Bird Bonanza February 2010

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Protect local wildlife

© Tim Mason

Northumberland Wildlife Trust launched its Bird Bonanza Appeal in February 2010, in a desperate attempt to help fund the conservation of some of the region’s most beautiful and threatened birdlife.

Raised so far: £12,326

"Birds are such a special part of our lives, and we are their guardians for future generations to enjoy"
Mike Pratt, NWT Chief Executive

Achievements to date

• Since the launch of this appeal, the Trust has pledged £500 to the Northumbrian Bird Ringing Group, to assist with the provision of barn owl nesting boxes in Northumberland.

• Money has also been used to fund the successful breeding of marsh harriers at East Chevington, for the first time in over 130 years. The Trust is now anxiously anticipating the potential arrival of marsh harrier chicks at Druridge Bay by summer 2011.

• ‘Tynan’s Bank’, the sand martin nesting bank at our Hauxley reserve was unveiled in April 2011, thanks to money from this appeal and other various contributions. There is a nesting colony of 60-80 pairs of sand martins at Hauxley, despite a dramatic decrease in the population from 50 years ago. The bank was constructed by Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Estates Officer and his team of volunteers, and was officially unveiled by Tony Tynan, Founder and Vice President of Northumberland Wildlife Trust to celebrate the Trust’s 40th birthday and, with neat symmetry, Tony’s 80th birthday.

• In addition, since the launch of this appeal, ospreys have successfully returned to breed at Kielder. After a 200 year absence, these magnificent and endangered birds are once more nesting in Northumberland. Volunteer experts are enabling the public to view the birds from two miles away at Leaplish Waterside Park, using high-powered telescopes, throughout the summer months.