend our WMRG P. Bossom sincere thanks to all of the B. Dolan J. Freestone people who have K. Clowes R. Lay contributed to the articles M. George A. Leedham found in this report, from P. Hopwood N. Lynes both within the group and J. Hunt A. Roberts our partners. J. Overfield R. Tomlinson

Editor, design and Partners Ecotone nets publishing N. Barlow NFU Online S. Beard Vosker International P. Hopwood West Midlands Police

Page 5 Bird Ringing in the UK The British and Irish Ringing Scheme is organised by the BTO. Over 900,000 birds are ringed in Britain and Ireland each year by over 2,600 trained ringers, most of whom are volunteers.

Bird ringing generates survival, volunteers for the population trend data, such information on the Nest Record Scheme collect as that collected through the survival, productivity and information on productivity, BTO/JNCC/RSPB movements of birds, helping ringing can also provide valuable data on move- Breeding Bird Survey, to us to understand why popu- ments, and productivity, determine at which stage of lations are changing. based on the proportion of a bird’s life cycle there might juveniles that are ringed be a problem. This enables Ringing data makes a major each year, which can tell us scientists and conservationists contribution to the study of more about what happens population changes and to after young birds leave the to target appropriate our understanding of species nest. This can identify mitigation measures. declines. challenges such as a reduction in juvenile survival Bird populations are after fledging, or the determined by the number numbers of young birds that of fledglings raised, the survive to join the breeding survival of both juveniles and population. adults, an movements of birds into or out of an area. The results can be analysed Whilst ringers collect data on in combination with

For further information on bird ringing in the UK, or for details on the other BTO projects please visit the BTO website WWW.BTO.ORG Did you know?

Bird ringers in the UK are Additional projects which volunteers, conducting include colour marking ringing activities in their own time and at their own cost. schemes also attract further costs. Ringers are licenced annually and are required to renew If you would like to make their membership with the a donation to support our scheme yearly. work please contact us at Ringing is not cheap. Licences and specialist [email protected] equipment are expensive. Ringers are also responsible for the purchase of all the rings that they use. Common Cuckoo

Page 6 Field margin at Lower Barns Farm, Pattingham. P. Hopwood

Page 7 Is it Really all Doom and Gloom? There can be no getting away from the fact that farmland birds are in decline, but do the recent figures indicate that positive changes may not be that far away. Is now the time for us to start working in a more positive way with farmers rather than continued criticism. Recent reports have shown But we also can’t forget the that farmland birds have few who quietly did all they declined more severely than could for the environment birds in any other habitat. often at their own expense. Current estimations indicate a fall of 45% in the Farmland We now speak with Bird Indicator since 1970. farmers who have a passion for wildlife and the Farmland is vitally important environment. These are and refers to the 75% of land farmers who are proud of in the UK which is devoted to of a dark tunnel. their farms, proud of their agriculture. There is no soil, proud of their wildlife getting away that this is land I truly hope that this is where and have real passion and that we need to produce our we are now, with farmland enthusiasm for what they food. bird decline decreasing and are doing, coupled with a a positive future and reversal thirst to share their The data available shows of decline just around the knowledge with others. that the majority of corner. farmland bird decline We hear their excitement occurred in the1970s & the We are not naive enough to over worm numbers, soil 1980s and it is suggested that think that it is all good news quality, the numbers of this was due to the negative and there is still a lot to be farmland birds seen and impact of changes in done, and this needs to be their ideas to do more. farmland management. done quickly. For some species we may just be too So perhaps it is now the right However, the decline has late. time, rather than continued at a slower rate dwelling on the past, to start more recently. More The Government’s working in partnership with encouragingly the decline Environment Bill sets out to farmers to encourage their has decreased tackle the biggest actions, to support British significantly between 2013 environmental priorities of our farming and to ensure that and 2018 and we hope that time, and reward farmers for the positive steps continue this is the start of a positive the work they undertake for for the benefits of future change. the environment. For some generations. this may not have gone far I am sure that we have all enough, but it is a step in the The future may be bright become experts in charts right direction. and it may be green! and graphs over the last year, with infection rates and What we do know is that Paul Hopwood R rates televised almost daily even before the proposed Secretary WMRG as a result of the Covid-19 Government legislation pandemic. We saw both positive action was already significant declines and being conducted by the increases in the data over a farmers we work with, and in relatively short time, and I am some cases this sure when we started to see represented a cultural infection rates slowing, we change, but a change they could see the light at the end have embraced.

Page 8 Overbury Enterprises West Midlands Ringing Group were kindly invited to Overbury in summer 2020. In this article owner Penelope Bossom and farm Manager Jake Freestone provide an overview of this magnificent estate. Options across our farmland The farm has been managed include; skylark plots, The changes have made a unharvested headlands, huge improvement in our soil pollen and nectar mixes, health, easily measured by wild bird seed areas, increased earthworm num- cultivated margins for rare bers, which has subsequently arable flowers, fallow plots, increased the number and beetle banks, reduced species of farmland birds. input grassland and water Coupled with the principles Sheep grazing the Iron Age Hill Fort buffer zones. The Estate has above, we have stopped on Bredon Hill other enterprises including using insecticides and seed a pheasant and partridge dressings on our crops. Overbury Enterprises sits on shoot, woodland, a nursery the Gloucestershire/ (Grasshoppers) and both The farm still uses pesticides, Worcestershire border and residential and commercial such as herbicides (weed covers an area just over property. killers) and fungicides (crop 2,000 Ha from Cotswold brash health and protection) but soil on Bredon Hill over sand we are reducing these slowly and gravel and lias clay into as we grow healthier crops in the Vale of Evesham. healthier soils.

The Martin family came to Overbury in 1723 and gradually bought up the farmland and village properties. Their descendants are still looking after it today. Planting barley into a cover crop

The 1,600 Hectare in-hand farm is a mixed arable and The farm has been sheep farm with some land managed using the let out for vegetable pro- principles of Regenerative duction with irrigation. The Agriculture since 2015 which Cover crop mix 2020 arable crops grown include include milling wheat, malting barley, beans, linseed, oilseed rape 1. Move the soil as little as and quinoa. We are a LEAF possible (Linking Environment and Farming) demonstration farm 2. Maintain soil cover at all as well as being annually times LEAF Marque certified since 2007. The farm also has an 3. Have a wide and diverse extensive Entry and Higher rotation Level Stewardship Agreement, which expires in Oilseed with companion crops on Bredon Hill December 2020.

Page 9 Our sheep, who lamb From a West Midlands outdoors in April, play a Ringing Group Perspective, crucial role in the whole farm Overbury Enterprises presents system, grazing grassland a fantastic opportunity for through the spring, summer the group. and autumn but also forage and cover crops on the We were fortunate enough arable fields during the to be invited to engage winter months. Lamb is with the Estate to conduct a fattened from grass and program of ringing with the forage crops and sold Looking out over Bredon Hill aim of assisting in the wildlife through Sainsbury’s and surveying of the estate. locally through a box It has been a real eye scheme. The cover crops opener working with the protect the soil from winter West Midlands Ringing group rainfall reducing erosion and this autumn to see for capture significant levels of ourselves, in much more de- carbon dioxide (reducing tail, the numbers of birds on climate change), feed the the farm. soil bacteria and fungi but also provide habitat, food We have been monitoring and protection for our our populations since 2004 A Northern Wheatear a farmland birds. but the thermal imagery, passage migrant to catch and ringing brings our Bredon Hill record keeping to a whole new level. Covid-19 delayed the start of We are hopeful that these our effort to the post records will be able to breeding season and has re- promote a sustainable stricted our activities this year farming system, increasing as a result but good our farm biodiversity at a time coverage has been when it needs all the help it achieved despite this, in can get. particular nocturnal farmland bird surveys. Penelope Bossom & Jake Insects utilising the quinoa crop Freestone Our efforts to date have been concentrated on the higher elevations on the estate on the upper slopes of Bredon Hill (299m).

The worked area is comprised of a number of medium sized arable and a few pasture fields enclosed by limestone stone walls.

One of West Midlands Ringing Plantation woodland borders Groups ringed Skylark on Bredon Hill the lower edge of the area. Golden Plover ringed on Overbury Estate Thermal Surveys have been conducted regularly and

Page 10 systematically in 7 fields It is clear that there are very around Lalu Farm and healthy wintering bird Sundial Barn. populations present on the hill but also that there is much Skylark and Woodcock more potential for ringing have dominated the catch activities at other times of in these fields with a small year and at other locations number of Snipe, Stock Dove on the estate. and a single Golden Plover adding to the interest. Spring and autumn passage Observations indicate that birds, chats and pipits Roosting Fieldfare are there are very good especially can be expected frequently observed, often in populations of wintering in numbers on the hill. good numbers and thirteen Woodcock, evidenced by have been trapped and the highest count so far of Stonechat are ever present ringed. 28. and the planned colour ringing of birds here should Redwing are more Snipe have been be productive in both occasional with only two encountered regularly, flocks numbers terms and ongoing trapped and ringed. of up to 12 in number have observations. been seen on the arable A small number of Skylarks fields. The populations of Waders in have been re-trapped. the lower areas of the farm Golden Plover have been will be surveyed once Several attempts to trap the observed regularly too with Shooting activity subsides in Tawny Owls in the plantation 22 the highest count. the new year. woodland have so far only yielded one individual, but Promisingly a single Grey In addition two fields in vale there is a healthy population Partridge has been noted on area that have been and at least four territories a thermal survey on the hill managed sympathetically are present and more work is and as none are released and developed into reedbed required. here, this must be a wild bird. and rough flooded grassland will no doubt become a Daytime activities have focus for future activity to been limited to spring conduct more passerine trapping chats and mist net- surveys. ting Meadow pipits during the autumn passage. Finch flocks have been noted here as well as a pos- Wheatear, Stonechat and sible reed bunting roost. The Whinchat have all been area as whole will no doubt trapped and ringed as well hold reedbed species and as Meadow Pipits. act as a focus for passage warblers in Spring and The Autumn Thrush and Pipit Summer through to early passage at the site was autumn. significant at the site with many thousands of the John Overfield former involved while flocks WMRG Above Stonechat from Bredon Hill of several hundred Meadow Above Right - Stock Dove from Pipit were present on at least Bredon Hill one occasion.

Page 11 The Bradshaws Estate, Staffordshire In this article estate owner Sally Beard (pic) talks about her farm estate. We have been ringing at the Bradshaws for several years and have been hugely impressed by the work that has been undertaken to improve the farm for the benefits of the environment and for wildlife.

The Bradshaws Estate is 1000 The world has seen a peak in acres of land in a ring fence. crop yields in the last 40 years The land is located on the enabled by artificial fertilisers edge of the West Midlands and pesticides. These yields conurbation, only 5 miles are no longer increasing from Wolverhampton City while we continue to pour centre. There are many all these expensive inputs public rights of way onto our land. Our valuable within the estate. over-cultivated topsoil, which has taken millions of years to The land is a good Grade 2 create, is disappearing down sandy loam. the rivers and our natural environment is suffering while The land has been farmed we try to produce affordable We no longer use any very intensively in the past. food for an ever increasing insecticides. By not Fruit, vegetables and population. The challenge to cultivating, we no longer potatoes were the main produce affordable, non-sub- release any carbon into the crops. Artificial fertilisers and sidised,environmentally atmosphere. Undisturbed routine pesticides were friendly food for the world is soil creates ideal habitats for applied to the crops for the core of our thinking here. earthworms and micro rhizzal about 40 years. fungi that enable our crops to Around the early 1990’s, take up nutrients and flourish. farming practice was changed and it became less As more earthworms are intensive. The horticultural present we have more birds, crops were replaced with more owls and field mice. combinable crops, namely The stubble and the trash left wheat, oilseed rape, oats , behind with no disturbance and beans. However, there of the soil is transforming our was increased use of nitrates wildlife populations. and more annual cultivation of the land. We are able to monitor this amazing transformation with the use of night scopes and bird ringing carried out by The With this in mind, 3 years ago West Midland Ringing Group. we adopted a no-till A fantastic team of ringers approach to our farming. who report their findings We no longer cultivate the online and to us personally. soil, everything is direct drilled into the soil. It is a complete revelation to Our rotations have us and a revolution in our soil An extremely productive field increased, cover crops are and environmental system for farmland birds and in used so no bare soil is ever management. A very, very particular Skylark left to overwinter. big thank you to them.

Page 12 R. W. Leedham & Son Syerscote Manor, Tamworth In this feature farmer Allan Leedham talks about his farm in East Staffordshire and the work that they have undertaken to encourage wildlife. Having had only two visits In 2006 a friend offered to from the West Midlands Ring- survey the birds on one of the ers at the time of writing, we farms and gave us a are perhaps the most recent detailed report of his findings recruit to the list of sites so when we recently heard available to them so why did about the work being done we offer to be involved? by WMRG we thought it would be great to make the Our family have farmed here land available and gain some at Syerscote near Tamworth up-to-date information about for over 65 years. We have the species and numbers of always had an interest in birds present. looking after and providing space for nature alongside If this helps us to quantify any productive farming and benefits that we have been since the early 1980’s have Wild bird seed cover able to bring through our work twice been successful in then that can only help in Of the 38 acres of woodland winning the Staffordshire making decisions about any on the farm 10% has been Whitegrove Trophy for future plans and improving planted by ourselves over Farming and Wildlife the outcomes from them. the last 60 years and of the Conservation. 30 or so field ponds, With the move away from the originally marl pits, 10 have It was over forty years ago CAP following Brexit farming been restored to hold water that we began to trim the faces a very uncertain period. again. There are always jobs 42 km of hedges on a two- that can be done to year cycle, originally at the maintain or improve suggestion of our landlords, habitat so we will never be so that there is fruit available short of something to do. through the untrimmed win- ter and a variety of sizes and Since 2006 the farm has shapes of hedge for shelter been in stewardship and nesting. schemes, currently near- ing the end of a Higher Tier agreement which sees us growing 26 acres of pollinator habitat and bird seed areas as well as grassy buffer zones for watercourses and other options. The bird seed plots in particular are really rewarding and besides looking great they provide Barn Owl caught & ringed at Syer- tonnes of feed, supporting scote Manor by WMRG hundreds of birds through Bees in the margins at the farm the winter and early spring.

Page 13 A WMRG perspective on this The payments we receive lovely farm, for our stewardship options are supposed to be based We met Alan and Ed during on ‘income foregone’ so a farm walk earlier this year, that we are not worse off by and was clear that they had providing these areas on the done lots of work on their farm. farm to improve habitat for wildlife, so we were looking Data from field operations forward to visiting and allows us to look at margin or starting our thermal surveys, profitability maps where red however Covid hit and made is bad, going through grey us wait a bit longer. to green then blue showing Skylark caught at RW Leedham & Son Farm better results. These areas We had a fantastic first visit of bird seed, nectar flowers where they showcased their and buffer zones ringed in Although the aim of farm to us, showing us large blue don’t come near to payment for ‘public goods’ is strips of wild bird mix covering the income lost by worthy, if the same not growing a food crop for formula is used and harvesting. The subsidies that continues to under-value this farms currently receive have work then there could be provided a cushion which difficult questions about how has helped us to fund these efforts to help the birds and areas but this income is soon bees will really be funded. to be completely withdrawn. We can only hope that the decision makers and lobbyists feel that farms like this and the wildlife it supports merit proper support One of several Woodcock ringed too. In the meantime, we at the farm look forward to working with the ringers and learning from their results. where you could hear a number of finches within A. LEEDHAM them. On subsequent visit Farmer we noticed good numbers of Goldfinch and Greenfinch feeding in the area. Data from field operations at RW Leedhams We have been able to conduct several visits and have had some nice results with several woodcock, a The proposed replacement, number of skylarks plus Barn the Environmental Land and Tawny Owl. Management Scheme, is also rumoured to be based Common Snipe were also on ‘income foregone’. noted on a small marshy Seed crop within a cover, area. We are looking providing food for birds forward to what 2021 brings

Page 14 Lay Farms Loppington Farmer Rory Lay offers a view of his farm nestled in the North Shropshire Countryside, to the north of Wem. This is a mixed farm with both livestock and arable land, extending to around 440 hectares

My father was the first to farm new ELM scheme has been the Loppington Estate that launched. was handed down to him. At present we have a huge As tenant farmers have variety of given up the farm then we options to work with. have taken it back in hand. Our current options include We are in a very mixed farming area so concentrate A view over the fields at Wolverley • 14Ha of arable on feed wheat and barley to reversion on peat is now be sold for livestock feed. managed for overwintering The strip till drill will cultivate and ground nesting birds a small area of ground and with low stocking rates. plant seeds in a single pass. Snipe love it. This has resulted in about 60% of the soil being undisturbed. • Most of our water courses Our soils are improving, they have a 6 metre grass buffer are becoming easier to drill strip to prevent erosion and and we are finding more run-off worms, which are vitally important for the soil and for • We have undisturbed field birds! corners, which provide a variety of habitats for birds I’m looking at growing a healthier crop, adding •Low and nil input nutrients and amino acids grassland. with the long term aim of Rory Lay on a night out with WMRG targeting Woodcock getting the soil into a •Wild bird seed covers. better place.

For many years, as was Healthier crops will not be so commonplace in farming we susceptible to disease and used a large cultivator, pest attack and should result followed by a drill to a in the reduction of chemicals establish our crops. In 2016 used. I changed to a strip till drill which is now used to In the last 5 years I have only establish most crops. used a low level of insecti- cides and in the last 2 years There have been many I haven’t had used any! environmental benefits to this, not least we were able Our 10 year stewardship Wild bird seen at Loppington to sell a big tractor and agreement ended August reduce the hours and fuel it 2020 This is being continued used! on a yearly basis until the

Page 15 planting, they help with the We also receive structure of the soil, approximately 900 ton of holding onto nutrients ahead broiler litter (poultry waste) of spring crops. from a small local broiler unit.

Some of the cover crops The organic manure and scavenge for nutrients, these broiler litter reduce the need are then released to the for artificial input and improve spring crop. The cover crops soil health and feed worms, are grazed by sheep which which in turn will feed the help convert the biomass birds on the farm. into a useful product for the next crop. WMRG member Martin George provides a view on We are trying to widen the Lay farms. Several gull species on the fields during drilling rotation with beans, planted in the spring after a cover The land that Rory and his crop. family farm is proof that •Low input sp barley, this modern, efficient farming creates an open crop with doesn’t have to result in a a variety of ‘weeds’ sterile countryside. There are good, diverse hedges with • Our hedges are cut in lots of structure to provide rotation every 2nd year and food and shelter for a variety provide nesting habitat for of wildlife; areas of woodland a variety of bird species. that are of wildlife and landscape value, and some Over the years we have nice patches of wetland, planted miles of new particularly on the peaty soils hedges and plant new trees by the Roden. yearly. Phacelia at Loppington an Barn Owls have bred Our experience with exceptional plant for pollinators recently, and in winter we companion cropping has can almost guarantee to see had variable results. Woodcock, Jack Snipe and Woodland on the farm Although this year it is Snipe when we go out with provides further beneficial working well in the Oilseed the thermal imager. habitats for birds and Rape crops. wildlife. We have planted Berseem Our woodland is sensitively clover and Fenegreek thinned on a phased basis which help with the and timed so not to disturb establishment and to give wildlife and is home to a the pigeons to eat who variety of bird species. normally feast the oil seed rapes. The companion will Organic manure. We have not continue to harvest. just over 1000 tonnes of farmyard manure from our Cover crops are used to own cattle which is keep something growing on supplemented by a further the soil between a summer few hundred ton from local harvest and spring farms. A Common Snipe caught at Rory’s farm at Loppington Burleydam Farm Farmer Richard Tomlinson provides an insight into his farm on the Shropshire/ Cheshire border, a farm brimming with nature! I am an arable farmer, farm- Keen to take things further, I ing about 400 acres on the set up a Mid Tier scheme, to Cheshire - Shropshire border. help pollinators and provide I first started working on this hungry gap feed for birds. At farm as a young lad in the this point I contacted Martin early 1970’s helping my George of WMRG, it was a father out and one of my great move, I have learnt so favourite jobs was driving the much from getting involved tractors, cultivating the fields. with WMRG. Daytime farm walks with Martin and night I soon developed a strong time imaging sessions with Good numbers of Yellowhammer WMRG have really opened interest in the soil and have are present on the farm. always strived to improve its my eyes to how much condition. However, it I enthusiastically abandoned wildlife there is here now. became increasingly obvious any form of tillage, started to me that no matter how growing cover crops and carefully I cultivated the soil, leaving crop residue on the I was slowly degrading it over surface after every crop. The the years. effect on the soil was a revelation, worm and Around 12 years ago I spent beetle numbers increased, considerable time looking in particular surface feeding into whether there were any worms which were almost solutions to this. I discovered absent before. a small group of people who were using No Till methods Whilst I have always to encourage soil biology, it recognized the importance seemed to make so much of wildlife on the farm, I have sense to me. to admit I had very little A Common Snipe in a cereal crop knowledge or interest in it. at Richard’s farm

However, I couldn’t help but notice all the Skylark Some species like Skylark, that rapidly appeared in the Snipe and Woodcock crops after starting No Till. benefit from the conditions This tied in with what I was provided by my No Till seeing happen to the soil system, others like Thrushes and I started to get more thrive in the combination of interested in the whole farm good hedges and worm rich ecosystem. soil. Reed Bunting and Whitethroat nest in the I already had good hedges Oilseed Rape and Barn Owls A vibrant crop of Linseed at Burley and margins, but some more prowl the margins. I’m still Dam Farm effort and research allowed learning, with the help of me to improve them further. WMRG, the importance of Yellow Hammers, amongst and how to improve others became a common different habitats on the farm sight. and how they all interact.

Page 17 Aston Hall Farm, Stone Paul Hopwood from WMRG provides an update on the farm and an exciting species discovery Aston is one of my favourite I had placed several large locations that we have bird feeders at the farm access to, the varied habitat during the winter of 2019, but is home to a range of bird these were stolen! species, predominantly Farmland passerines. 18 juvenile Tree Sparrows However as the farm sits in were ringed at Aston, and it is the upper Trent Valley it is believed that these are also home to a variety of locally bred, so additional wildfowl and wading birds. nest boxes will hopefully increase breeding success. The floodplains are lightly grazed and offer excellent One of several small pools and I would like to secure funding breeding habitat for marsh at Aston to install 40 or 50 boxes at the Lapwing. site and monitor these, and In late Autumn large numbers we look at this option in the of Common Snipe and Jack I have seen a range of future. But it is a privilege to Snipe visit the area. Ringing species on the farm, with a have these birds on site these is tricky not at least due notable Marsh Harrier to the openness of the site, sighting in 2019. making it prone to wind. The closure of a footpath has As the weather improved in presented easy access, but autumn the water levels of this is due to be reopened the pools in flood plain soon, and in early 2021 we lowered and attracted a will be conducting a number range of waders, Common of sessions here. Snipe, Common and Green Sandpipers were regulars, I was aware that Tree with Greenshank, Little Egret Sparrows had been seen in and Curlew also being seen. the area in 2019, and I had Tree Sparrow ringed at Aston brief views of birds back On the 2nd August, 4 Black- then. But in Autumn I tailed Godwits were present located a flock of Numerous Skylarks bred at on one of the pools, together Tree Sparrows using the Aston and two nests were with 200+ Lapwings. hedgerows above the flood located, one of which was meadows. The initial count later predated. However was of 20 birds, but they were we did manage to ring one very mobile. During following brood of 4 which successfully visits 70 Tree Sparrows were fledged. found. Dippers, Mandarin Ducks, These are a bird that has Kingfisher and Goosander suffered a 94% decline since are seen on the river at the 1970 and a species that are sight, with Mandarin numbers in serious trouble. Finding increasing. such good numbers was ex- If the water levels drop we Black-tailed Godwit at Aston citing and we intend to install a number of nest boxes in the will target Snipe in the new year. coming weeks.

Page 18 Article from NFU online talking about our work with farmers.

Page 19 Page 20 Lower Drayton Farm

Paul Hopwood provides an insight into wild bird seed ringing during the autumn and winter where large numbers of farmland birds took advantage of the wild bird seed covers.

Lower Drayton farm was my present, with Linnet, first ringing site, and I have Chaffinch, Greenfinch, been ringing there since Brambling, Goldfinch and 2014. Reed bunting being noted.

This is a mixed farm with both A handful of ringing sessions arable land and livestock, were conducted, with Paul and across the farm there is my trainee. a large variety of habitats, from arable fields, woodland, During this period with had pasture, flood meadows and fair results with nearly 400 farm buildings. birds caught at the time of writing including: The farm offers a variety of interesting projects taking ringing throughout the year place. Part of the Linnet 124 diversification has involved a Chaffinch 124 fun farm, now called ‘Play’ Greenfinch 39 which offered various Brambling 4 activities throughout the Goldfinch 10 year. 2018 the farm started Redpoll 11 to plant pumpkins for Reed bunting 4 Halloween and in both 2019 Yellowhammer 1 and 2020 at the end of the pick your own pumpkin 2 Sparrowhawks were season large flocks of present in the area, together finches arrived to feed. with a young Merlin. In the Linnets made up the majority adjacent field a Great White of species present, followed Egret was present for a few by Chaffinch, Reed bunting days. The ringing at the farm but our main focus tends to and the occasional continues concentrate around thermal Brambling. imaging surveys. In early November 2020 The farm buildings have we located a large flock of always been home to finches which were using the numerous nesting Swallows, pumpkin fields and a 4 acre but development over the area of wild bird seed past year has seen a covers. This area also reduction in available contained a Pheasant pen, habitat. feeders and a duck pond.

Father and son farmers Ray As November continued the and Richard Bower have flock of finches using these grasped farm diversification areas increased, and at a by the scruff of the neck and peak in December between Chaffinch (above) there are some really 800 and 1000 finches were Brambling (top centre)

Page 21 Lower Barns Farm Paul Hopwood provides an insight into the ringing that took place early in year where farmland birds species were targeted using a variety of methods.

If I had to choose a Yet again it is so good to see priority and several sessions favourite type of ringing it so many farmers and were cancelled due to the would be targeting landowners attend these weather. farmland bird species. If I events as they want to do had to choose a location more to encourage wildlife Where we could get out, we to ring at I would be hard on their farms. As a result of had to move away from mist pressed to look any further the demo, we were asked to nets and use a variety of that Lower Barns Farm. visit many more farms across other methods to catch. the region! We have been ringing at the Ground nets and traps were farm for six years now, and So 2020, has been pretty used and whilst our catches it can only be described as awful, and dominated by were often good, we simply a flagship farm for farmland pandemics and Brexit! It didn’t have the opportunity birds, it is one of our premier wasn’t much better in for large catches sites and all this is possible January and February where because of the work of the the weather was the key Roberts family. I am biased issue affecting the nation. but there are not many locations in Staffordshire that are home to so many key farmland bird species,

Field margins, wild bird seed covers, nest boxes and sensitively balanced farming all provide superb habitats for a wide range of species. Brambling were in very short In January we assisted with supply early in the year and a ringing demonstration at we only saw one female, the farm. This was on behalf but this was not caught. Corn Buntings were present of CFE (Championing the I lost track of all the storm and towards march their Farmed Environment) and names, although Storm numbers had increased. was a well attended event. Dennis was notable. High winds, torrential rain and The key attraction for the flooding all impacted on birds at the farm during the our opportunities to get out winter is the supplementary ringing. feed that is provided by the farmer. This helps the birds Whilst mist netting is usually through the hungry gap. the staple method used by ringers to catch birds, their On the farm the feed starts application is limited when it on the first of January and comes to adverse weather, continues until the spring. A Paul Hopwood showing a keen and in particular wind. Bird mix of seed is used. crowd farmland birds welfare ALWAYS is the

Page 22 Certain species favour Species Name 2020 2019 2018 certain seeds, and the mix used covers a wide range of Blackbird 3 species. Corn Bunting feed Blue Tit 36 8 on Barley, so this is Brambling 31 supplemented to the feed. Chaffinch 25 24 We also supplement the Chiffchaff 1 feed, concentrating around catching areas, in bird Corn Bunting 2 feeders and on bird tables. Dunnock 33 16 18

As the feeding flock Goldfinch 6 increases many hundreds Great Tit 6 11 3 of birds visit daily. There is a Greenfinch 1 1 large wild bird seed cover mix at the farm this year, and House Sparrow 26 5 2 already (in mid December) Linnet 228 257 52 there are over 1000 birds in the fields. Once this crop Long-tailed Tit 6 6 2 reduces, we envisage a Reed Bunting 75 46 32 large percentage will move to the winter feed. Robin 14 5 4 Starling 2 So whilst the weather was Stock Dove 1 against us in the early part of the year, we still had some Treecreeper 1 good catches. Woodpigeon 2 The chart on the right shows Wren 3 the numbers of birds ringed Yellowhammer 65 50 41 this year, and as you can see numbers are on the up. Totals (not all species) 523 419 156 Whilst we caught 65 disappear from the area. Lower Barns Farm, in Yellowhammers there were Corn Bunting are difficult January. The sheer numbers in excess of 150 visiting in late to catch and appear very present are spectacular and February. picky as to where they will I enjoy the sight as much as I feed. Our observations have enjoy the ringing. Our Linnet catch was slightly shown that they favour feed down on 2019, but this was on bare earth or farm tracks It wont be long until a Little not as a result of numbers rather than on grass margins. Bunting, Rustic Bunting or present, but because the Merlin graces our nets. opportunity to catch was So as we approach the new reduced. Linnet are quite a year I am already looking We can but hope!!!! skittish species and are very forward to spending time at mobile and at times they do

Page 23 Wild Bird Seed mixes

In this article Farmer Andrew Roberts talks about the importance of Wild Bird Seed mix areas. These crops are sown specifically to provide a range of different seeds which support a range of different bird species. The following is Andy’s experience of such areas, and provides an insight into the various crops that can be used. We know that Wildlife and birds love these crops!

Reversing the fortunes of today so instead stewardship declining farmland birds is has come up with the dependent on adequate solution of providing provision of three things; safe designated crops left entirely nesting areas, access to for wildlife. These can take invertebrate-rich habitat for the form of unharvested parts feeding chicks during the of regular field crops or breeding season and bespoke mixes sown sufficient seeds and berries to specifically to provide a sustain populations through range of seeds. winter. Countryside stewardship, which has been Wild bird mixes have evolved around for over twenty years a lot from the standard in its various guises, aims to from reducing herbicide use two-year triticale, kale and meet these three broad in cereal crops before a quinoa mix we first grew to requirements through a suite winter stubble to provide the vast array of species and of management options. seeds from plants such as mixes we have available annual meadow grass and today. field pansy, to rotationally cutting hedgerows allowing Here is a selection of the them to flower and fruit. species I have used over the years and my experiences These measures aim to with them. Most are usually restore some of the sown in the spring from April- practices that provided June after the regular spring abundant food for farmland crops have been sown, birds in the past. although there are now autumn sown options too. The loss of availability of crop Some species are also good seeds to farmland birds has for pollinators during the come as a result of greater A varied wild bird seed mix at summer. Andy’s farm in Winter harvest efficiency and better storage. Long gone are the days when grain was stored As we head into the new temporarily as bundles of year our attention has now sheaves or ‘stooks’ in the turned to providing winter field but instead is whisked food for birds. In practice the off quickly to secure stores preparation begins well in where it will be free from advance. Some measures contamination by vermin. we take involve slight management changes to It would be a backward step what we do already, to revert to these methods

Page 24 Cereal Sunflower

An important food source for A real crowd pleaser, always like to granivorous buntings and sparrows. have a few in the mix. Everything eats The rye/wheat cross ‘triticale’ is pop- the seedlings at establishment from ular as it stays upright longer but any slugs to hares, rewarding though when cereal can potentially be used from it crops well. Clouds of Greenfinches wheat to oats. I tend to use spring used to be a common sight feeding barley as I always have some availa- on them but not so much these days ble. It’s not every bird’s favourite but with disease affecting their numbers. Corn Buntings do like it (they’re not Always popular with the tit family and called the fat bird of barley for noth- adds good structure. ing).

Kale Linseed

Major component of two-year Once upon a time when flax for linen mixes providing cover in the first was widely grown there would have winter and seed in the second year. been plenty of linseed available for Seed is expensive however and it birds. In fact it is where the Linnet can be difficult to establish when partly gets its name from. A useful com- there are pigeons and flea beetles ponent of mixes holding onto seed for about. a good while. Can be tricky to establish with flax flea beetle around.

Forage rape Quinoa

Forage rape – A cheaper A prolific seed producer in a good alternative to kale. The seed can be year, however I have had years where very persistent however and it turns it produces very little and is up in following oilseed rape crops outperformed by its wild cousin years later where it has lifted erucic fat-hen. Popular with Reed Bun- acid levels of our rapeseed to tings and Linnets. Although known undesirable levels. as ‘Keen-wah’ in recipes these days, birds still pronounce it ‘Kwin-noah’.

Millet Mustard

Does well in a hot, dry summer when Similar appeal to fodder radish other species may struggle. Reed but not quite so persistent. Cheap Buntings particularly fond of white to grow and can be established millet. Mixtures of white, red and relatively late if another crop fails. reed millet are available with reed Great for pollinators. millet providing structure.

Page 25 Buckwheat Chicory

Not entirely sure what eats it to be Used in two-year mixes as it flowers honest but this is the easiest to grow in its second year. Good for solitary and is good for bees so I like to bees and the seeds are enjoyed by include some. Goldfinches. Provides good cover and comes back again if plots kept in the same place.

Phacelia Fodder Radish

Not included for seed provision but is One of my favourites. Good stands amazing for bees and other insects of this will hold massive flocks of and is easy to establish. linnets well into winter due to the strong pods. Establishment has become trickier in recent years with high flea beetle pressure at the time of sowing.

I don’t have a set mix but They used to be tucked attention to detail they tend to tinker with it each away in one place but I feel deserve to give year. In general I like to have they have a role in the ro- maximum seed yield. at least five species in the tation now improving soils in mix in case some fail and try between arable crops. These to include a cereal, an oily plots can also provide nest- seed like radish and other ing habitat and invertebrate small seeds in the mix. rich areas for rearing chicks in the summer. I have moved away from biennial mixes to annual The most important thing I mixes as this ensures good have learnt is to treat wild seed production and I tend bird seed crops like you to rotate them around the would any regular cash crop, farm. giving them them An example of Andy’s wild bird seed cover

Wild bird seed crop at Lower Barns Farm

Page 26 Skylark WMRG are continuing to target Skylark in the region using Thermal technology, with well over 1300 birds ringed in the region in the last 4 years!

Since 2016 we have been Most have breeding spending a lot of our time populations, but our targeting Skylark. There were observations suggest this several reasons why we be- population is increased in gan to concentrate on this later autumn by an influx of species; migrant birds and this is an area that we are hoping 1) very few are ringed. In to better understand using fact, I was always told that science. they were too difficult to catch. Our findings to date have been interesting, and the 2) They are a red listed observations that we have species, reported to have Ringing Juvenile Skylark in made have further suffered a significant decline Staffordshire increased our catch, helped and we felt it important to inform some habitat concentrate on a species Our interest in this species is improvements and allowed where an improved focussed on wintering us to provide feedback to knowledge may identify populations and their habitat farmers. measures that may reverse preferences. the decline. On the farms we have Our work is now being repli- access to, Skylark prefer 3)As a group we had cated across the UK, Europe large fields and favour over developed a catching and worldwide! winter stubbles, young winter technique that was cereal crops and grass extremely productive, From a bird ringing aspect, pasture or land left for utilising thermal image these are a difficult haylage. technology. species to age and sex. Ringing literature such has We have now ringed nearly Lars Svensson’s Identification 1300 and when compared Guide to European against the national ringing Passerines offers little statistics we have been ring- information to inform ring- ing between 25% and 72% of ers as to the age and sex of the free-flying birds caught in these birds. the last 4 years (adult, juvenile and un-aged) in UK. To improve our knowledge, we have taken consistent biometric data from all Skylarks we have caught and hope that in the near future this data may provide some clarity. The Skylark Alauda arvensis Skylark are found across all the farms we have access to.

Page 27

Our initial assessment was However, we have found that farms who had adopted these fields may still attract the zero till method of other avian species, Golden farming had larger wintering Plover being one such bird. populations of Skylark than other tillage methods. There are occasions where However, we now do not we have found larks in such believe it is as simple as this, fields, but we suggest that as farms who employ other these birds have moved tillage methods have been away from a favoured area found to have large by human or predatory wintering populations of disturbance and that their these birds. presence is temporary. Thermal image of roosting Skylark This is no way a criticism of in Staffordshire So, what do Skylark prefer? zero till, in fact we are huge supporters of this Observationally there are 5 methodology and the wider factors which we believe are benefits it has to the There are significant key to Skylark roosting. environment. benefits to other species, which can be directly 1. Field size In my personal opinion, this attributed to zero/no till 2. Field drainage tillage method is vitally especially wading birds; 3. Crop/field usage important and in the majority Common Snipe, Jack Snipe 4. Crop height of cases is beneficial to larks, and Woodcock, all of which 5. Field applications but it is not the sole factor benefit from the increased when considering worm numbers associated There is so much more we wintering skylark populations. with this the method. need to know about this species to inform our However, zero till should not Where cover crops are knowledge. be considered on a planted as part of the zero till standalone basis as being a methodology, there comes Our continued work in specific benefit to wintering a time when Skylark move partnership with others and populations of Skylark. from these fields due to the the increased numbers of height of crop. However the Skylark being ringed by varied nature of fields found other ringing groups who across farms usually results in have embraced thermal Skylark moving short technology will increase our distances to fields where understanding of this iconic there are stubbles or crop British bird. with less height.

What we can say after working across several farms over the last 5 years is that a recently ploughed field that has inverted stubbles and previous growth, leaving bare earth is rarely ever used Skylark in primary moult by larks at roost. We would suggest that this is a significant finding.

Page 28 Juvenile Nightjar - Photo courtesy of Ben Locke. Staffordshire Nightjar

Page 29 Nightjar in Staffordshire 2020 Sadly our AONB funding was suspended in early 2020, however as the Lockdown period in early summer was relaxed we were still able to conduct our survey work.

Our project aim over a two The first bird of the season year period (2019 - 2020) was was found grounded on the to locate up to 10 nests on chase on 2nd May and taken areas of Cannock Chase that had been defined as to the British Wildlife Rescue disturbed or undisturbed. Centre. This bird was found to have been ringed in 2014 The specific objectives and was encountered in the included same location. • Monitor nesting success through to hatching and A further success was the levels of disturbance recapture of a Nightjar that However this was an isolated through using appropriate had been ringed as a chick case, in an area renowned technology. on Gentleshaw Common in for Nightjars, Sadly the same 2019. This bird was found on area was again subject of • Assess fledging success Cannock Chase. Both of the through appropriate considerable human Gentleshaw birds were found monitoring of breeding pressure in 2020. to have successfully fledged. pairs though to fledging. Trail camera recorded a A bird originally ringed on the predator at one nest site, 2019 was a record year and Chase in 2017 was the data obtained was that was found to have recaptured in 2020. encouraging. failed. There was a reduced effort A further male bird One interesting finding in in 2020 due to COVID-19 originally caught in 2016 on 2020 was the density of and whilst numbers of birds Cannock Chase, was caught were down on the male birds in comparison to recaptured in 2020. This bird previous year,we still females, with only 3 female had been further managed to ring over 30 adults being ringed. This birds and located a further encountered on the chase in appears to have been seen 6 nests, but identified many 2016, 2017 and 2019, showing across the UK, with more more territories. the site fidelity of the species. males being noted across We have recorded human sites. disturbance of breeding sites which resulted in birds 35 Nightjar caught abandoning a territory. 6 nest sites located

27 new birds caught

8 recaptured birds

23 males

3 females

9 juveniles 2020 NIGHTJAR RESULTS

Page 30 Aerial view of Roundhill sewage works P. Hopwood

Severn Trent Report

Page 31 Our Work with Severn Trent Our work continues with Severn Trent. In 2020 further access was granted to several new locations which present exciting new opportunities for the group.

COVID-19 (again) has had have visited us at ringing a significant impact on our sessions and seen birds being work this year, with two of ringed. our key sites having restricted access due to the We have been supported in pandemic. We fully improving some habitats at understood the decisions Roundhill and together with to restrict access and hope the installation of a wide that in 2021 we can variety of nest boxes,some of recommence our work. which were provided by Severn Trent, we have also The two sites affected, planted over 100 trees in Shifnal and Penkridge have an unused area of the site. been two of our most (pictured on the right of the productive locations with aerial shot on previous page) Shifnal holding a significant population of Reed Warblers The trees selected were and Reed Buntings and Common Whitethroat ringed at native to the UK and will Penkridge being known for Roundhill provide food and nesting large numbers of hirundines habitat in years to come. and Pied, Grey and Yellow The majority of the trees Wagtails. It is really important and planted were Rowan and encouraging for us as a fruit trees, but this was However, whilst we could not group to see the enthusiasm supplemented by cuttings access these sites, we were by Severn Trent staff for the from elder located on the provided access to some work that we undertake. The site. new sites in Staffordshire, support that we get is more of that later. overwhelming and this was The initial results from more than apparent when Roundhill are promising with we started our work at some good species noted. Roundhill. Not only are the managers and workers proud of the work that they do managing sewage and water courses, but they are also passionate about nature and learning more about the wildlife that uses sewage works throughout the year.

The managers have listened and acted upon advice and have helped us with our work to improve areas for wildlife.

Grasshopper Warbler from Where work allows, they Roundhill

Page 32 Tawny Owl at Shifnal Sewage works. P. Hopwood 2020 Year of the Owl

Page 33 Severn Trent - Year of the owl. In this article Ben Dolan, Group Treasurer describes our owl based project across the sites we access on the Severn Trent Estate. Sadly this was impacted by COVID-19, but we have extended the project into 2021.

We are well known for pioneering thermal conducted from publicly imaging technology to accessible land adjacent to support our important the sewage treatment works. survey work, which enables us to give an We utilised our thermal accurate picture for cameras to view the areas landowners with reduced and used playback calls disturbance and time in the from owl species for a limit- field, and this project was ed time to ascertain if birds Tawny Owl no different. were present. Quite often the playback calls resulted Where possible we in owls responding in a short We are privileged to have conducted ringing sessions space of time. The use of access to a number of at the available sites and playback was tightly Severn Trent sites across the ringed the owls we caught. West Midlands, which offer wildlife an oasis within their The unique ring number was areas. recorded and this data was registered onto the BTO The sites have a wide range DEMON computer record- of habitats and are ing databases. surrounded by either arable land or heavy industry, which If this bird is then caught by makes surveying more us, another ringer or found interesting and at times very injured or dead, the finder surprising. can report this ring number and find out its life history. During 2020 our aim was to visit every Severn Trent site we Where we could not access Barn Owl caught at Penkridge have access to survey these sites, the surveys were for owls, as we are convinced STW that a number of the sites hold valuable habitat which would support Tawny, Barn controlled and limited to and Little Owls, if not the more short periods of time. unusual Short & Long-eared Owls. The table data on the next page shows the results of Sadly Covid-19 restricted our 2020 surveys, however due to ability to travel to these Covid we will be extending locations and survey, access the Year of the Owl project was restricted at some of the in to 2021. This will ensure we sites too. Furthermore some of cover a full 12 months and our members were within the Little Owl give a true and accurate high risk group and unable to picture for Severn Trent. assist with this project.

Page 34 During 2019 one of our We have been given As you can see by the members; John Hunt, found access to a number of new results of our surveys, our an active Barn Owl nest at sites during 2021, one of initial assessment of habitats Minworth sewage works and these being Roundhill ST in found on Severn Trent sites on checking the box, with Stourbridge, and following were well informed. the appropriate licences, we several visits we have now found a pair of adult Barn erected two Tawny Owl Severn Trent sites provide Owls with 4 healthy chicks. boxes, a further Barn Owl good habitat to a variety of box and a Little Owl box up owl Species, which now lend However we conducted at the site, which we hope themselves to nest boxes a check during 2020 and will show signs of use during being provided. This will en- although the adults were 2021. sure that owls not only have present, they had not bred. good feeding This is something that we saw Severn Trent fully supported habitat, that have limited repeated across other Barn this work and provided the disturbance due to site se- owl boxes across our other funding for the boxes and curity, but also a safe place sites. their installation. to breed.

There have been two new As seen in the table below, We are really grateful to Barn Owl boxes placed up several owl species are all of the managers across across Minworth ST as part of present at Roundhill and the sites for their continued HS2’s mitigation, so we are these additional boxes will support. hopeful for a more hopefully provide owl successful 2021. species with spaces to breed successfully. Year of the Owl Survey Results The following are details of our survey results for Severn Trent, the sites listed were visited after 8pm. Other sites have been monitored during the daytime however due to restricted access and shielding there are a number, which have not been surveyed.

Site Barn Owl Tawny Owl Little Owl SE Owl Walsall Wood 1 2 0 0 Peters Lane 1 4 1 0 Ray hall 0 0 0 0 Goscote 0 0 0 0 Little Aston 2 2 0 1 Colton 1 0 0 0 Coalport 0 2 0 0 Barston 0 1 0 0 Minworth 2 2 0 0 Penkridge 2 2 0 1 Kinver 0 2 0 0 Roundhill 0 4 0 0 Shifnal 0 2 0 0 Checkley 0 0 1 0 Rugeley 1 2 1 0

Page 35 old farmsystems. restricted comparedwiththe modern sewageworkswas ornithological potentialof concluded thatthe However theauthors for severalpasserinespecies. particularly asfeedingsites important birdhabitats, modern workscanbe the BTOidentifiedthat by FullerandGlue(1980)for Habitats inBritainpublished Sewage WorksasBird A comprehensivereviewof written byBoyd(1957). of theirbirdcommunitieswas sewage farmsandareview ornithological accountsof two oftheearliest and Parker(1928)provided century. Coward(1927) first decadeofthe20th habitats sinceatleastthe recognised asgoodbird Sewage workshavebeen birds theyofferexcellentfeedingopportunitiesthroughouttheyear. bird habitats.Tothegeneralpublicthesesitesareusuallycontroversial,to In thisarticlePaulHopwoodtalksabouttheimportanceofsewageworksas The ImportanceofSewageWorks Yellow wagtail from a sewage works of birdspecies. opportunity foravaried rang to offerthebestmodern-day by surfaceirrigation appear filters andtertiarytreatment The systemswithpercolating longer tobefound. waders intheautumnareno attracted highnumbersof sewage farms,whichonce the UK’ssewageworksand systems oncefoundacross and theShallowlagoon UK havemodernisedfurther In 2020sewageworksinthe case. sadly thisisnolongerthe were foundatsewagefarms, number ofwadingbirdsthat other inlandhabitatheldthe It wasnotedthatno ideal habitatfor a range of species Phragmites reedbedatShifnal,an wildlife. habitat forbirdsandother protected asapriority be maintainedand Severn Trentestateshould reedbeds foundacrossthe reedbeds,theexisting negate therequirementfor Whilstmodernmethodsmay lings inthewintermonths. sites forbuntingsandStar but arealsoexcellentroost used asabreedinghabitat The reedbedsarenotonly range ofbirdspecies. exceptional habitatfora ing mediumprovide Severn Trentsitesasapolish Reedbeds foundatseveral A sewagebedatPenkridge,these features sustainawiderange of species. Page 36 - - Roundhill, Nr Stourbridge WMRG Member John Overfield provides an overview at our work across several new Severn Trent sites near to Severn Trent, including Roundhill which promises to be an exciting location. At the request of the area We would hope that this management, seven Severn could become a point of Trent Water Sewage contact for the local Treatment Works (STW) sites community to learn about were surveyed by the West the actions and activities Midlands Ringing Group undertaken at the site and (WMRG) to assess the throughout the sites in the potential for ringing survey immediate area. activities and for conservation actions that Where possible WMRG will could positively impact bird support STW with ringing species diversity and demonstrations at this numbers at sites in the location. Additionally, there Reduced mowing regimes in Stourbridge region. are recreational and areas where appropriate at wellbeing benefits for staff some sites were suggested to During our surveys we working at Roundhill and increase flora and identified that Kinver and other sites through the invertebrate populations and Roundhill had the most po- amenity of the conservation diversity. tential from a conservation area at Roundhill and the and ringing survey increased interest We further recommended perspective, whilst other sites generated by nest box significant effort to maintain were found to have at least schemes and conservation and enhance the existing some potential. work generally. scrub area and to establish a discrete conservation area We identified that modest Meaningful ringing survey at Roundhill. nest box schemes for hole work at these sites will and open box nesting quantitatively and Our intention is to conduct species would be benefit to qualitatively demonstrate the Intensive ringing surveys at most sites as would boxes for value of the sites to birdlife Roundhill and Kinver, with owl species. and will serve to monitor this additional sites warranting value for as long as they are only occasional and conducted. seasonal visits to fulfil their potential.

The recommendations and work undertaken by WMRG in partnership with STW have the potential to showcase the positive conservation activities of Severn Trent Water. A series of paths were cut by members of WMRG, Roundhill makes a good improving access around the area. flagship for the activities and A series of paths were cut by positive conservation action members of WMRG which can be that can be made at other seen in this aerial shot sites in the surrounding area.

Page 37 discrete ‘Conservation Area’ that will have community educational and promotional applications for Severn Trent. In line with report recommendations WMRG members have commenced an ongoing program of scrub management, provided and installed 4 owl boxes (Tawny, Little and Barn) as well as 20 open and tit boxes.

We have also completed Care has been taken to conserve the existing habitat Net ride creation amongst scrub tree planting of 100 trees and have cut a network of and breeding birds that rides and paths to increase include good number of Since the completion of the edge and create glades in Blackcap and Common requested survey much has the scrub. Whitethroat as well as a pair been achieved already at of Yellowhammer. Roundhill despite the STW funded the tree whip constraints imposed by purchases (Rowan, Crab The surrounding farmland Covid19, in no small part, Apple and Birch) as well as appears to be in stewardship thanks to the committed the 2 Tawny, 1 Little Owl and scheme and has wide field engagement of STW to take 1 Barn Owl Boxes and the margins with wild flower mixes on board and fund the key local team have created a providing excellent habitat recommendations of the small pond in the for invertebrates and report and the enthusiasm conservation area. There farmland bird species. and commitment of the is also an occupied Kestrel team at Roundhill to support Box and an unoccupied box There is a reasonable area of conservation and surveying which were installed and plantation woodland on the activities and facilitate the are maintained by the local site and around its work required. team. margins. There are some ma- ture standing trees including The amenity value of the Actions taken to date have a group of impressive oaks project at Roundhill for enhanced the area for near the offices where Tawny employees there is already breeding and migrant birds Owl boxes have been sited. demonstrable. Each time and will increase plant and we have worked at Roundhill invertebrate diversity, future Tit and some open boxes members of staff have planned work will consolidate have been sited in engaged during the sessions, and deliver further plantation and more mature some taking time to attend improvement. areas to increase out of hours to engage in opportunities for hole nesting ringing sessions. species as there is little or no dead wood. The area of rough grassland, tall herbs and scrub A mature broad-leafed outside the fenced site area woodland borders the site to at Roundhill (formerly settling the west and although tanks) is an excellent area for rather disturbed is a reservoir wildlife and ringing and is for woodland species to being developed as a populate the main site.

Page 38 The ‘cake beds’ are We also caught a colour attractive to insectivorous ringed Dunnock and a species and are seen to ringed Blue Tit, that were attract many wagtails, identified as having been potentially many other originally ringed in a nearby species could occur. Future woodland. monitoring may reveal the value of this area for a wide As we moved into the range of species in other Autumn we located 3 Green seasons that may warrant Sandpipers on site. ringing survey activity here. Open nest boxes have been There are significant number sited here to increase Members of WMRG, improving of Black-headed Gulls at breeding wagtail numbers. access around the area. Roundhill and it is hoped that we can extend our current The Scrub Conservation area colour ringing project to Our plans for 2021 include has been the focus for bird include the birds using the the ongoing cyclical scrub trapping for ringing surveys site. clearance and other which have been severely maintenance tasks. limited by the Covid19 We sadly missed the pandemic lockdowns and opportunity to ring a brood We will conduct spring other restrictions. of Kestrel that had bred on passage & breeding bird site, but we are told that surveys and ringing As a new site the ground they are regular breeders sessions, together with nest works necessary to prepare and this is something we will box monitoring and Pulli the site for ringing and the look to do in 2021. ringing. commitment to deliver on the reported conservation The support from the team at Autumn passage bird surveys objectives have taken Roundhill has been amazing and ringing sessions will also precedence over ringing and we would like to thank be conducted at the site. activities in 2020. Paul, Sally and Stewart for all of their enthusiasm towards As for this year, we were Ringing activities could not our work. encouraged by the number be commenced until the of warblers, especially autumn as a result, a more We are confident that the Common Whitethroat using intensive year of ringing is work that has been the scrub area. Whilst we envisaged for 2021, completed to date will have only conducted 2 half day pandemic allowing. a positive impact and that ringing sessions in this area this will make this a excellent we ringed over 100 birds. site, for wildlife and ringing. Of note were Blackcap 35 Chiffchaff 19 Common Whitethroat 9.

A surprise Grasshopper Warbler warbler was ringed in August and there is potential that this species An open fronted nestbox installed may breed on site. at Roundhill

Page 39 Kinver WMRG Member John Overfield provides an overview on Kinver sewage works in South Staffordshire, a new site for 2020.

Kinver is a promising site from We have conducted two a ringing perspective and short ringing sessions at one with much existing Kinver, during which we conservation value. have caught and ringed Grey Wagtails. The site holds The filter bed area and an good numbers of this species extensive area of riparian and the fact that the site is scrub outside the fenced situated near to arable land area of the site offer may attract Yellow Wagtails opportunities to capture and also. ring a good number of Numerous warbler species were individuals and a wide noted in this area at Kinver We are aware that in the variety of species throughout past Siberian Chiffchaff and the year. Yellow-browed Warblers have both been seen at Net lanes need to be cut in With time and resources Kinver. the scrub/riparian area and limited this year ground to realise the full ringing works, conservation work This site offers a lot of promise potential of the site. and ringing activities at for ringing and it is envisaged Roundhill have taken that it could be a productive The site is well protected precedence over ringing site for us in the future. from wind and as a result is activities at Kinver in 2020. likely to be workable for ring- ing even in less that optimal Ringing activities could not weather conditions. be commenced until the late autumn as a result, a The settling beds have been more intensive year of the focus for bird trapping ringing is envisaged for 2021, which have been severely pandemic allowing. limited by the Covid19 pandemic lockdowns and In 2021 we hope to establish other restrictions. net lanes in riparian scrub

Spring passage & breeding bird surveys and ringing sessions will be conducted.

We will also target the wagtails that are present at Kinver as part of our current colour ringing project. As our current project is focused on The river Stour and the the importance of Severn Staffs/Worcester canal Trent sites, this additional site border the works, further Extensive scrub outside of will only serve to increase our increasing the site’s the main ST works offers data set. potential excellent ringing potential

Page 40 Bobbington, Himley & Gospel End John Overfield gives a brief insight into three smaller sewage works which offer a range of ringing opportunities, including phragmites reed beds.

BOBBINGTON GOSPEL END

A small site with a small Gospel End is a set in a quiet reedbed divided in two by a rural area, close to the concrete bund. outskirts of the West Midlands. The site is surrounded by mature hedgerows and There is a mix of habitat contains some large trees. which will support a varie- ty of bird species. Muntjac Despite the size of the site, Deer are also regular visitors there is some limited to the site. targeted ringing potential at HIMLEY the site. The 4 filter beds and Himley is another small site, abandoned Back Beds Reed Warbler were heard at which contains a two provide ringing interest in the site during our visit and phragmites reed beds. specific weather conditions the breeding birds and their in spring and possibly young could be captured The beds are separated by a autumn. and rung during grassy bund, which provides spring/summer sessions. a natural net ride for ringing. Ringing activity at the site is likely to be occasional and A limited program of ringing The reedbed is the key unintensive. is envisaged for 2021, habitat of interest at this site. pandemic allowing, where Sessions during periods of we will focus on Reed There is potential for ringing cool rainy weather between Warbler within the surveys in spring and possibly Spring and Autumn should phragmites reed bed. winter. Sessions are likely to provide opportunity to trap/ be limited in number and ring Swallows, House Martins, Grey Wagtail were found will focus on Reed Warbler. Sand Martins (hirundines) breeding on the site. There is the potential that and possibly Swifts feeding the reedbed at Himley may over the filter beds be used as a roosting site for Swallows during the summer and also for Reed Bunting.

With time and resources limited this year ground works, conservation work and ringing activities at Roundhill have taken prece- dence over ringing activities at Himley in 2020.

2021will see a limited program of ringing targeting Reedbed at Bobbington Reed Warbler. Filter beds at Gospel End

Page 41 Minworth In this article John Hunt gives an overview of the year at Minworth sewage treatment works. This is the largest site in the Severn Trent estate and has a range of habitats.

falling dramatically. As there were no other prey items, maybe a reliance on Field Vole led to this position of failed breeding.

We have seen the same picture around most of our sites in West Midlands and Staffordshire, where they have failed to breed in 2020. It is further noted that Shropshire barn owl trust also reported a poor breeding season with potentially low vole numbers. to ensure that Barn Owls are Our hope is that they breed Lock-down has affected protected and not disturbed next year and if we have lost the recording of spring time during the land clearance one of the birds, a new pair migrants, but good numbers and construction phase of is established that of Blackcap, Willow Warbler, the railway. subsequently take over the Chiffchaff and whitethroats territory. were evident, on a return to The provision of alternate the site in June. nest sites, in the form of nest Ecologists working on boxes, installed on mature behalf of HS2 contractors The Barn Owl box was trees aims to mitigate for have engaged with the Barn checked on June 17 and the loss of or disturbance to Owl Conservation Network unfortunately the indications any sites within the HS2 land were that these birds had clearance and construction not bred this year. A single area. This not only includes adult flew out of the box, nest sites used by Barn Owls so this may suggest that the in the past but also those other bird has died, or on a that are not currently used more positive note was not but which may offer suitable present. nest cavities to this bird.

Another possible To this end a request made explanation for the failure to Severn Trent by the to breed is a lack of prey. A Wildlife Conservation study of 8 pellets recovered Partnership for the siting of from the box revealed 23 two Barn Owl boxes on the Field Vole skulls. Populations Minworth site as part of this of these can fluctuate wide- habitat mitigation strategy. ly over 3 to 4-year cycles, with numbers rising and

Page 42 The ecologist determined which suggested that the first Lock-down has affected the citing of the boxes which brood had fledged. the recording of spring time was adjusted during the visit butterflies. Monitoring only in October to undertake the A netting session resulted in began in June, all of these installation. 33 Sand Martin being ringed, records have been logged with a good mix of juveniles with the Warwickshire county The large owl box is in need and adults. As we moved recorder. of some repair with a large into July the activity around area of the felt roof torn and the bank had subsided with Grassland species of butterfly the rest of the box would only a few late broods being were not as plentiful as 2019 benefit from a suitable fed, this suggested that there as species such as Speckled preservative. wasn’t a second brood. Wood, Ringlet and Meadow Brown typically Following a request from the decline after wet winters. ringing group, Stephen Griffin There was a marked arranged for the Sand Martin decrease in the number of Bank to be re-profiled after the migrant species Red it had fallen into a state of Admirals and Painted Ladies disrepair. The first visit, in early after the large scale June, following the end of eruptions in 2019. lock-down, showed the bank had at least 8 active nests. We hope that 2020 allows us more opportunity to access A visit to the Sand Martin col- Minworth and continue our ony, on June 17 saw approxi- ringing surveys. mately 70 birds free flying, Barston In this article John Hunt gives an overview of the year at Barston sewage treatment works.

Two visits were made early in There was a large flock of Recommendations the year prior to lock-down. Redwing in the surrounding The first visit of 2020 indicated fields using the hedgerows The mixed habitat of old that a substantial number of bordering the works. settling pools, filtration beds Pied Wagtails over-winter on and rough grassland the site with 40+ recorded. The site contains an provide ideal habitat for established rookery with ten several species, in particular With the installation of the nests in place. for Barn Owls that are known new treatment processes the to frequent the area. waste flow will be diverted from the new plant to the There are several mature outfall with the existing plant oaks suitable for an owl box, being abandoned. Once the siting of which should be this is completed the site is as far from the motorway as likely to be less attractive to possible. migrants and overwintering birds such as wagtails. The rest of the bird life was much as expected with tit flocks dominated by Long-tailed Tits.

Page 43 Thermal Imaging Surveys

Page 44 Thermal Imaging Surveys 2020 Thermal Imaging Surveys are integral to our group’s work. As pioneers of this technique we look at the impact it has had across the UK, Europe and worldwide! Paul Hopwood looks at the reasons why this is so important!

Who would have thought ringed species in urban areas that a random conversation and close to cities. on a summer morning at Marsh Lane nature reserve Species that were previously would have resulted in what unknown tat sites have been can only be described as found. Golden Plover, revolutionising bird ringing Common Snipe and Jack and bird surveys! Snipe are now known to frequent arable fields and in The conversation between areas where they have not Paul Hopwood and Ben Thermal photograph of Nightjar been previously reported. Dolan took place in 2016 and since then the technique has thermal cameras look at We have found more developed and we are now heat so birds are more easily Nightjar in areas than was recognised as the pioneers located. previously thought, and of thermal ringing. identified that the presence Secondly the traditional of a churring male is not an There are a number of method of catching birds indication of only one bird reasons this technology is so at night time with torches or a pair, several more birds special but it is has relied upon seeing ‘eye- may also be in the same perhaps best to go back to shine’. There is no doubt this area. the start. works, but in our view it is reliant on the bird being in We have also recorded the Firstly some birds are the correct position for the negative impact that particularly difficult to locate, reflection to be seen, and fireworks have on birds! such as Lapwing and Little therefore not all birds are Ringed Plover chicks, their seen. The thermal again Many other ringing groups juvenile plumage is their only negates this requirement. across the UK and Ireland are defence mechanism and now embracing this nature has provided them Finally and most importantly technology and developing with exceptional thermal technology opens it for their own needs and this camouflage. and reveals a whole new is great news. world of nocturnal wildlife behaviour, that has been Further afield we have been previously unknown. Whilst contacted from ringers in the technology does have Sweden, Luxenbourg, capabilities during Holland, Germany and daylight hours; locating and France in respect of Skylarks. catching Jack snipe, during We have also had contact the night it opens up a whole from Hungary, Poland, new world. Canada, Madagascar, Japan, North America and Lapwing chick camouflage We have found that light Russia about our thermal pollution is not fatal in our work, and this is a legacy will So whilst they are tricky to ability to catch and as such, are proud of! see with the naked eye we have seen, caught and

Page 45 Sunset over Sherbrook Valley P. Hopwood Cannock Chase Report

Page 46 Cannock Chase report Cannock Chase is a key site for the group. We have access to the Forestry England estate and Staffordshire County Council land, which provides a range of habitats, and a variety of species. Cannock Chase was Whilst there is much talk designated as an Area of about the heathland, we are Outstanding Natural Beauty also conscious that forest is in 1958 because of its vitally important and supports beautiful landscape, its key species that require this wildlife and its history. type of habitat such as Redpoll,Siskin, Crossbill and Cannock Chase is the raptors need this habitat, and largest surviving area of are just as important for the lowland heathland in the area. Midlands covering approx- imately 26 square miles. Clear-fell areas are home to Lowland heath is an Nightjar and Woodlark and internationally scarce and we often see rare migrants, threatened wildlife habitat. such as the Great Grey The AONB also has Willow warbler Shrike. extensive areas of forest and woodland along with for a range of bird species. areas of designed parkland, sand and gravel Several species are resident quarrying and mixed and breed on the chase, agriculture. including the Woodlark, but there are concerns about Whilst the lowland heath increased human activity. is important the forest is equally as important The Special Area of Conser- vation Team recently wrote

“Let it be under no doubt, Cannock Chase is dying, we Siskin have ecological and and we believe this ringed biological evidence from 40 bird returned to the same years, the biodiversity is area in 2020. The bird decreasing, the habitat is favoured Forestry land and fragmenting, the vegetation stayed for many months is in a poorer state, we despite human disturbance. have increasing problems with fungal pathogens, we Nightjar are an annual have increasing erosion. target species for the group Cannock Chase is on a and more detail can be constant downward spiral. found in the Nightjar section The habitats, the wildlife of report. However our which you see here today, if it ringing activities also see us carries on at this rate, will not target other species in the be here in 30 to 40 years Spotted Flycatcher Forest and on the heath. time.” We will be targeting

Page 47 Stonechat from 2021, again 3 Sparrowhawks. more detail is available in the following pages. Several nests were recorded, with Woodlark nests being In the summer we target visited under Schedule 1 Common Cuckoo and licence. We ringed 5 several new birds were Woodlark and 13 Tree Pipit ringed. pulli.

As migration started in late Over 930 birds were ringed July we held a number of on the chase in 2020, but it is ringing sessions in a section hoped that this will increase of heathland corridor and before the end of the year. Redwing

The Mealy Redpoll is larger than the Lesser Redpoll although they are all the same species, but biometric measurements do separate the birds.

This was a welcome addition to our totals and a Tree pipit nest Sparrowhawk these sessions proved to be very successful, with over 100 As we got into Autumn we birds being caught on one had four sessions targeting morning alone. Redwing. This migrant to the UK are responsive to tape The totals included 166 lures and as a result they are Lesser Redpoll and 100 Siskin. fairly easily caught. During A surprise Mealy (Common) the sessions we ringed 312 Redpoll was caught during a Redwing. session in September.

Mealy Redpoll We would like to thank Forestry England and Spotted Flycatcher caught Staffordshire County Council whilst targeting warblers was for their support and for also a bonus. continued access. Special thanks are extended to the The warbler numbers were Head Forester and the Wildlife good and our totals Rangers who have included: facilitated access.

154 Chiffchaff We are looking forward to 17 Blackcap 2021 and commencing new 15 Willow Warbler projects. The chase will 8 Common Whitethroat. always have a special place in our hearts and we continue to strive to obtain data that Common Cuckoo Other notable catches included 53 Goldcrest and will help inform improvements

Page 48 Stonechat, image taken by Derek Lees

The WMRG Stonechat colour ringing project

Page 49 The WMRG Stonechat Project In 2020 we applied to the British Trust for Ornithology to colour ring Stonechats across Staffordshire and in Worcestershire. The details of the project and how you can help are found in the following pages.

Why colour mark birds? individual bird can be When the Ringing Scheme established remotely, began over 100 years ago, the without the need for primary aim was to find out recapture. Individual colour more about birds’ movements; rings can be fitted in unique attaching a uniquely coded combinations but metal ring to a bird’s leg allows increasingly engraved rings the individual to be identified are used, bearing a if encountered at a later date, sequence of numbers and/ revealing the distance, or letters, as used on neck direction and duration of collars, wing tags and leg travel. This technique also per- flags. mits the calculation of ‘vital’ rates (survival and All BTO ringers must apply to productivity), the key role of the appropriate coordinator However, this method does ringing in 21st Century for permission to set up any have some limitations: conservation. colour-marking project, defining the species and 1. Catching (or recapturing) Originally, survival was location of the study and adults of some larger calculated using dead details of the resighting species, such as waders, recoveries reported by methodology, thus wildfowl, gulls, herons and members of the public, which maximising the chance of raptors, may require works well for large birds that sufficient data being specialist techniques, tend to die in obvious places, obtained. Ringers although some such as Barn Owls, but less well undertaking a project are (particularly herons and for smaller birds and those required to submit details of raptors) can more easily be living in remote areas. the number of birds ringed ringed as chicks Fortunately, analytical and any problems developments have enabled a encountered 2. Some species, such as shift of focus, and survival rates House Sparrow and Starling, are increasingly calculated are extremely wary, so the using recaptures of live birds by chance of recapturing a ringers. bird once a ring has been fitted is quite low

Enter Colour Marking

Both of these issues can be overcome by colour- marking. Using one of a variety of marks, such as lightweight plastic rings, leg flags, neck collars or wing tags, the identity of an

Page 50 WMRG Stonechats

The project will concentrate in Staffordshire and its primary focus will be Cannock Chase and Gentleshaw Common. However further birds will be ringed in other locations in Staffordshire together with Bredon Hill in Worcestershire. Cannock Chase is nationally important lowland heath and we believe a bespoke local project will be of benefit to all.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES How to get involved ?

• To help inform habitat management The benefit of colour marks is that they for landowners, AONB, Special Area enable non-ringers to engage with ringing of Conservation (SAC), Staffordshire projects by recording and reporting birds. Wildlife Trust and Forestry England But, as a non-ringer, if you see a colour marked bird (or find a colour mark on a • Identify breeding territories dead bird) who do you report them to?

• Identify wintering areas and numbers All colour-marking projects need to be present approved and registered with the BTO or a species or group coordinator. This is very • Monitor species longevity important to ensure that possible duplications between colour-marking • Monitor species movement projects on the same species are avoided. • Monitor site fidelity Approved (European) colour-marking • Understand dispersal of young birds projects are listed on the European marked colour-ring website – www.cr-birding.org - organised by Dirk Raes. • Allow us to understand the reasons why birds may not return to the same It includes information on the colour-mark breeding territory. This will consider scheme (but not the individual codes for numerous aspects including, each bird) and the email address of the disturbance, competition, habitat ringer in charge of the project so that they management and habitat changes. can be contacted directly by anyone who sees one of ‘their’ birds. • To understand the population of the species in the area.

Stonechat on Bredon Hill, Image courtesy of Nicholas Berry

Page 51 WMRG Stonechat sightings

If you see a colour-marked Stonechat in Location recording the West Midlands Region The project would benefit from any sightings The welfare of the birds is of paramount that are made. Where possible we would ask importance, and the priority will be to observers to consider using free mobile minimise disturbance of them, especially applications to provide more accurate data. between April and July when they are breeding. Google Maps – You could share a ‘push pin’ with us via email. Sightings are of secondary importance and all efforts should be made to obtain 1. On your Android device, open details of the colour ring without the Google Maps app unnecessarily encroaching on them. 2. Search for a place. Or, find a Cameras, binoculars, scopes and mobile place on the map, then touch phone (with zooms) are usually sufficient and hold to drop a pin. to read the ring. 3. At the bottom, tap the place's name or address. Email/send via social media the details 4. Tap Share . ... (species, date, time and location of 5. Choose the app where you sighting) to want to share the link to the map. [email protected] Ordnance Survey or let us know via Social media • On your Android phone or Twitter - @ringerswm tablet, open the OS maps app Facebook – West Midlands Ringing • Search for a place. Or, find a Group place on the map, then touch and hold to drop a pin. • Tap Share . ... • Choose the app where you want to share the link to the map

What 3 words - have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words.

what3words addresses are easy to Once you have reported a sighting say and share, and as accurate as GPS coordinates. We will provide you with some gener- You can find handy step-by-step al background information regarding instructions on how to use the the bird in question, Please remember what3words app here: that we are volunteers and therefore may not be able to get back to you by http://what3words.com/how-to-use- return. the-what3words-app

Page 52 Wildlife Crime

Page 53 Working with Wildlife Crime Units in the Region. The mystery of ghost-like figures silently swooping around Cosford has been solved…as colleagues discovered a family of owls nesting on the site. PC Glenn Flavell, a training hunting, the young birds officer based at the site and were all fitted with rings so volunteer Wildlife Crime they can be monitored in Officer (WCO), had the future & more learnt suspected the site may have about their future some new residents after movement and life span. spotting a duo of Barn Owls flying around the site and Disruption and handling returning with food. was kept to a minimal, with the young birds given The species, their nests, eggs the names of Glenn, Carl, and young are protected Pam and Asa. They were under the Wildlife and returned safely to the nest Countryside Act. As a WCO by the team before their oblivious parents returned Glenn wanted to discover One of the owlets where the birds had made with food. home to ensure it was safe. The duo contacted Sergeant Colleagues at Cosford will Ben Dolan, who as well as continue to keep an eye With the help of fellow Wildlife working in Force Intelligence out for the owlets as they Crime Officer and dog is also a licenced bird ringer, continue to develop and handler PC Carl Woodall, which allows him to place eventually fly the nest. and by following the tell- identifiable rings on wild birds. tale sound of owlets calling WMRG have now support- out, their nest was located After enlisting the help of ed these birds further by and four healthy young birds cleaner Pam Smith and fellow erecting an additional Barn found. trainer Asa Warren, and while Owl box on site and will both parents had flown off help monitor these birds for the coming years. Wildfowl Rescue Group member Paul Hopwood provides details of WMRG support to the RSPCA following a pollution incident in Smethwick. In august we responded to a We attended the site request for support from the within an hour, and utilising RSPCA in respect of a fuel some of our nets, we spill at a park in Stony Lane, managed to catch a Smethwick. number of the effected birds. These were taken to Numerous birds including a RSPCA centre for Canada Geese, Moorhen cleaning. and Coot were affected by the spill and sadly several An investigation into the birds had died, together with spill continues and it is many who had become hoped those responsible covered in diesel will be brought to justice. Page 54 Marsh Lane Nature Reserve

Page 55 Marsh Lane Nature Reserve The reserve attracts a wide is situated at Berkswell (be- variety of resident species tween Solihull and Coven- and regular migratory visitors, try) and covers 75 acres both breeding and on adjacent to and in the River passage, as well as Blythe Flood Plain, an SSSI. occasional migrants. The site was quarried for The site list currently stands at sand and gravel from 1995 206 and includes a number to 1999 and was reinstat- of regional rarities. ed jointly by RMC and the owners, Packington Estates, Details of latest sightings can opening as a reserve in 2001. be found on the website. In winter, up to 400 Wigeon and 750 Lapwing are It comprises three main Birds of particular note regularly present. pools (one a reedbed), include Bonaparte’s Gull, woodland, grassland, Hoopoe, Spotted Packington Estate Enterprises smaller ponds and some Sandpiper, Grey Phalarope, Ltd runs and administers the agricultural land. Black Kite, Rough-legged site, with access (365 day/24 Buzzard, Spoonbill, Stone hour – key required) being by Two of the main pools have Curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs, annual membership. been shaped and include Red-backed Shrike, Dusky a number of islands which, Warbler and Bee-eater. The adult rate is currently £43 since formation, have with junior/senior/joint attracted a wide range of concessions available. breeding and passage waders. In addition to site access, members receive a quarterly Eight hides have been newsletter and a copy of the constructed which, between annual report. them, give excellent views of all the pools and islands. Full details together with a downloadable application The majority of the hides are form are available on the linked by hard paths and website: there is a car park within the site’s locked gates. www.packingtonestate. co.uk/about/ Disabled visitors should find Marsh-lane-nature-reserve/ the site suitable for them although the paths are unbound. The paths are Little Egrets occur regularly, made of planings and are and Osprey is recorded in reasonably compact but most years. wheelchair visitors may need some aid. Hobby is a regular in the late Within the hides, seats can summer and early autumn, be unhinged or moved to Marsh Harriers are seen most allow wheelchair access to years. Most passage waders the blinds. have occurred including Avocet, Knot, Turnstone, Spotted Redshank and Temminck’s Stint.

Page 56 Marsh Lane Nature Reserve

Ben Dolan provides an update the group’s activities at Marsh Lane in 2020, a year which has had its ups and down in terms of weather, preventing us from conducting a number of ringing sessions on site.

The end of 2019 and We took the opportunity beginning of 2020 was a during any dry days to get on particularly quite period for to the reserve and conduct us due to the onslaught of work parties, which included constant rain and high winds, reducing height and willow whilst remaining very mild. scrub in the back gate area, ready for the warbler return, From January to April we also concentrating on re- normally see an influx of moving bramble along the finches at feeding stations or bank along the back gate on the supplementary feed area and around the gorse in the crop field, this usually bush. gives us an opportunity to catch some of these On one of the work parties farmland species Cetti’s Warbler we were able to get a work party from Groundworks Ltd 2020 did not see this influx, An area near car park hide and had around 20 people which we believe is down to was fed for approximately who continued the work the mild winter and is a pic- 12 days, which quickly saw around the back gate area. ture that is repeating up and good numbers of Wigeon, down the country. Coot and some Teal Work proposed to improve feeding, biggest count the reed bed area was In early February we were being approximately 150 suspended due the presence presented with an birds feeding with just under of a Bittern on the site, which opportunity to target Wigeon 300 in the pool. The team was present for some time! and Teal by using a met up the night before and cannon net. A cannon net is set the cannon net and put We would normally started a long net that is set across a down the last feed. During ringing warblers around April specific area, which is then the night, the rain returned time here however we were fired over the birds by the but stopped again by 5am restricted from ringing for a cannons, it is used for a vari- so we sat in the hide and few months due to Covid ety of species and has to be waited for the birds to start and didn’t start until later. carried out by highly trained feeding at first light. The first individuals. birds to arrive were approx- imately 8 Coot, followed by around 15 Wigeon, which fed then flew back to the water then returned to feed and continued that pattern. Unfortunately the bird numbers did not improve so the decision was made to catch as many as we could, which ended with 9 Wigeon, 9 Coot and 1 Greylag Goose.

Page 57 The back gate area has always been an excellent location for Blackcap and this species makes up the majority of our catches in the autumn.

We do utilise tape lures, but these are only turned on once we are on site and no earlier than an hour before dawn.

Ringing sessions are conducted once a week as we like to show a true Grasshopper Warbler one of many warbler species encountered at representation of the site. Marsh Lane NR One of Several Coots ringed during We are really excited by the a cannon netting session May saw a swift return landscape work at Marsh breeding at Marsh Lane in following lock down to help Lane and we want to the future. us understand what birds congratulate Nick Barlow, were within the back gate Pete Sofley and John Belsey There is still uncertainty about area and we had an early for the work that they have 2021 and we do not know if smattering of Blackbirds, tits designed, developed and we will be able to have and a few Blackcap. delivered. This work is really further cannon netting exciting and could have a sessions. Thankfully we were able to positive impact on the continue our colour ringing reserve and may attract a What we do know is Marsh projects on Black-headed diverse range of species, we Lane will remain a key site for Gulls, Oystercatcher and would love to see Avocet us in the future. Common Tern, which saw a better year for Oystercatcher Marsh Lane Recoveries chicks with a total of 4 col- our ringed, 95 Black-headed Blackcap – Ringed 22/07/2020 Marsh Lane NR, Caught on Gulls and a fantastic 04/09/2020 at Chilling, Hampshire, 180km away. 20 Common Tern. Blackcap – Ringed 07/07/2020 Jubilee River, Slough, Caught Ringing then continued in the on 05/09/2020 at Marsh Lane NR, 25km away. back gate area but due to poor weather, this was re- Sand Martin – Ringed 11/08/2016 Marsh Lane NR, Caught duced by about 50% 06/08/2020 at Bridgnorth, Shropshire, 52km away. compared to previous years Oystercatcher A20, Ringed 11/06/2018 Marsh Lane NR, but highlights were: Seen on 24/04/2020 at Baie du Mont Saint-Michel, France by F. Cochard, 412km. Re-sighted 20/07/2020 at Marsh Lane Blackcap 205, Chiffchaff 38, NR by J.Hunt. Garden Warbler 7, Reed Warbler 23, Whitethroat 3, Oystercatcher A26, Ringed 31/05/2020 Marsh Lane NR, seen Sedge Warbler 4, Willow on 02/09/2020 at Dawlish Warren, Devon by L. Warbler 4. Collins, 240km

Page 58 Marsh Lane NR improvement works Nick Barlow from Packington Estates explains his thoughts & hopes for Marsh Lane as work starts to improve the site for breeding wading birds.

Some 77 acres of the River It is clear that Redshanks, Blythe flood plain were in particular, like clumps of extracted for sand and vegetation to nest in and gravel in the late 1990s and also to hide their young in. formed into Marsh Lane Lapwings, Little Ringed Nature Reserve for opening Plovers and Oystercatchers on 1st July 2001. There are seem to prefer sparse two main lakes, separated vegetation to nest in but by Bailey’s Brook which feeds young Lapwings in particular into the Blythe. In addition to Contouring work being conducted need protective vegetation these two main pools there is at Marsh Lane to improve habitat as their parents are woeful in a smaller pool, created into a managing them. Reedbed. A few years ago, the Oystercatchers are highly Gravel islands were formed in islands were stripped and protective of their young and each of the two main pools re-gravelled which helped easily have much more with contoured channels and re-establish breeding Little success at Marsh Lane. shallower areas and high Ringed Plovers but like points were left for breeding Lapwings, they were success- The Little Ringed Plovers like birds to avoid periodic inun- ful to hatching but young open vistas to nest in and dation by the river in flood were quickly predated by they are then much more times. Gulls or Corvids. tolerant of annual vegeta- tion once the young have In the early years of the Frustrated by this, I consulted hatched. Reserve these islands worked with Pete Sofley and John well for breeding waders - Belsey of Ladywalk and To an extent, the work Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Upton Warren respectively, undertaken is experimental Little Ringed Plovers and and we decided to lower the but hopefully a greater shore Redshanks – but over time water levels, bring in a area, with some pockets of the battle to contain veg- digger and contour some of Yellow Flag and possibly Rush etation and a burgeoning the shorelines of the islands may provide the necessary Black-headed Gull colony and the mainland, and variation to improve has meant that these waders create pools on both which breeding success. have been significantly less would successful and more under (a) hold water longer and pressure. (b) would be planted up with Yellow Flag to provide cover for young waders.

As I said above, the hatching success is generally high but the fledging success is very poor and this partly because the open vistas of the islands, The use of a digger has been necessary to conduct such an which work well for the wad- ambitious project ers to breed, does not work Marsh Lane in 2020 prior to well for the young to hide landscape work commenced away from the predators.

Page 59 Marsh Lane Common Tern Project Group member John Hunt provides an insight into our Common project, which was our most successful year to date! The islands are cleared each spring of vegetation which is an ongoing battle. Fresh gravel has been added and the nesting areas expanded to accommodate eighteen bungalows.

The tern bungalows have also been popular with other species especially Moorhens and on a single occasion a Gadwall.

Looking forward to 2021 we plan to revamp the nesting Hopefully we will be able to identify mature adults with A Common Tern on one of our trail area. To tackle the cams! vegetation we will be using a darvic rings thus giving us propane burner that we the opportunity to ring their Since 2016 the group have hope will be successful by chicks and create a been ringing Common Terns. sanitising the gravel and documented dynasty. When killing off seeds before they used this year the support As the years have germinate. post for the camera trap progressed, the site has been proved to be a popular developed so as to give A camera trap provided perch and so additional them the best opportunity of interesting footage during posts will be placed on the raising chicks to a successful 2020 and we will and look islands. These will have a fledging. to use additional camera small perching area so as to traps within the area to more discourage larger gulls. During late 2017 we carried closely monitor the out extensive work on the breeding cycle. car park islands, where we had re-gravelled a portion of one of the islands and installed twelve tern bungalows of two different designs, one with an apex roof and a flat roofed version with an open-door way.

This was in order to encourage terns to this area and enable them to seek a safe place of refuge until they were big enough to have a better chance of survival. An occupied tern box at Marsh Common Tern chick Lane NR

Page 60 TERN MONITORING 2020 At least 14 sitting terns were On the 31st July there were counted on Car Park Pool on no terns noted at Marsh Lane The first two Common Terns the 5th June. and this marked the end of of the year were reported the 2020 season. on Car Park Pool on the 8th By the 9th July an estimated April, and by the 11th six 30 tern chicks had hatched Birds were still sighted locally terns were present with a number ringed. By the but by the 2nd August the 18th July 20 terns had been Marsh Lane birds that were Numbers increased ringed, 18 of which had a present at Earlswood lakes throughout the month, with darvic ring fitted. had left. 17 present on 17th, and 2 days later this had increased Two days later on the 20th There were sightings of our to 19 birds, the best count of July juvenile tern C48 was terns at Grimley in the year. seen at Earlswood Lakes Worcestershire on the 7th August and at Draycote By the 19th May 13 birds On the 24th July six birds and Water in Warwickshire on were sitting on nests. As we 5 juveniles were present and the 13th August. Full entered June, there was a numbers continued to de- details of our sightings are change in weather with a cline as the birds started to found below. noticeable drop in disperse. temperatures resulting in the We hope to continue this adults brooding young and On the 27th July two adults project and extend it to the at least nine chicks were and 4 juvenile birds were WMBC Blithfield Reserve. counted this morning. present

Darvic Date Location Distance Finder Condition Year (miles) ringed C31 05/07/2018 Earlswood Lakes 11 M. Griffiths Alive 2018 C13 12/07/2018 Earlswood Lakes 11 M. Griffiths Alive 2018 C33 12/07/2018 Earlswood Lakes 11 M. Griffiths Alive 2018 C37 12/07/2018 Earlswood Lakes 11 M. Griffiths Alive 2018 C22 22/7/2018 Seaforth, 91 J. Greeps Alive 2018 Merseyside C18 08/08/2018 Seaforth, 91 J.Greeps Alive 2018 Merseyside C39 30/06/2018 Marsh Lane NR 0 B. Dolan Injured 2019 C42 30/06/2018 Marsh Lane NR 0 B. Dolan Dead 2019 C45 24/07/2019 RSPB Middleton 11 Mercian Alive 2019 Lakes Birding C17 10/06/2020 Marsh Lane NR 0 J. Hunt Alive 2018 C35 19/06/2020 Marsh Lane NR 0 J. Hunt Alive 2018 C26 22/06/2020 Marsh Lane NR 0 J. Hunt Alive 2018 C25 16/07/2020 Marsh Lane NR 0 J. Hunt J. Alive 2018 Hunt C48 20/07/2020 Earlswood Lakes 11 J. Hunt Alive 2020 C35 23/07/2020 Marsh Lane NR 0 J. Hunt Alive 2018 C56 30/07/2020 Earlswood Lakes 11 J. Hunt Alive 2020 C52 30/07/2020 Earlswood Lakes 11 J. Hunt Alive 2020 C13 07/08/2020 Grimley, Worcs 27 D. Allott Alive 2018 C33 13/08/2020 Draycote,Warks 17 J. Judge Alive 2018

Page 61 Marsh Lane - Lapwing Project Member John Hunt describes a truly disappointing year for this species at Marsh Lane. Once a key site in the region, it has been impacted by HS2 to 2021 to see the impact of were unsuccessful with HS2 on breeding and where continued predation birds may move to during principally by Jackdaws the construction phase and subsequent operational Two pairs nested on the near phase. shore of Car Park pool. Here more substantial early cover The area east of the A452 provided both pairs were was taken under notice by able to raise a number of HS2 in 2018 and subsequently chicks. the farmer and Packington Estate held no control. Since Only 2 chicks made it to a the digging of Inspection pits size suitable for ringing, of The majestic Lapwing in 2019 and the subsequent these one was ringed (BR01), work by HS2 contractors but sadly neither was seen to there have been no fledge. We are monitoring Lapwing observed Lapwing activity in numbers in and around this area. Additional work has been Marsh Lane NR. undertaken to increase Pairs trying to breed on the margins where additional The requirement is to monitor crop field and the islands reeds and irises will be Lapwing numbers from 2019 planted. Marsh Lane - Oystercatcher Project John Hunt provides an update on the Oystercatchers at Marsh Lane NR, which has already resulted in some great sightings. Oystercatchers have been returning to Marsh Lane on next year and possibly at ringed at Marsh Lane since 23rd July. Marsh Lane. 2018. They are identified by a green darvic with white A 2020 bird A26, last lettering. observed at Marsh Lane on 10th June was seen at Whilst only 5 chicks have Dawlish Warren, Devon on been ringed, we have two 2nd September and on the = sightings away from the 22nd December. reserve which is amazing. Breeding pairs return to the The first sighting of a Marsh same territories. In general Lane ringed bird occurred females do not breed until at on the 24th of April 2020. This least three years of age, with bird, A20, ringed in 2018 was males delaying until five or seen during a high tide roost older. at Saint-Jean-le-Thomas (France). If A20 is a female, then there One of our Marsh Lane NR is a chance of it breeding Oystercatcher chicks. The second sighting was it

Page 62 Marsh Lane Nature Reserve Black-headed Gull Project Ben Dolan discusses the continuation of the Black-headed Gull project at Marsh Lane Nature Reserve. The Project, now in its 5th year seeks to learn more about their post-breeding dispersal. Since 2016 we have had some interesting sightings, Please continue to which have showed a report your colour preference for Western/ South Western dispersal, ringed sightings we are which is similar to other keen to receive all Black-headed Gull projects sightings in the Midlands. [email protected] The reserve consists of three main pools. Two of the main In 2019 our furthest sighting pools include a number of Gull Facts and Statistics was 776 miles away in Ponte- islands which, since their vedra, Spain by O. Santome, formation, have attracted a our 5th Spanish sighting of four wide range of breeding and different birds. passage waders. Total birds 650 ringed in project The pattern continues to show During late 2018 the large a preference for the West/ islands at Marsh Lane were South West which is seen improved and covered with across other similar projects Total shingle, in the hope that past and present. 347 sightings to this would improve nesting date areas for wading birds such Interestingly since April 2017 as Lapwing, Redshank and we have seen a number of Little Ringed Plover Black-headed Gulls return to Sightings Marsh Lane for different Large numbers of 48 in 2020 periods of time. Black-headed Gulls breed every year at the reserve, Our gull sightings are found on with numbers apparently the following page. increasing. Distance in 293 miles of furthest Since 2016 we have sighting 2020 continuously improved our approach to ringing a Miles in total colony of Black-headed recorded Gulls. 27124 from Following the sightings disappointment of 2019 when our sessions had to be cancelled for a number of Years old, reasons, 2020 did present us 32 longevity with the opportunity to ring record for BH birds within the colony. Gull

Page 63 Ring Date sighted Location Distance (miles) Finder 2AVL 17/01/2020 Gann Estuary, Dale, Pembrokeshire 157 D. Astins 2CHN 11/02/2020 Nevern Estuary, Newport, Wales 139 S. Baxter 2ACX 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2AJN 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2AKX 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2ANC 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2AXN 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BFH 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BNF 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BPA 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BPK 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BTJ 29/02/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2ALV 01/03/2020 Bull Island, Dublin, Ireland 198 P. Knight 2BJF 21/04/2020 Thrupp Lake, Nr Abingdon, Oxfordshire 55 Ben. C 2BKJ 28/05/2020 Upton Warren, Worcestershire 20 J. Belsey 2APN 28/05/2020 Upton Warren, Worcestershire 20 J. Belsey 2CFN 09/06/2020 Babbs Mill Lake NR, Kingshurst, Solihull 6 K. Duncan 2CJP 20/05/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 J. Hunt 2EXF 08/05/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 J. Hunt 2ATJ 29/06/2020 Upton Warren, Worcestershire 20 G. Williams 2AKT 03/07/2020 Upton Warren, Worcestershire 20 M. Wakeman 2BXJ 03/07/2020 Upton Warren, Worcestershire 20 M. Wakeman 2CHN 07/07/2020 River Teifi,Cardigan, Wales 129 R. Dobbins 2AAV 14/07/2020 Westport Lake, Stoke on trent 49 D. Kelsall 2EHL 15/07/2020 Brandon Marsh, Warwickshire 11 A.Boddington 2EFN 23/07/2020 Upton Warren, Worcestershire 20 M. Wakeman 2CCT 31/07/2020 River Clwyd, Rhyl, Denbighshire, Wales 98 A. Jones 2AJJ 04/08/2020 Cardiff Barrage, Cardiff Bay, Wales 92 P. Howlett 2BTP 06/08/2020 Draycote Water, Rugby 17 T. de Clemont 2CKP 10/08/2020 Clancy’s Strand, Limerick City, Ireland 293 T.Tarpey 2EAA 21/08/2020 Rhos Point, Llandudno, Wales 106 R. Sandham 2ENT 21/08/2020 Tivoli, Cork City, Ireland 290 B.Power 2BTH 02/09/2020 Catsford Common, Bridgwater Bay, Somerset 103 R. Musgrove 2CXK 01/09/2020 Kinsale Marsh, Kinsale, Cork, Ireland 295 B.Power 2BTP 03/09/2020 Draycote Water, Rugby 17 T. de Clemont 2AKT 08/09/2020 Annagassan Beach, Co. Louth, Ireland 218 J. Rod 2BTN 19/02/2020 Barnstable, Devon 139 M. Thorne 2AHX 28/09/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 J. Coakley 2ANC 28/09/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 J. Coakley 2CKA 03/10/2020 Limerick City, Ireland 293 G. Browne 2CFV 10/10/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G. Rowling 2CHH 10/10/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G. Rowling 2AKK 06/11/2020 Devoran, Cornwall 212 J. St Ledger 2CFN 10/11/2020 Babbs Mill Lake NR, Kingshurst, Solihull 6 K. Duncan 2BAA 22/10/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BFX 15/10/2020 Marsh Lane, Meriden 0 G.Rowling 2BFH 14/11/2020 Gillan Creek, Cornwall 221 M. Grantham 2ALF 23/11/2020 Bull Island, Dublin, Ireland 198 B. Burke

Page 64 WMRG Peregrine Falcon Project

Page 65 Peregrine Falcon Project 2020

Ben Dolan provides an update on the Peregrine Falcon project that WMRG have been working on for several years.

Peregrines were at very low Our three Staffordshire sites levels in the 1960s and a provided us with 11 chicks, number of factors had with two of the regular sites resulted in their decline. producing the regular 7 and our new site producing a Human persecution and healthy 4. farmland pesticides being present in their food sources We were concerned around in the food chain were the our West Midlands birds after main issues. producing 4 chicks yearly from 2015 and then Improved legislation and reducing to 2 in 2019, A brood of our Staffordshire protection has helped the however they returned to Peregrines birds to recover, but they are producing 4 healthy chicks still persecuted today. Some for 2020, although we of our birds have been became aware of some Thankfully Covid restrictions subjected to persecution. serious threats against these were eased just in time for birds by a local pigeon us to continue monitoring Birds are illegally killed to group. our Peregrine Falcon sites prevent predation on game across West Midlands and birds and racing pigeons. Thankfully we work closely Staffordshire, with a new They also have eggs and with the West Midlands Po- Staffordshire site added to chicks taken for collections lice and RSPCA, whose quick our ever growing colour and falconry. Peregrines are actions dealing with these ringing project. a Schedule 1 listed species threats undoubtedly saved of The Wildlife and their lives. The Peregrine is an icon- Countryside Act. ic raptor, reportedly the During 2020 we had two fastest bird on the planet reported fatalities of chicks, reaching speeds of up 200 one died on site after mph. However, this speed fledging, however another is gravity-assisted and part was found dead by a mem- of a stoop. In flat flight the ber of public on Wrekin, Peregrine is not considered Wellington, Shropshire, which as the fastest, with Swifts was 37km away. reaching higher speeds. Unfortunately the bird was The strongholds of the decomposed and we were breeding birds in the UK are unable to ascertain cause of the uplands of the north death. and west and rocky sea coasts, however our Since we started monitoring birds favour the urban Peregrine Falcon chicks in environment and the 2014, we have ringed a total species has adapted well of 80 chicks, and have had Juvenile Peregrine Falcon in towns and cities across 12 reported deaths. the UK.

Page 66 Community Engagement Community engagement is central to our work. Our work with volunteers, community groups, partners and farmers and landowners is vitally important to us, even more so during a difficult year for all.

One of the biggest impacts Unfortunately this too was that the Covid-19 cancelled, but we are pandemic has had is social looking to reschedule as isolation, especially for the soon as possible. older generations. Due to the rules set by the We had engaged with the Government, social isolation Cannock Chase Shed group. The Shed are a self-help became more of a problem community group for men in Autumn, and a change & women who build, make, was needed. mend, repair and restore things (including themselves!) We held an online ‘Trent Talk’ whilst making friends and enjoying chat, banter, tea & for Transforming the Trent coffee & cake. Nest Box Hero Dennis Leonard Valley and a talk for farmers and residents from the The group had agreed to Dennis Leonard continues to Bredon Hill area about support us by making nest support our group and during farmland birds and ringing. boxes for local birds and in 2020 has made a number of Both of these resulted in support of our projects. nest boxes for Little, Tawny & Barn Owls. some great feedback and We had hoped to have we will continue to do more. visited the group to share our Dennis is now in this 93rd year work and to offer the and is still enthusiastic and If you would like us to do a opportunity for the groups keen to continue making talk, please contact us. members to take part in our boxes for us. activities. Sadly this couldn’t happen, but they have We can’t thank Dennis To support the NHS we set agreed to help where they enough for the work he does up a fundraising event fo- can working from home. for our group and the local cussed on our Black Headed Obviously this is not the same wildlife. and we hope, where Gulls. People were able to possible to offer an online We did manage to conduct sign up for a small donation talk with them to provide a demonstration for and name one of our colour them with an insight into our Championing the farmed ringed gulls. This had a great work. We hope 2021 Environment (CFE) in response and we raised over improves and allows us to Staffordshire, helping farmers, £200 that was donated to work closer with this group. landowners and those with a general interest in wildlife to NHS Charities Together! identify birds. A further outdoors, socially distanced walk was held at the Bradshaws Estate in September. This gave residents or Perton and the surrounding area the opportunity to see our work on the estate and on farmland. As numbers were limited the event was over subscribed very quickly and we scheduled a further event in November.

Page 67 Transforming the Trent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme Nicola Lynes, Community Engagement Officer (Transforming the Trent Valley) introduces this fantastic landscape partnership scheme and her work with WMRG with online talks to address Social Isolation during a challenging year.

We were delighted to have Transforming the Trent WMRG deliver the first Trent Valley Landscape Partner- Talk for us, speaking about ship Scheme is focussed on thermal imaging surveys to the River Trent, its floodplain an international audience! and tributaries in East Staffordshire and South We had people join our Derbyshire. Zoom talk from across the UK, Hungary, Germany, It is led by Staffordshire Belgium, Czech Republic Wildlife Trust, and funded by and as far away as Japan, the National Lottery Heritage so a truly international event! Fund. To find out more about “Trent Talks” with Transforming the scheme, please visit our the Trent Valley Landscape Our Trent Talks will continue website. Partnership Scheme. into 2021, with a range of speakers such as Derbyshire www.thetrentvalley.org.uk Like many other Wildlife Trust, Staffordshire’s organisations, Transforming County Moth Recorder, Bum- the Trent Valley Landscape blebee Conservation Trust Partnership Scheme has had and more to be announced. a difficult year, having to can- The full list can be viewed cel the majority of our face to on our website https://www. face activities and thetrentvalley.org.uk/events. furlough many of our team. php. All talks are free to Cherry Holme - A natural river book onto and are open to island restored for wildlife In the summer months we en- everyone. couraged people to go out and explore their local wild spaces, but as the second lockdown loomed in November as the dark evenings drew in, we changed our approach.

Our online Trent Talks were launched with the intention of ‘bringing nature into your home’ while it was more difficult for people to spend time outside, and creating a space for like-minded people to come together in these times of isolation. www.thetrentvalley.org.uk

Page 68 Staffordshire Pied flycatchers Ringing Group member Keith Clowes has been ringing Pied Flycatchers in North Staffordshire for over 20 years. In this article he describes a season impacted by weather and human disturbance. 2020 was a dreadful year for Pied Flycatchers are a red Pied Flycatchers in North listed species and breeding Staffordshire, and will be habitat is vitally important for remembered for all of the them, so 9 boxes being wrong reasons. disturbed is just awful.

Pied flycatchers arrived in the The boxes are located in a area as we would expect, but private area, but this has not they were faced with many stopped people going to the challenges boxes. Birds have been displaced as a result of this, and some may never return. Early in the season when the Male Pied Flycatcher birds went down on eggs we the most significant impact experienced a period of We will not publish the was as a result of location of the boxes, but awful weather, resulting in irresponsible human four nests failing. if you know where they are interference. and note any suspicious The situation did not improve behaviour please notify us or Nine of the occupied the Police. and two further nests, where boxes in the area had eggs had hatched failed been opened, and not Staffordshire Police Wildlife following an extended period closed properly, leaving of wet weather. Crime Team are aware and the nests open to the will be monitoring the elements and predation. But most disappointingly situation in 2021 Everything is Rosy! In June group member Keith Clowes had a surprise visitor to his ringing site in Kingsley, Staffordshire, a visitor that had travelled some distance! In June I had large numbers of breeding range. Starlings visiting my ringing site in Kingsley, and I decided that Only 42 of these birds have I would try and catch some, as been caught in the UK since they can travel some distance. 1956, and only 1 or 2 are caught each year, although Having set up a small trap I in many years they are not noticed an unusual bird encountered. This was a real amongst the flock, and soon privilege for me and for the identified it as a Rose-coloured group. Starling. These are a striking bird, with These birds are usually found in contrasting pink and black The Rose Coloured Starling Asia and Eastern Europe but in feathers. This bird was an 2020 large numbers had been adult. It certainly made up seen away from their normal for a poor start to the year.

Page 69 https://www.vosker.com/

VOSKER designs and manufactures the world first mobile security cameras. 2021 sees a collaboration between ourselves and Vosker Products, Canada looking at the wildlife capabilities of these devices.

Vosker have kindly The camera has an inbuilt sponsored our group with a solar panel which ensures Vosker V200 trail camera, continual power and which will take photos and meaning less disturbance to video in the field and send birds. images directly to our mobile phones. We look forward to working with Vosker during 2021 and The main project we’d like to beyond. trial this technology for is our Common Tern Project where For more information visit we will angle this camera on https://www.vosker.com/ to a small perch, and as the Terns land on the perch, VOSKER cameras require no images will be taken and Wi-Fi or power to operate. sent to us and allow us to They are completely wire-free see any of our colour ringed and fully mobile enabled. Terns that are returning to the site, therefore reducing Being weather and future time in the field. proof, Vosker’s cameras are a must use in today’s world. New Group Members We had two new members join us this year, and a further prospective member accompany us on several sessions. Due to the pandemic we made a decision not to take any further trainees on from the Summer.

John Overfield a C permit in January 2020. He hopes holder joined us in the to get his C permit in 2021. summer having moved from Gloucestershire. John has We have also been birded worldwide and is accompanied by Faye an international bird guide. Minister, a trainee who has John has been moved into Staffordshire. We concentrating on new hope Faye will move to the Severn Trent sites and group in 2021. Overbury Estate. We have many people Paul Smith is a trainee and waiting to start with us, but accompanied us in 2019, sadly this is being delayed but commenced his training Trainee Paul Smith with a due to Covid restrictions. Sparrowhawk Page 70 Ringing Data

2020

Page 71 Ringing Recoveries In 2020 the group encountered 19 birds that had previously been ringed, by the group or elsewhere in the country or abroad. The following page provides highlights of these encounters.

Species Location ringed Date Location Found Date Dis- ringed Found tance km Fieldfare Bradshaws 22/12/2019 Belvide Reservoir 07/12/2020 10km Staffordshire Skylark TWB Farms, 24/09/2019 Bradshaws 26/08/2020 23km Staffordshire Staffordshire

Lesser Redpoll Cannock Chase 04/10/2019 Heart of 18/10/2020 55km England Forest Chiffchaff Corbridge, 01/08/2020 Cannock Chase 01/10/2020 243km Northumberland Chiffchaff Patshull, Staffs 18/07/2020 Cannock Chase 13/09/2020 26km Lesser Redpoll Smallfield, South 10/09/2020 Cannock Chase 01/10/2020 81km Yorkshire Blackcap Marsh Lane NR 22/07/2020 Chilling, 04/09/2020 180km Hampshire Siskin Ramsley Res. 02/09/2020 Cannock Chase 05/09/2020 63km Derbyshire Blackcap Jubilee River, 07/07/2020 Marsh Lane NR 05/09/2020 125km Slough Cetti’s Marsh Lane NR 08/07/2019 Chelmarsh 14/06/2020 49km Warbler Shropshire Reed Bunting Chelmarsh 10/11/2019 Pattingham 14/03/2020 15km Shropshire Staffs Reed bunting Shifnal STW 03/11/2016 Pattingham 14/02/2020 13km Staffs Reed bunting Attingham 18/09/2017 Shifnal STW 29/12/2019 20km Shropshire Lesser Redpoll Cannock Chase 13/10/2016 Wakefield 18/10/2020 102km Yorkshire Pied Alton, North 03/06/2017 Bearda, 21/05/2020 24km Flycatcher Staffs Staffordshire Sand Martin Marsh Lane NR 11/08/2016 Bridgnorth, 06/08/2020 52km Shropshire Redwing Cannock Chase 20/10/2016 Asha, Ashinsky 15/07/2019 3896km Russia Oystercatcher Marsh Lane NR 10/06/2018 Mont St-Michel, 20/07/2020 412km France Oystercatcher Marsh Lane NR 31/05/2020 Dawlish, Devon 02/09/2020 240km

Page 72 From Russia with Love! This year the BTO notified us of a recovery of one of our birds from Russia! This is one of the furthest recoveries recorded by the BTO!

Whilst many Redwing are The bird in question was juvenile and was aged as ringed annually in the UK ringed by a WMRG member being born in 2016, however (circa 15k per annum) , the on Cannock Chase on the in the following three years recovery rate for this species 20th October 2016, during this bird may have is very low. a session where these were repeated the journey, or targeted. travelled further over 3 years, We have had several with repeated migration recoveries of Redwing, with However on the 15th July journeys, this could have the furthest to date being in 2019 the leg of an unknown totalled 23.400 km or 14500 Portugal. However on the bird species, together with a miles! 10th January 2020 we were British ring was found in Asha, notified of the recovery of a Ashinsky District, Chelyabinsk We are trying to ascertain bird from the BTO Oblast in the Russian details of the circumstances Federation and reported to in which the remains were the BTO. located in Russia, as this could provide us with more A search of the BTO useful information. Could it database made the link to us have been in a falcon nest, and we were informed. a bird of prey kill, a bird that was hunted? We hope to This recovery is amazing, and find out and will provide any the distance between information in our 2021 locations is 3896km or 2420 report. miles. However this bird is likely to have travelled Information of this nature is significantly further! one of key reasons why bird ringing is so important! A Redwing from Cannock Chase The bird was ringed as a

Map depicting Redwing movement!

Page 73 Subsequent Recaptures & Sightings

The following table contains data of birds that have been recaptured by West Midlands Ringing Group in 2020. Gull and Common Tern sightings are also incorporated

This data includes birds that have been recaptured at the same location or controlled birds. Controlled birds are birds that have been previously ringed or encountered by other ringers or ringing groups in the UK. For this data we have only included controlled birds that have been recaptured over 10km away from our sites.

Species Numbers Recaptured/ controlled Jack Snipe 2 Oystercatcher 2 Black-headed Gull 33 Common Tern 10 Nightjar 8 Blue Tit 16 Great Tit 2 Skylark 29 Cetti’s Warbler 1 Chiffchaff 3 Blackcap 6 Wren 2 Treecreeper 1 Blackbird 1 Fieldfare 1 Redwing 1 Robin 7 House Sparrow 2 Dunnock 8 Grey Wagtail 1 Chaffinch 4 Greenfinch 3 Linnet 54 Lesser Redpoll 1 Siskin 1 Yellowhammer 5 Reed Bunting 27 Total 231

Page 74 Ringing Totals for 2020 The following chart contains details of all birds caught, ringed and processed during 2020. Site specific data is not included in this report, but is provided to the relevant land owners. Should you wish to obtain site specific data please contact us at [email protected]

Species Ringed 2020 Ringed 2019 Wigeon 9 0 Grey Partridge 6 15 Sparrowhawk 3 1 Buzzard 1 1 Coot 9 0 Oystercatcher 3 1 Lapwing 2 4 Golden Plover 1 1 Little Ringed Plover 2 0 Woodcock 47 72 Jack Snipe 9 21 Common Snipe 3 16 Black-headed Gull 118 19 Common Tern 30 12 Stock Dove 5 3 Woodpigeon 1 6 Collared Dove 3 2 Cuckoo 5 3 Barn Owl 11 13 Tawny Owl 7 8 Nightjar 35 69 Great Spotted Woodpecker 3 1 Kestrel 6 0 Peregrine 15 10 Coal Tit 3 20 Marsh Tit 1 1 Blue Tit 80 135 Great Tit 31 99 Woodlark 5 4 Skylark 457 214 Sand Martin 33 16 Swallow 7 73 House Martin 8 60 Cetti’s Warbler 3 4 Long-tailed Tit 64 33 Willow Warbler 21 9 Chiffchaff 223 46

Page 75 Species Ringed in 2020 Ringed in 2019 Sedge Warbler 4 10 Reed Warbler 23 43 Grasshopper Warbler 1 0 Blackcap 269 315 Garden Warbler 7 17 Lesser Whitethroat 1 3 Whitethroat 20 9 Goldcrest 70 41 Wren 27 40 Nuthatch 7 16 Treecreeper 3 1 Rose-coloured Starling 1 0 Starling 16 16 Blackbird 40 24 Fieldfare 37 16 Redwing 335 167 Song Thrush 10 7 Spotted Flycatcher 1 0 Robin 68 64 Pied Flycatcher 10 43 Redstart 7 20 Whinchat 1 0 Stonechat 12 7 Wheatear 2 3 House Sparrow 55 7 Tree Sparrow 18 0 Dunnock 94 44 Grey Wagtail 9 32 Pied/White Wagtail 3 28 Meadow Pipit 78 44 Tree Pipit 16 9 Chaffinch 154 60 Brambling 4 85 Bullfinch 2 7 Greenfinch 50 21 Linnet 373 268 Common Redpoll (Mealy - Flammea) 1 0 Lesser Redpoll 179 4 Goldfinch 68 91 Siskin 110 23 Yellowhammer 70 60 Reed Bunting 99 205 Grand Total 3625 2884 (some sp. omitted)

Page 76 Colour Ringing Projects The following detail provides information on our Colour Ringing Projects across the Region and how to report sightings

ABC Peregrine Falcon 2ABC Black-headed gull

Orange ring with black alpha-numeric Black ring with a white four code (letter/number) (on left tarsus) and alpha-numeric code (starting metal ring (on right tarsus) number "2") and metal ring (on contact right tarsus) [email protected] or contact [email protected] [email protected]

AB Pied Wagtail AB Grey Wagtail

Black ring with a white 2 alpha-code Red ring with a white 2 alpha-code (on (on left leg) and metal ring (on right left leg) and metal ring (on right leg) leg) contact contact [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] [email protected] C22 Common tern BR01 Lapwing

Black ring with a white 3 alpha- Black ring with white alpha-numeric code numeric code (on left leg) and (letter/number) (on left tarsus) and metal metal ring (on right leg) ring (on right tarsus) contact contact [email protected] [email protected]

AB Stonechat Please visit

Black ring with a white 2 alpha-code https://www.cr-birding.org/ (on left leg) and metal ring (on right for details of other leg) contact colour-ringing projects [email protected] or [email protected]

Please keep your eyes peeled for any of our colour-ringed birds. We would gratefully receive all sightings and will provide finders with details of each bird.

[email protected]

Page 77 2020 a Year in Review Martin George provides some final thoughts on our ringing year in 2020

Last year was a year like no It was reassuring to see the Looking forward to 2021 we other as the world faced up birds continuing the sea- will be continuing and to the realities of the largest sonal patterns that their expanding our work public health emergency species have followed for wherever possible, which will in a century and the single thousands of years, but include writing up some of our gravest threat to our nation for us the world was now work for publication in peer since the Second World War. a very different place. reviewed journals, an exciting Normal life was When we look back on a and slightly daunting first for suspended to varying year almost defined by the us. We are also looking for- degrees, and many of the need to keep away from ward to developing our activities that we all enjoy people what stands out Stonechat project, colour and rely on were stopped or is the number of people ringing these charismatic little at least curtailed. we have worked with: a birds at sites in Staffordshire diverse mix ranging from and Worcestershire and For many of us the birds individual farmers to large encouraging birdwatchers to were a welcome reminder corporations, but for even look out for them across the of more certain times. As the largest organisation the West Midlands region and winter eased into spring the point of contact has been beyond. Some British-ringed Fieldfares and Redwings individual people. Thank Stonechats have travelled as were replaced by you to everyone who has far away as North Africa! Chiffchaffs and Swallows partnered us in this year’s and the group’s attention work. If you worked with us in any moved from mist netting way in 2020, thank you very winter finch and bunting much for your support. We flocks to catching migrant couldn’t do what we do with warblers. you. If you’re reading this re- port as a potential partner for With the arrival of summer the future, we look forward to our nocturnal focus working with you, please just changed from dazzling say if we can help with any Woodcocks and Skylarks to more information. catching Nightjars, before autumn’s peak numbers of We’re always keen to draw young and migrant birds attention to the good work kept us busy again at the that often goes unnoticed in mist nets, and we also made the countryside. In this Report an early return to Skylark we’re delighted to highlight catching to ensure that we some of that work, in the could identify the local words of many of the farmers juveniles before the adults and landowners who kindly and young moulted into host our activities throughout identical plumage for the the year. Although the hold- winter. By November’s ings are diverse there is a “Woodcock Moon” we were common thread, of wanting back to walking farmland to to support and encourage look for Woodcock, Snipe, wildlife, that we feel many Jack Snipe and Skylark. more people need to know about.

Page 78 Contact us For details of how to get in touch with us, or to find out what we are up to take a look below!

There are various ways that Want to start ringing? As a group we are active all you can get in touch with us, year. Most of our activity is and for our latest news we The ringing process involves often early in the morning, so are on Twitter and Facebook much more than you might sessions starting at, or before, imagine, preparation and 5am are commonplace. For information on our planning to catch and ring birds is essential. Our ringing sites are rarely farmland survey work or if accessible by public you are a landowner and Habitat management at transport so you would need want to arrange a visit from to consider this. us then please get in touch ringing sites, maintenance via email. of equipment and stocking winter feeding stations are During summer and winter we all essential jobs. are often out on an evening For details of demonstrations or at night undertaking or for data enquiries please thermal surveys and nightjar email us. We share chores with everyone getting involved. sessions. [email protected] There is a lot to do and it will take up a lot of time. If you undertake bat surveys as part of your work or as a hobby then this may conflict To find us on Facebook, search for with training.

West Midlands Ringing Group If you are interested then please get in touch.

For Twitter please follow

@ringerswm

To view our YouTube channel, subscribe to:

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To contact us via email

[email protected]

www.westmidlandsringinggroup.co.uk Female Brambling

Page 79 www.shropshirebirds.com

In December 2019, For many species it will The Society published The show that massive changes Birds of Shropshire, have occurred in their population and distribution. This is the most comprehensive The Birds of Shropshire will record of the County’s shape conservation avifauna ever published. priorities in the County for The Society was formed in 1955 It is based on the results of the next 20 years and aims to encourage the six years fieldwork by over For more details visit the study and protection of birds in 650 different observers SOS website and for the Shropshire and elsewhere. who submitted over 333,400 records. Birds of Shropshire visit It organises a wide range of https://www.liverpooluni- activities, including indoor These records have been used to produce maps versitypress.co.uK/books/ meetings and field trips, id/41929/ undertakes survey work and showing the current produces an annual bird report distribution of almost 200 and a quarterly bulletin. different species.

The Birds of Shropshire SOS values the work of the includes an account for WMRG for the contribution each species, describing they make to our its distribution and understanding of the County’s relative abundance. birds.

West Midland Bird Club is a regional organisation that is dedicated to the study and conservation of wild birds in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. We have bird reserves at Belvide and Blithfield reservoirs in Staffordshire, Harborne near the city of Birmingham in the West Midlands and Ladywalk in Warwickshire. WMBC also have access agreement to bird- watch at Gailey Reservoirs in Staffordshire (permission of the Canal & Rivers Trust) and at the Moors Pool at the Upton Warren reserve in Worcestershire (with permission of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust). The Club also operates a network of local branches throughout the region and operates field trips for its members. For further information about The West The Club publishes a comprehensive Midland Bird Club or if you would like to and highly acclaimed Annual Report of become a member please visit the website at the birds of the region, which is the only authentic source of information on the www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uK avifauna of our four counties.

Page 80 Protecting Staffordshire’s Wildlife and places for over 50 years Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is your local wildlife charity dedicated to looking after Staffordshire’s wildlife and wild places. Our mission is to protect and enhance the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and to promote understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world by putting wildlife at the heart of everything we do.

The UK has become one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. We actively work to protect all wildlife including birds, mammals, invertebrates, flowers, trees, fungi, fish, amphibians and reptiles. Our conservation projects help to create and restore habitats for wildlife, to ensure that the county’s wild creatures have secure places where they can feed, shelter and breed.

For more information about our work visit: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk Or to become a member visit: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/support-us/become-member

A world inspired by birds and informed by science. There are lots of ways you done by beginners from can contribute. Many the comfort of their own help by taking part in homes whilst others fieldwork surveys - but you require more skill and can also support the BTO endurance! as a member, becoming a regional organiser, help at All BTO surveys make an an event, or donate to an important contribution to appeal. our understanding of the UK’s birds. BTO Surveys are great way of learning more about For more information The British Trust for Ornithology the birds and other about taking part in a BTO (BTO) is a UK charity that focuses wildlife in your local area. survey or supporting their on understanding birds and, in work, please visit particular, how and why bird The BTO organises a range populations are changing. Our of surveys every year. vision is of a world where people are inspired by birds and informed www.bto.org Some surveys can be by science.

Page 81 Team4Nature “Business, Community and Nature, Together for a better world”

OUR MISSION

“To strengthen local businesses and build pride of place so that local communities thrive, whilst enjoying the many benefits that arise from a deep connection with the rest of nature”.

Team4Nature was created Each Team4Nature local in response to the findings network will have one or of The State of Nature 2013 more Team4Nature local Report. guardians, working on the ground to help make things We provide the stage for happen, organise network caring and visionary meetings and strengthen businesses, amazing the local community. community groups and passionate individuals to rise By connecting people to together and create thriving the local businesses and neighbourhoods with a bright other organisations that Team4Nature local networks future. care, the level of local pride are designed to offer of place and sustainable something for everyone, Our Team4Nature local economic strength will rise. whilst building strength guardians work on the Local supply chains and through teamwork. ground to strengthen these employment hubs will also Businesses, community exciting networks and find be built, as each groups and individuals can more heroes that possess the Team4Nature local network all get involved and make a qualities necessary to make a strengthens. difference in their local area. difference in their local community: So! If YOU appreciate the Each Team4Nature local power of nature, network covers a understand the challenge parliamentary constituency. and feel inspired to get in- volved and make a Each Team4Nature local difference in your local network will have its own community, community website area to promote local business and Web: serve as a resource to help people connect with nature, team4nature.co.uk projects and organisations in their local area. Email: [email protected]

Page 82 Page 83 West Midlands Ringing Group 2020 ©