Welcome to the Autumn issue of our newsletter. Catch up with news stories from around the country, read about making a garden pond and find inspiration with a delightful Haiku poem.

Dear supporters, Welcome to this much delayed newsletter for your than the temporary mess we humans are in just RSPB local group, delayed because of continuing now. Some ways you can help are in the following uncertainty about what events we might be able to pages, but you’ve probably got your own way of plan. We finally decided that we had to cancel all helping too. And although things look bad remember our talks until next season, almost a that it’s not an absolute win/lose year away. We hold out the hope that struggle we’re in. As well as setbacks, we may be able to restart our field there are advances, like the spread of trips, with restricted numbers, but raptors such as buzzards and kites, cannot yet. Your committee keeps the and the return of beavers. RSPB situation under review at our regular reserves, extending each year, now Zoom meetings, and representatives cover an area almost the size of from many local groups take part in Surrey. Everything we do to push similar reviews with RSPB back nature’s decline matters, so don’t management, whose guidance we lose heart. ultimately follow. It’s good to enjoy time with our friend, I am writing this after Lesley has put together the nature, too. It helps that reserves are gradually rest of the newsletter, so I can see what a great job opening, with limitations to keep staff, volunteers she’s done at a time when motivation is difficult. and visitors safe. The other day I visited Rye Many members have contributed, showing that the Meads, a convenient location to catch up, in a group is very much alive. In all these pieces they socially distant way, with a friend I hadn’t seen for show how the nature they’ve connected with has over a year. The pools were a little too flooded for lifted their spirits. That’s so important. The tendency waders, and this is probably not its best time of in our individualistic culture to see ourselves as year; its extensive reedbeds should be great in late separate beings is, I believe, fundamentally wrong. spring. But I was able to introduce my friend to the To paraphrase John Donne, no person is an island. song of Cetti’s warblers, which were everywhere, We are, essentially, a unique and evolving bunch of and it made his day. His enthusiasm rather made relationships. While it has been so hard to maintain my day too. Getting to know a new species, or relationships with people outside our household, our learning more about a familiar one, especially on its relationships with nature have increased in own territory, builds that relationship and so builds importance, whether with birds and other wildlife in us. So get out there (when it stops raining). our locality, plants in our gardens, our local woods and commons. The connection is there so long as Best wishes, we affect them, and they affect us. You wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t a friend Martin of nature, and as such you will want to help when your friend is in trouble, which it is, big time. Climate change, species loss, these are really bigger issues

Revive Our World is the new campaign from the Great white egrets and spoonbills are continuing to RSPB aiming to build a healthier, happier nature- increase their presence in the UK following a filled world. successful breeding season. Nests at the RSPB’s With the pandemic bringing much of the world to a Ham Wall reserve and the neighbouring Shapwick standstill, nature has been put firmly in the spotlight Heath National Nature Reserve on the Avalon with many people finding it a sense of solace from Marshes in Somerset saw 36 young egrets fledge. daily worries. But wildlife needs our help to survive. Spoonbills flourished at Holkham NNR in Norfolk The campaign’s launch coincided with the release of where a record 56 youngsters fledged from 28 a United Nations report which showed a global breeding pairs. The reserve won the county’s first failure to halt environmental decline over the last successful breeding attempt by cattle egrets too. decade. The UN’s ‘Aichi Targets’, set ten years ago, Meanwhile, the RSPB’s Havergate Island reserve in were hailed as the blueprint for saving life on Earth, Suffolk played host to the first successful breeding but have largely been missed. The UK may have spoonbills in the county for over 300 years. The met just three of the 20 international targets it achievement comes after 15 years of habitat agreed to a decade ago, and in six areas such as improvement work which has included providing loss of species and how well our land is managed nesting platforms for the birds to use. for nature, the UK has actually gone backwards. The RSPB believes the cause for this failure is that the targets were not legally binding, so governments around the world, including in the UK, were not compelled to act. Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB said: “We need people across the UK to stand up for nature, to let our politicians know this is not good enough and we demand they revive our world. Every country in the UK must create legally binding targets to restore nature, invest in nature and green jobs, and support farmers to produce healthy food that’s good for people, climate and wildlife. We have to put our money where our mouth is and use the next decade to do something truly impressive.” To ensure the next decade is not again lost to inaction, the Revive Our World campaign will push for legally binding targets to restore nature and deliver a green recovery across all governments of Protecting nature will be at the heart of the UK’s the UK. To join the RSPB’s mission, sign up to the recovery from the Covid virus, Environment campaign and call for targets to revive our world. Secretary George Eustice has said. Visit rspb.org.uk/ReviveOurWorld Speaking to environmental organisations he said that leaving the EU allows Britain to develop smarter rules to safeguard green spaces. The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch will take place He promised post-Brexit regulations tailored to from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2021. As enhance habitats without needless delays to usual, the charity is asking people across the UK to development. spend an hour watching birds in gardens or local Green groups fear it means developers will be able parks, and to send sightings to the RSPB. Close to to fast-track damaging projects. Prime Minister Boris half-a-million people are expected to take part in the Johnson reinforced this concern in a speech on job survey which aims to take an annual snapshot of creation when he said: “Newt-counting delays are a how garden wildlife is faring. massive drag on the prosperity of this country.”

The annual programme of events for the Tonbridge If you’d like to order RSPB goods without paying for Local Group would normally be included within the postage, please get in touch with Bernice Catt (see pages of the Autumn newsletter. However, due to back page) who runs the sales table at indoor the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the committee meetings. She’ll be placing an order on behalf of the has taken the decision to cancel all indoor events group and can deliver locally if required. for the 2020-21 season, including the annual fundraising quiz. The Group’s AGM will also take a different format Barbara Pompili, the French government’s Minister this year with voting taking place either by post or of Ecological Transition, has presented a draft email. Details can be found on pages 8-11. decree that would allow the killing of some 18,000 European turtle doves this autumn. At the time of writing it is unclear when things will return to normal so please check on our website or In 2015, the IUCN Red List upgraded European sign up for email updates for the latest information. turtle dove from Least Concern to Vulnerable, on There is some possibility that outdoor events may the back of a wretched 78 per cent decline since resume in the not too distant future. The 1980. In western Europe, the species has suffered a proposed schedule, subject to lockdown sanctions particularly profound range retraction and drop in and the RSPB’s own guidance, is as follows: numbers. France sits on an important migration route for the dove. Nature walks - Saturdays and Wednesdays To set this quota, the ministry relies on the advice of  October 24 and 28 2020: Sandwich Bay. a committee of experts, who recommended that,  November 21 and 25: . temporarily, no European turtle doves were shot, in  December 12 and 16: and order to maximise the chances of a population wildlife reserve. stabilisation, or that half the estimated population be killed – some 18,000 birds – which is allegedly  January 23 and 27 2021: Dungeness RSPB. ‘sustainable’ based on demographic models.  February 20 and 24: Rainham Marshes RSPB. One of the first meetings Pompili granted while in  March 20 and 24: Elmley NNR. her new role was with the president of the French  April 24 and 28: Rye Harbour nature reserve. National Federation of Hunters.  May 22 and 26: Stodmarsh NNR. ● Meanwhile, curlews face a brighter future in  June 19 and 23: . France now that the temporary ban on hunting the A dawn chorus walk at Tudeley Woods RSPB species was extended through to July 30 2021. reserve is planned for Sunday May 2. An evening nightjar walk will be arranged during Plans are afoot to reintroduce golden eagles in June or July at Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve. Wales. Snowdonia National Park could support up For details of meeting places and transport to ten pairs, says the Wilder Britain group, following arrangements for the Saturday walks, contact Geoff a feasibility study. Young birds could be released as Shoebridge, [email protected], 01732 early as next year if the necessary licensing criteria 771464. For Wednesday visits, contact Doreen can be met. Wilder Britain aims to restore Dixon, [email protected], 01892 832130. ecosystems in Britain on a vast scale. For the dawn chorus and nightjars, contact Lesley ● The reintroduction of white-tailed sea eagles on Ribbens (see back page). Booking is essential as the Isle of Wight is continuing with a further batch of places will be limited. Start time is usually 10am. youngsters released this year. Another seven birds Remember to bring membership cards (where are following in the footsteps of last year’s six necessary), appropriate clothing for the weather pioneers. Breeding is not expected to begin before conditions, binoculars and a packed lunch. There is 2024. The birds are likely to make extensive a minimum donation of £2 for each nature walk. exploratory flights so keep an eye on the sky for this Parking charges may apply. Walks may be enormous raptor! cancelled in the event of severe weather. Somerhill school and again to the River . The skylarks have kept me company on many a morning and evening too. Of course, closer to home the baby sparrows, blue tits, blackbirds and starlings are all growing up. Over the last few days in June we have enjoyed swifts mixing with the house martins, not a sight in Tudeley. We managed a social distancing quiz with the neighbours, the house martins seemingly unconcerned by our presence as they swooped in and out of their nests throughout the evening. Chattering Cetti’s warbler What does resonate in my mind is the need to In the last week of March, at the beginning of protect the countryside we have, as I walked to the lockdown, I was walking by the River Medway, back river it is hard to imagine the desire to build on the towards Tonbridge from the direction of Hartlake beautiful land we have been able to enjoy. Perhaps Bridge, when I was amazed to hear the this is a message that the Government will also take unmistakeable, explosive sound of a Cetti’s warbler. on board! Having lived in Tonbridge for 48 years, this was Tamsin Day definitely a ‘first’ for me in this area of . I wonder whether other members have heard or seen a Cetti’s locally. Nesting neighbours On another occasion I saw a little owl near Tanyard During the lockdown, we have made good use of Farm, also a ‘first’ for me. our garden. Having done the BTO bird count for many years we’re very used to observing our patch, Dudley Carr but this year have noticed more nesting birds. The woodpigeons used our garden seat to start their Lockdown Survival in Tudeley family, and we can hear the youngsters clattering What strange times, yet we have seen so many their wings in our neighbours’ sweetgum tree that benefits in other areas. I have been working overhangs our garden. Starlings and sparrows have nested as always in our roof, blue tits in the nestbox remotely but without the need to spend time in the holly, wrens at the top of the wood store and commuting to and from London. blackbirds in the ivy hedge. Collared doves nested In March I decided I would enjoy a morning walk in our grapevine on the pergola outside our dining before the work day began. I saw deer in the early room window, the squabs have us on tenterhooks morning, the wildflowers starting to appear including while we wait for them to fledge, they are so early purple orchids, the chiffchaffs appearing in the vulnerable sitting for hours in the open. The robin hedgerow often low enough to see quite clearly and song thrush are busy feeding their young round before the trees’ leaves appeared. the garden but most exciting for us is the goldfinch In April as the weather improved, the birds started to nest in our smokebush, seldom seen at all except in sing and I enjoyed a social distancing dawn chorus the autumn on our teasels. The eggs must have walk at which point the birdsong was deafening, but hatched as the adults are continuously flying in and what a delight! I managed to persuade my partner, out. All this in one small garden. who had declined before, to join us and he could Sue and Ray Moon not believe the volume they achieved!

I ventured out to the quarry near the Medway setting off from home with another neighbour, again social Dear deer distancing and to my surprise we saw a little owl Back in June, while looking out of my bedroom swoop down and perch on a fence near to the solar window early in the morning, I saw a beautiful doe park, probably the highlight for me this year. with three fawns! They were frolicking about just like lambs, then they’d have a rest for a bit, then get up The year would not be complete without the cuckoo again and run around then have a feed from their which was heard as I walked to the lake near mother. It was absolutely beautiful and really lifted verge with just me there to see and hear them. A my spirits as I had just had my dog put to sleep the lovely moment. day before so wasn’t feeling great. May 3: a week later as I entered the car park I was Sue Large greeted by a wren. There it was, right in front of me, at the top of the hedgerow. I couldn’t have wished for more. The wood itself was quiet but a Amazing moth carpet of bluebells covered its floor. June 7: as I walked along the flower meadow towards the wood I flushed out a green woodpecker with its distinctive yellow rump. I stood for several minutes and could still hear it as it went deeper into the wood. How I shall treasure these memories. Audrey Barber

Bough Beech birding Group secretary Bernice found this Jersey tiger moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria; pictured above) During June, I visited Bough Beech reservoir. I settled on one of her windows. She was simply looked at the board for recent sightings but there amazed by the way its wings look like a cat’s face was nothing; a most eerie feeling. We stood on the causeway looking at the birds and saw a pair of Bernice Catt great-crested grebes. Riding on the back of one of them were two young grebes – to me one of the Unusual magpie behaviour sights of the birding world. Simply brilliant! While walking by a field near to Pembury Old Doreen Dixon Church with my wife, Pamela, we saw two magpies fly onto the fence. After much squawking, one flew Natural distractions down and kept prodding the tussocks in the grass Our first swallow flew over the garden on April 21 and then threw something up into the air. We could th see that it was either a mouse or a vole. The followed by a hugely exciting red kite on the 26 . A magpie caught it several times and threw it back blackcap took up residence for a few weeks, his into the air. Then the second bird, which had song lifting the spirits of the whole garden. A remained on the fence, flew down and snatched it goldcrest singing was a delight and the simple up in its beak and flew off with the other magpie in pleasure of spotting the occasional long-tailed tit, hot pursuit. greenfinch or stock dove provided daily highlights. I did know that magpies would scavenge for dead One day in May we took an early morning walk mammals but apparently it is quite rare for them to along the Medway towards Whetsted gravel pits to predate live ones. hear the dawn chorus. It was a perfect morning and our early start was rewarded with a singing John Vale-Taylor nightingale, Cetti’s warbler, a cuckoo in flight, skylarks, mandarin ducks, grey wagtail, a swan on Lockdown walks in Paddock Wood a nest… in all nearly 40 species. As work has continued on building a new housing As lockdown relaxed, I took a trip to Tudeley estate around the Foalhurst Wood area, Sundays Woods. Despite it being an unpromising wet are the quietest days to walk this way. afternoon, it felt so good to see the orchids in the April 26: goldfinches could be seen flying to and fro meadow and hear the trees busy with newly across the deserted road by the wood’s car park fledged youngsters. On my next visit I found my entrance. On the Ringden Avenue side of the road first ever purple hairstreak, a gem of a butterfly and a blackbird and song thrush were on the grass the pinnacle of my lockdown nature highlights. Lesley Ribbens North Ronaldsay couldn’t sail, and we had to fly back to Orkney Mainland. Meanwhile in Kent – no rain to speak of…. We moved to East Peckham in the summer of 2017 Eventually, as the weather got more wintry, we had to a house where three large dogs and two rugby- enough water to think about introducing some loving teenagers had previously played. So the back plants. Out came the books again, and a trip to garden was a bit uninspiring – mainly just a rather Aylesford Aquatics yielded marsh marigold, battered ‘lawn’. watercress, lesser spearwort, water avens, cyperus Bordered on one side by undeveloped land with sedge, obedient plant, ragged robin and water brambles, scrubby bushes and trees as well as a forget-me-not. Buying them at that time of year stream where wildlife could dwell, we saw the meant that they didn’t look all that impressive, so we potential to attract more into the garden. just had to put them in and keep our fingers All the books say that one of the best things you can crossed. If we’d checked beforehand how tall a one do is to make a wildlife pond. We had made a small litre plant basket is, we could have given the digger one at our previous house, but there was scope driver better guidance for creating the planting here to do something bigger. shelves. But a bit of juggling and judicious wedging A chapter on making a pond in the BTO’s with rocks got them all into place. Then it was a Gardening for Birdwatchers book became our main case of waiting for spring to see how it developed. source of information and guidance together with The plants have thrived and spread and most of Jenny Steel’s Making Wildlife them have flowered, but not the Ponds book. We probably spent ragged robin and the water rather too long reading and forget-me-not. The edges have thinking about it, but finally, in grown back nicely where the September 2019, we made a turf was cut and lifted over the start. edges of the liner, and algae We chose a position on the side and other growths have indeed of the garden nearest to the disguised the white underlay. wild scrubby area, but not too So is it a success in wildlife close to the established trees – terms? We think so. In mid-April all the books say that too many we realised that at least two fallen leaves create problems newts had moved in, and we with water quality, as does too have since seen at least three much shade. We decided to go young ones. Our copy of Collins’ Freshwater Life is for an irregular shape, about 3.5 metres by 3.5 becoming increasingly well-thumbed, and we’ve metres, and about 600mm deep in the centre (the identified Dytiscid diving beetles, water-boatmen depth recommended by the books), with different (back-swimmers), whirligig beetles, pond skaters depth ‘shelves’ around it for planting. Knowing how and lots more small insects that we haven’t yet put heavy our soil is, we opted to hire a local landscaper names to. May brought us azure, blue-tailed and to dig the hole with a mini-excavator. In less than a large red damselflies and broad-bodied chaser day the hole was complete. dragonflies. Most of the bird species that visit our The BTO book suggests putting underlay beneath feeders now use the pond for a drink and a bath. the waterproof liner, and a further layer of underlay Future projects plus some topsoil on top of it. We’d already ordered Timber is on order for some decking at one end of the liner and two lots of underlay online, and getting the pond, with a view to pond-dipping with the them into position was relatively easy. But the grandsons; but Coronavirus has disrupted the colour of the top layer was a problem; it was white. supply chain, and the supplier is currently unsure Using topsoil we dirtied it as best we could and when the next boat from Scandinavia will arrive, or hoped nature would finish the job. what will be on it when (or if) it does! We wanted to fill the pond entirely with rainwater, We need another source of rainwater – in the recent but the contents of the garden water butt made little hot weather we’ve had to resort to the garden hose impression. We had a birding trip to Orkney booked, so another downpipe will be diverted. so we left the pond in the hope that the weather But all in all we are delighted with progress so far, would take care of filling it while we were away. and look forward to watching further developments In Orkney we had the remnants of one of the big as the seasons change. American storms rolling across the Atlantic, with plenty of rain and so much wind that the ferry from

What is your local patch called? Church Farm fields, Paddock Wood. The area is farmland which has rotating crops of corn, broad beans and rye, and is sometimes left fallow. The Ashford railway line runs along the north side and there are mature trees to the north and east sides of the walk. There is a small stream to the east and a number of irrigation channels cross the area.

What is the grid ref of your local patch? The site is the first farm land reached just to the east of Paddock Wood on Church Road, grid reference TQ 677 446 Which birds do you frequently see? All the usual common and garden birds can be How do you access it? found there. Over the summer, we’ve seen lots of linnets, chiffchaffs and whitethroats. In the winter The site has a number of access points via public redwings and fieldfares are abundant in the area. footpaths but the most accessible is a footpath at The adjacent field is orchard so the thrushes gorge the junction with Church Road and Warrington on the old apples there. Road, just next to the Paddock Wood cemetery.

Are there any regular migrating visitors you look Do you have a typical time of day when you visit? forward to seeing? Generally first thing in the morning. The daily dog Whitethroats and redwings are always eagerly walk takes in a circuit around the field, a walk of awaited. We always look forward to the arrival of the about two miles. One of the nice things about swifts and swallows each year as well. lockdown is that we no longer commute so my wife, Fiona, and I are able to walk together along with Dexter, our new Battersea rescue dog. Is there a go to spot where you look forward to seeing a particular species? Do you have any tips for the site as a regular I always enjoy seeing the great spotted patch watcher? woodpeckers in the stand of trees to the east of the site. In spring this year I saw five at the same time There is a wonderful small stand of trees which I which was a delight. We regularly hear a tawny owl think are mainly elm along with holly, hawthorn and ‘twit-t-wooing’ but have yet to see it. I suspect a late some other indigenous species. This small area has evening walk will help us catch a glimpse one day. a wealth of wildlife in it including wildflowers and nesting great spotted woodpeckers. In the spring there is a wonderful carpet of bluebells. Are there any rare or standout birds that you have seen on your patch? Why do you like your patch? Nothing very exotic, a couple of years ago there was a little egret in one of the irrigation channels but The area is our closest countryside and we are I have not seen one again. We heard a cuckoo in lucky to be able to walk there from home within May but I have never spotted one. Our main about five minutes. The area is not awash with enjoyment is seeing the regular visitors coming and species but all the usual contenders can be found at going and knowing just where to find them. various times through the year.

I love the fact that we visit it daily and therefore we If you would like to share your own ‘patch’ on these get to know the area intimately. We see each pages, please contact the Editor, Lesley (see back season progress and see the changing seasons page for details). with the coming and going of migrating regulars. Introduction Due to the Covid-19 situation the committee has decided to hold the 45th Annual General Meeting of Tonbridge RSPB Local Group by post and email. To make this work, the reports normally made at the AGM are included here, and arrangements for postal voting are described below, after the agenda and appendices.

Agenda 1. Acceptance of the minutes of last year’s AGM on November 20 2019 (appendix 1) 2. Leader’s Annual Report for the period 2019/2020 (appendix 2) 3. Treasurer’s Financial Report for year ended March 31 2020, (appendix 3) 4. Confirmation of appointment of auditors of accounts for 2020/2021. We are grateful to Terry King for his audit in 2019-20. He has agreed to continue as auditor for 2020-21. 5. Election of candidates for committee Don Douch has reached the end of his three-year term as committee member, but has kindly agreed to stand again. His nomination has been proposed and seconded. We would welcome any new people who would like to stand for election to the committee. Please use the form below if you are interested. In present circumstances, nominations will be considered by the committee and approved nominees will be co-opted onto the committee for one year. All nominations will then be voted on at the AGM in 2021. 6. Any other business Any other business is held over until the AGM in 2021.

Appendices Appendix 1: Minutes of the 44th AGM The 44th AGM of the Tonbridge RSPB Local Group was held at St. Philip’s Church, Salisbury Road, Tonbridge on Wednesday November 20 2019 1. Brief introduction with apologies for absence Martin Ellis declared the meeting open at 7.35pm. He thanked all present for attending, opened the meeting as sufficient numbers were present for a quorum and gave the reminder that only RSPB members are eligible to vote when requested. There were no apologies for absence from the committee. It was agreed that the meeting was properly constituted. 2. Minutes of last year’s AGM held on November 21 2018 Copies of the Minutes were available on chairs around the room. Martin asked if anyone had any comment or query with these. None received. A vote of acceptance by a show of hands was agreed. 3. Annual Report for the year 2018/2019 Indoor meetings: These continue to be the mainstay of the group’s activity. This year the maximum attendance was 52 and the minimum 46, which represents a steadier attendance than for 2017/2018 . Field trips are another prime activity. Up to 12 people came to our regular Wednesday and Saturday trips from September to June. We also had our now regular nightjar trip to Broadwater Warren and dawn chorus walk at Tudeley Woods, and a new event: a boat trip on the Medway. Twenty-nine people went on the enjoyable coach trip to Minsmere. Newsletter: This continues twice yearly, with an interesting selection of articles. Many thanks to Lesley. We sent out 277 printed copies of the summer 2018 edition, which includes new RSPB members. In spring 2019 we sent 87 to regular subscribers. New subscriber requests continue to be only for the email edition. Our email list was 207. Website: Due to other commitments Sarah Ingle resigned from the website editor role, which Martin has now taken on in the absence of other volunteers. Facebook: early in the year a Facebook page and group was set up. Our FB page has 22 followers, while the FB group has 15 members, so these are still early days. Martin asked that members encourage others to follow the FB page. Fundraising: Field trips, indoor meetings, pin badges and RSPB sales all contribute to the substantial sum we raised for the RSPB last year. The main event was the quiz night, which raised around £1,200. 2019 was the last year of Alan’s involvement, but Liz has kindly offered to continue as organiser. Committee and Volunteers: We continue with a historically small committee of only five, meaning that each committee member has several jobs. Despite a number of appeals we have not attracted any new candidates for the committee. This does represent an existential threat to the group. We really do need new committee members. Recognition: Martin thanked all of the volunteers who help the group to run. He apologised to those he couldn’t mention due to lack of time. Special thanks were expressed to Geoff Shoebridge for the Saturday field trips; Doreen Dixon for the Wednesday field trips, refreshments, newsletter distribution and the coach trip; Lesley Ribbens for special events, our talks programme and producing the newsletter; Gabrielle Sutcliffe for serving refreshments, opening and locking up for meetings and distributing newsletters; our secretary Bernice Catt for also running the RSPB sales; Tamsin Day for managing the finance; Don Douch for publicity, newsletter printing, our group display and sound; Liz Mason and Alan Dane for the quiz; and Anne Waddingham for our Facebook presence. Acceptance of the report was agreed by a show of hands. 4. Vote on the acceptance of the Treasurer’s Financial Report for year ended March 31 2019 Looking back to year end 2019 we started with a healthy bank balance which meant we were able to make a larger donation of £3,500 compared to the previous year. Income from meetings increased but field trips decreased by almost half, although the trips still provide a steady source of funds throughout the year. Donations increased but that was largely due to a donation of £450 from Waitrose in 2018. Sale goods income decreased as we stopped selling non-RSPB bird food. Newsletter expenses increased as there is still a demand for paper copies with increased printing costs. There was an increase in general expenses as we paid towards a volunteers meal which was held to recognise all of the hard work people have put in, something we have not done before, and we also paid for a lighter weight display board to save Don’s back which I think has proved a worthwhile purchase at just over £160. Other income increased which largely relates to a refund of bank charges and a payment for advertising within the newsletter. Acceptance of the Financial Report was agreed unanimously by a show of hands. 5. Vote on the Committee’s proposal to adopt Mr Terry King as Auditor of Accounts for 2019 to 2020 A public thank you was recorded to Terry King for carrying out the audit this year (2018-19). Notice was given that he had also agreed to carry out the audit for 2019 to 2020. Acceptance of his appointment was agreed by a show of hands. 6. Election of Candidates for the Committee Lesley and Bernice were standing for re-election. A valid nomination form had been received for each of them. Acceptance of these elections was agreed separately by a show of hands. 7. Other Business No other business was raised. The meeting was closed at 7.45pm.

Appendix 2: Leader’s AGM report September 2019 to August 2020: 45th season Our season started normally enough with nature talks from September to February, and walks from September to January. (The February walks at Rainham Marshes had to be cancelled because of flooding.) Our nature talks continued to attract around 50 people, which compares well with other groups. However, all our events had to be cancelled from March onwards. Very regretfully this included our big fundraiser, the quiz night, our annual coach trip, and a number of extra summer events including a proposed evening river boat trip to see bats. Our newsletters went out as usual, the autumn edition to all new RSPB members and the spring one, just before lockdown, to subscribers only. The GDPR (general data protection regulations) requires us to ensure that we don’t send unsolicited emails or post, so we asked all subscribers to confirm that they wished to continue receiving the newsletter. This has reduced our regular distribution to 28 paper copies and 104 emails. Our website was kept up to date until the lockdown, when all events were marked cancelled. It still receives occasional updates. The Facebook page now has 44 followers, twice as many as last year, while our Facebook group has 38 members, up from 15. We now also have a WhatsApp group with 10 members. Our small committee has been meeting virtually using Zoom, which has worked well after initial teething troubles. Since it’s not necessary to travel to attend I have been inviting some other volunteers to the meetings. Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped the group to run, and have continued to work behind the scenes even during lockdown, maintaining social media, dealing with the fallout from cancellations, and making plans for when we are able to resume. Martin Ellis, Leader

Appendix 3: Treasurer’s AGM report April 2019 - March 2020 Accounts year end 2020 The accounts for the end of 2020 are somewhat distorted as the fundraising income for example was £1,953.37 but unfortunately we have just issued refunds of £1,215 to members as we could not reschedule a date for the quiz with the continuing uncertainty. We also refunded a small amount to members who had just paid for the coach trip. Leaving that aside we still managed to make a donation of £2,000 during the year to the RSPB. Income from the indoor meetings has decreased and we actually made a small loss of around £59. It would help if members could spread the word about the meetings to people they know to see if we can improve on things once we are back to normality post Covid-19. The hall hire has increased slightly and may do so again. The speaker costs also vary substantially but we have done our best to arrange an interesting selection. Field trips remain a steady source of income at £381; many thanks to the leaders who had organised these regularly. This figure is taken from the actual accounts as the published accounts you will see also include, within group visits, the figures for the annual coach trip. The coach trip covered its cost which was positive but with reducing numbers attending, as with the indoor meetings, we have not seen the levels of income that we have achieved in previous years. Tamsin Day, Treasurer

2020 2019 INCOME Source of Funds Opening Closing Change Meetings -£ 59.25 £ 504.50 Bank Account £3,575.73 £2,582.02 -£ 993.71 Field trips £ 76.00 £ 434.00 Other income £ 6.07 £ 56.77 Unpresented cheque -£ 60.00 £ 60.00 Fundraising events £1,035.09 £1,250.00 Collections/donations £ 78.30 £ 56.85 Petty Cash £ 30.00 £ 30.00 £ - Sale goods (non-RSPB) £ - £ 4.00 TOTAL INCOME = £1,136.21 £2,306.12 EXPENDITURE General £ - £ 284.80 Newsletter £ 69.92 £ 286.08 Donations to RSPB £2,000.00 £3,500.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE = £2,069.92 £4,070.88

NET SURPLUS = -£ 933.71 -£1,764.76 Committee and AGM Voting forms Only RSPB members are permitted to vote. Please return either or both the completed forms below to the Secretary, Bernice Catt, 60 Dry Hill Park Road, Tonbridge, TN10 3BX. Alternatively, use the email return forms included in the covering email and send to [email protected]

Nomination form for election to the Tonbridge RSPB local group committee at the 45th AGM Give the full name and address of the nominee, proposer and seconder. The form may be returned by email or post. For Covid safety, nominees, proposers and seconders may complete and return forms separately, but the name and address of the nominee must be completed in each case. Nomination forms not completed correctly will be invalid.

NOMINEE Full name: Signature: Address: Date: Tel. No.:

PROPOSER Full name: Signature: Address: Date: Tel. No.:

SECONDER Full name: Signature: Address: Date: Tel. No.:

Voting form for the 45th AGM of the Tonbridge RSPB Local Group Please enter X in one of the columns below for each item, and sign, date and confirm Membership number.

AGM voting forms must be received by the secretary by Wednesday November 4 2020 and the results will be reviewed and confirmed in a committee meeting to be held before the end of November 2020.

Item For Against Abstain

2020 2019 1. Approve minutes of last year’s AGM INCOME Source of Funds Opening Closing Change 2. Approve Leader’s Annual Report Meetings -£ 59.25 £ 504.50 Bank Account £3,575.73 £2,582.02 -£ 993.71 3. Approve Treasurer’s Financial Report Field trips £ 76.00 £ 434.00

Other income £ 6.07 £ 56.77 4. Approve appointment of auditors of accounts Unpresented cheque -£ 60.00 £ 60.00 Fundraising events £1,035.09 £1,250.00 5. Approve election of candidates for committee Collections/donations £ 78.30 £ 56.85 Petty Cash £ 30.00 £ 30.00 £ - I confirm that I am an RSPB Member Sale goods (non-RSPB) £ - £ 4.00 Name: Membership No: TOTAL INCOME = £1,136.21 £2,306.12 EXPENDITURE Signed: Date: General £ - £ 284.80 Newsletter £ 69.92 £ 286.08 Donations to RSPB £2,000.00 £3,500.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE = £2,069.92 £4,070.88

NET SURPLUS = -£ 933.71 -£1,764.76 Audrey Barber shares sightings from her Paddock Wood garden from earlier this year The first five months of 2020 have averaged 18 different bird species in my garden. The highest was in January when 21 species visited, including black-headed gull, long-tailed tit and nuthatch. A regular has been a female great spotted woodpecker. Apart from peanuts she has also taken a liking to sunflower hearts. Young dunnocks and robins have also been on and under the feeders. Early one morning in mid-May a hedgehog was there too, the first I have seen for some years. Nothing more until early June at dusk (9:30pm) in the same spot before it made off at quite a pace to the far end of the garden and away. Holly blue, whites, small tortoiseshell and orange-tip butterflies have flown across and a two-spot ladybird decided a good place to settle was on a T-shirt hanging on the washing line. I am pleased to say the bats are back at dusk. And as I’ve looked upwards from my garden I’ve seen buzzard, sometimes quite low, swifts (never more than two) and a heron passing over. There’s never a dull moment when looking out for nature.

If you would like to contribute to the next newsletter, perhaps with some sightings, an original quiz or a photo you’re particularly pleased with, the deadline is January 15 2021. Please send your ideas to the editor, Lesley Ribbens (tel: 07989 476652, email: [email protected]). Thank you!

Answers to the crossword published in the Spring We may not be having actual meetings at the 2020 newsletter are as follows... moment but you can still keep in touch with the Across: Tonbridge group on social media. There’s a Facebook Page facebook.com/RSPBtonbridge/ and 7. Cetti’s warbler; 8. Whimbrel; 9. Smew; a Facebook Group 10. Crossbill; 13. Jay; 15. Moorhen; 17, 22. Marsh facebook.com/groups/RSPBtonbridge/ to visit Tit; 20. Stonechat; 24, 25. Common Scoter. online, or you can send and receive messages via Down: our WhatsApp group. Also keep an eye on our 1. Tether; 2. Stem; 3. Tsar; 4. Fall ill; 5. Abash; website, rspb.org.uk/groups/tonbridge, for news 6. Peseta; Suriname; 12. Bee; 14. Hat; 16. Outfox; stories and updates of when events may resume. 18. Spider; 19. Salsa; 21. Cent; 23. Box To join the WhatsApp group, send your request to Martin Ellis, 07749 799329.

The Tonbridge Local RSPB Group would like to keep your details to send you further information about group activities and the work of the RSPB. If you want to amend or update your details or you do not want us to use them in the way stated, please contact a member of the committee. 36. Syrup? Another helping, please! (7) 37. Barbie’s rise (4,4) Simply identify the places in Kent from the clues. There’s a mixture of crossword style clues and 38. Oven feathers (8) puns. It’s just for fun. 39. Attractive chair (8) Many thanks to Bill Johnson for devising the quiz. 40. Sailor club (8) 1. Remains a tree (3) 41. Hero or sub, perhaps (8) 2. For what reason? (3) 42. “Keel Row” singer went through this (8) 3. Little girl, depart! (4) 43. Send fish through the mail (8) 4. Soft drink mixer (4) 44. Carpet your area of expertise (8) 5. Singer is also a marine mammal (4) 45. Food additive is in what Egyptian God fed on (8) 6. Lead astray (4) 46. Richard’s last (6,3) 7. Top airport! (4) 47. Pirate captain is seasick (4,5) 8. French runner or green (4) 48. Six shooter – one that’s useful to a conman (5,4) 9. Strip of leather underwear (5) 49. OK, OK, OK, OK, OK, OK, OK (9) 10. It’s a bird, right? (5) 50. The plots run out (9) 11. Limestone marker (5) 51. Underground prison – home to monster? (9) 12. South part of church (5) 52. Lionheart’s depressed (9) 13. “Carry On” star trophy (6) 53. Fruit entrance (9) 14. Redhead stood around (6) 54. Put canvas cover and study around Queen (9) 15. It’s the same as the first of November (6) 55. Not turning back, crossing (9) 16. Goon or cake? (6) 56. Not-too-bright Welsh singer (9) 17. Possessed “Moo” (6) 57. A quantity of herrings on the water (9) 18. Gaoler (6) 58. Purely value (9) 19. Sounds like a sheep…or Connery (6) 59. Minster city with Latvian people (9) 20. Cricket match that hasn’t been cancelled! (6) 60. The only road? (4,6) 21. I’ll hide, somehow (3,4) 61. Traditional music established small number (10) 22. Othello……..of Venice (3,4) 62. Sick with cotton fabric wrapped around (10) 23. Abode of Fowlers (4,3) 63. Cob and pen arrive (10) 24. One Popular (7) 64. Below Don (for example) (10) 25. Trees bear (7) 65. Tales or bells (10) 26. Spring in Glasgow postcode area (7) 66. The Orient – it’s the place to find Trotters (4,7) 27. The J.R. who wrote “Fly Fishing” in TV ad (7) 67. Comedienne Jo’s coming out of her shell (6,5) 28. French catmeat (7) 68. Golf club behind animal enclosure (7,4) 29. Hosting a meeting? Not I! (7) 69. Neither smooth nor unusual (5,6) 30. Becoming less hot (7) 70. Key of corn (4,2,5) 31. Untidy rats’ bed (7) 71. Coarse woman gawps (11) 32. Dull brown chapel (many left it in 1940) (7) 72. Annoys Edward (11) 33. Spoil entrance (7) 73. Brock’s steed (7,5) 34. Vending (7) 74. Barrel game with SF writer from Kent (9,5) 35. Neb (7) 75. Provider of provender is inexperienced (10,5) The natural world has often provided inspiration to poets and musicians, and with good reason. While listening to birdsong during a recent visit to Whetsted, Tom Gordon was inspired to write the following Haiku: yellowhammer sits sings loudly for its supper “little bit of bread”

There are many rules to this particular form of Japanese poetry but, put simply, it should be three lines long with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second and five in the final line. It should be beautifully descriptive and able to be read in one breath. We’d love to include Haiku poems in future newsletters so if you’d like to have a go, send your poem to Lesley (details below) by the middle of January.

Group leader: Martin Ellis, 26 Byng Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8EJ, [email protected], 01892 521413 Secretary / Group sales: Bernice Catt, 60 Dry Hill Park Road, Tonbridge, TN10 3BX, [email protected], 01732 353620 Treasurer: Tamsin Day, [email protected], 07764 894622 Newsletter editor / Programme secretary: Lesley Ribbens, 116 Higham Lane, Tonbridge, TN10 4BW, [email protected], 07989 476652 Advertising and publicity: Don Douch, [email protected], 01732 366660

Membership secretary: Doreen Dixon Website editor: Martin Ellis Facebook: Anne Waddingham Quiz night organiser: Liz Mason

Thank you for choosing to receive your copy of the newsletter by email. This saves money and allows the group to donate more funds to the RSPB for vital conservation work. If your email address changes, please contact Martin Ellis, [email protected], with your updated details.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654