Memorial event in the memory of Derek Yalden. added 28.04.13

In July there will be a memorial event to celebrate the life and achievements of Derek Yalden, following his untimely death this year. It will be held at the University of Manchester on the afternoon of Saturday July 13th 2013.

If you would like to attend or contribute a brief written tribute to Derek, please contact p.morris@btinternet.com direct for details.

Woodland Survey Needs Volunteers. added 03.04.13

The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit and Natural England are setting up a woodland survey network in at least 10 permanent sites across Greater Manchester.

The aim is to ensure bird and other wildlife records are collected in a more structured way, thereby helping conservationists and site managers better monitor how our wildlife is faring and make better decisions on how to protect it. In recent years many important woodlands in the county have been significantly under recorded. 

Volunteers are being sought to carry out a single 1km line transect survey, similar to the BTO’s Breeding Bird Survey.  As with the BBS, two visits are required during the period April to June, with each survey taking approximately one hour.

In addition to recording birds, volunteers would ideally note down certain wildflowers during the first survey visit and common invasive non native plant species, such as Himalayan Balsam during the second. A simple guide to these plant species, a comprehensive survey handbook and full survey training will be provided to anyone that is interested in taking part.

Currently, there are ten woodland sites across Greater Manchester (one in each borough) that people can choose to volunteer at.

If you are interested in helping out or would like to find out more, please contact Samuel Bolton via samuel.bolton@tameside.gov.uk or ring 07854163376.

Get your copy of the 2010 Greater Manchester County Bird Report while stocks last. added 16.11.12

As we are now well underway with the forthcoming 2011 Annual County Bird Report, now is the time to get your copy of the 2010 report while stocks last. At only £7 (plus postage) it represents incredible value for money!

A small number of reports are still available and they can be obtained from me directly by post (see address below) or copies will also be available at selected outlets. Those locations currently distributing the report are (this list will be added to as other sites are confirmed):

MARC the Printers on Edge Street, Manchester City Centre (in the Northern Quarter). Payment on site is by cash only or alternatively copies can be picked up from here once payment by cheque has been sent to and received by me.
Stockport Optics, Mercian Way, Edgeley, Stockport.
In Focus at Martin Mere WWT

Copies can also be purchased at the indoor meetings of the Leigh Ornithological Society and Bolton RSPB.

Please provide payment (£8.40 for report including postage) and an address for the report to be sent to.

All cheques must be made payable to 'GREATER MANCHESTER BIRD RECORDING GROUP' and sent to: - Ian McKerchar, 42 Green Avenue, Astley, Greater Manchester. M29 7EH.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at ianmckerchar1@gmail.com for any queries or to check availability.

Finally, please support your county's birds and birding by purchasing a copy of the 2010 County Bird Report. It remains the definitive (and only!) account of the birds recorded during 2010 and is packed with features new and old which will enhance your birding.