Following stories of the fraudulent use of used postage stamps the Charity Commission has issued a press statement asking organisations to cease collecting used stamps.

The RSPB has therefore immediately ceased collecting used stamps as part of the Albatross Stamp Appeal. However, supporters of the appeal are asked to donate stamp collections, first day covers and stamp albums instead. These items will then be auctioned at specialist stamp auctions and the funds raised, minus auction costs, will be used to support our Albatross Task Force.

Items should be sent to RSPB Stamps, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL or drop them off at the nearest RSPB reserve or office.

We are pleased to report that everybody seemed to enjoy the coach trip to Frampton Marsh even though some of us got caught in the open on the top of the high banking for 10mins in the rain. It was great to be there in a group and we all could pass on bird information to each other and help identify birds. Members were also able to share their scopes with those that did not have one. In particular, we got good views of a merlin and a peregrine. Other birds seen included american wigeon, barnacle goose, pintail, hen harrier, marsh harrier, golden plover, black-tailed godwit and long-billed dowitcher.

We would also like to thank the staff at RSPB Frampton Marsh who were very helpful.

Four volunteers worked on our local group stand at the Auckley Show today (18th August). The photo shows 3 of the volunteers chatting with one of the successful entrants to our Feed the Birds game who received a ‘make your own bird feeder’ kit. For once the weather was kind to us and, unlike the last 2 years, we didn’t need to hold the gazebo down due to strong winds. Thanks to all the members, friends of the group and the general public who visited the stand.

We are sorry to report that the annual RSPB weekend events will no longer be continued. This year’s event, whilst enjoyable, continued the decline in attendance, so the event is no longer economically viable.

The Members’ Day and AGM  will continue with the next one being in London in October.

We are pleased to report that the development of a research and training facility at Hatfield Moor is progressing well. We are also sad to report that they are now charging you to leave your car in the main car park. Hope this trend does not catch on.

The nightjar evening last Monday at Hatfield Moor broke several records for the group. There was a record number of group members attending this annual group event. We had a record number of individual sightings. Usually, 2 sightings is a miracle but we managed over a dozen on this occasion. We also had 2 sightings of a woodcock, not to mention a bat as well. We all went home extremely pleased.

The RSPB is opposed to the proposed Raven cull in Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage wishes to carry out the cull as part of research to better understand what animals and environments affect wader birds. There is a petition to oppose this plan and it can be found here.

A group member, because of a medical condition, found that the new speed bumps at Titchwell Marsh caused considerable pain when driven over, even when this was done slowly. We have been advised that if going over the speed bumps are likely to cause visitors problems, then they have a space reserved on the site for taking deliveries, parking reserve vehicles etc dedicated for use by persons that have special parking needs.  This needs to be booked in advance by phoning the reserve on 01485 210779.