Berkshire Ornithological Club
Formerly Reading Ornithological Club
Sponsor a species
The Birds of Berkshire Atlas for which the fieldwork is now underway will cost about £30,000. The Berkshire Bird Atlas Group (mainly BOC Committee members) is seeking funds for this and has made good progress. However, this is a massive sum and so, to involve our members and birdwatchers across the County it has launched a 'Sponsor a species' appeal.In 2004, the Birds of Berkshire Conservation Fund helped the Moor Green Lakes Group, working with Wokingham District Council, to support the installation of Barn Owl boxes in the Wokingham area.
News
Kennet Valley Park - Burghfield Gravel Pits 23 Jun
It has been confirmed that the Prudential proposals to develop Kennet Valley Park have not been included in the South East Plan following our representations after the draft plan was tabled. This means that while there is no block on proposals being resubmitted, now the Secretary of State has rejected the idea it is unlikely to be approved in the short term.
Thames Basin Heaths at Bracknell get protection 23 Jun
Recently, the BOC provided records for birds seen in the area of the Transport Research Laboratories in Bracknell. This confirmed the existence of protected birds on the heathland nearby and has helped proposals to develop the TRL land to be rejected beause of the lack of protection. The full story has been told by BBOWT and their Press release is as follows:
Protecting the Ground Nesting Birds of Greenham and Crookham Common SSSI 18 May
Greenham and Crookham Common is an important breeding site for a number of rare and threatened birds. Some of these are more susceptible to disturbance than others (including dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, skylark, meadow pipit, tree pipit, lapwing, little ringed plover and ringed plover) as they build their nests on or close to the ground and are often located in the more open areas that tend to be frequented by visitors.
Events update 18 May
The mid-week walk to Langley Park, near Slough on 21st May has been cancelled. Please see the meetings page for further details on the Nightjar evening on 27th May and the mid-week walk on 18th June.
BOC Photographic Competition 2009 27 Mar
Dave Cromack, editor of Birds Illustrated, and BOC President Gordon Langsbury were the judges again this year with 114 entries to discuss and choose the best two in each category.
Birds of Berkshire New Atlas
Latest reports
The 2004 and 2003 reports are available from the Report Editor or Secretary at a price of £6 plus £1.50 P&P each. Members receive them free.
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