The British Trust for Ornithology’s new Birds in Greenspaces project is set to launch in April, inviting Thetford residents to take part in a nationwide survey. Daniel Johnson shares the details:
For the avid reader of BTO’s section in About Thetford, you will know that I have been slowly building up to the Birds in Greenspaces project over the last 12 months or so. Well, we are nearly there – it is about to ‘take flight,’ as they say – and from 1st April you will be able to take part in our brilliant new survey.
BTO runs many volunteer surveys to monitor birds in different habitats, such as gardens and rural areas; however, we know very little about public greenspaces in built-up areas.
With a generous gift in a will from Denis Summers-Smith, BTO has created Birds in Greenspaces, a project to investigate the importance of greenspaces, particularly urban ones, for birds. This first-of-its-kind project will provide recommendations and guidance for landowners to improve these spaces for birds and people. That means your sightings can contribute towards real, positive change for your local environment.
Not hearing about opportunities such as this is a significant barrier to participation, so we want to make sure the project reaches as many people as possible. By working with organisations such as SENSE and Vision Norfolk, we have ensured the resources and promotional materials are open to all. There is our Winter warm-up pack, a free identification resource with inspirational stories of natural historians and activities to get everyone outside.
We have also created A6 flyers that are available to anyone. You may see them appearing in a place near you very soon.
If you can recognise a few common birds like Woodpigeon and Robin, you can get involved!
So how can you take part? To start, we have a monthly newsletter which keeps you in touch with the latest developments, including an exciting new app we have developed. To sign up, search Birds in Greenspaces online or visit www.bto.org/greenspaces
You can also pop over to our Nunnery HQ in Thetford (IP24 2PU), where I can give you A6 flyers or printed posters to share with friends and family.
Thetford has a great range of different greenspaces for you to choose from, including Castle Park and Thetford Cemetery. Why not go for a walk and record what birds you can see or hear to prepare for April’s launch?
We know this project can’t be a success without the support of people like you, so please do share it. Do get in touch with us if you have any comments or questions: greenspace@bto.org
Daniel Johnson, British Trust for Ornithology
