Group News

NEWSLETTER

     Articles for inclusion are always welcome. If you want any further details or advice contact the newsletter editor Patsy Wheeler (0114 233 6525)

     We now include the Group NEWSLETTER on the website. The Spring 2010 issue is now available.  Click on NEWSLETTER above to read the newsletter.
     Please let me (Brian Wilkinson) know if you find this useful or if you have any other comments.

.WEEKEND FIELD TRIPS FOR 2010 - ADVANCE INFORMATION

    See the Field Trips page. 

FIELD TRIP REPORTS
        These are now shown on the Field Trips page. 

FUND RAISING 2009 - 2010
     Last year the RSPB changed the arrangements for fund raising by Groups. Briefly the funds raised are to be allocated to one of 9 sections. In the Group's Spring 09 Newsletter Group members were asked to vote for their preferences. As last year the most popular section was Farming Initiatives. A total of £4,300 from the Group's fund raising events has been sent to The Lodge, with £371 credit from sale of RSPB goods making a total of £4671.
      In addition £5,912 has been raised from collecting boxes and pin badge sales in the Sheffield and Hope Valley area. Making an overall total of £10,683.

FUND RAISING 2010 - 2011
     This year we are aiming to raise £5000 for Upland Habitats from our fund raising events and credit from the sale of RSPB goods., so far (July), we have sent £2000 to The Lodge.
UPLAND HABITATS
     Nationally upland habitats are crucial to UK birds, especially in the North and Scotland where the majority of British upland is to be found. Uplands, or highlands, consist of a whole range of habitats from upland moors, farms, rocky outcrops and boggy areas. Upland blanket bogs in particular are under threat and especially important as the UK holds 10-15% of the entire world’s blanket bog habitats. These support Hen harrier, Merlin, Golden Plover and Dunlin amongst others, but are at threat through grazing, drainage, and the introduction of non native plant and animal species.
     Around the RSPB Northern Region, much work is going on to increase these habitats including Dove Stone, where blocking ditches and sowing sphagnum moss is encouraging the stabilization of peat, crucial to these habitats. At Geltsdale upland vegetation is being managed to encourage Black Grouse in one of the only areas to see them in England, and in Northumberland 24 hour watches are being set up for Hen Harrier nests to help preserve this iconic upland bird and protect them from disturbance and persecution.

Website created by Tina Bell  
as part of the South Yorkshire Community Information project